Shri Shirdi Sai Baba
Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi descended on the earth to lead mankind to the realm of eternity. As the divine mother He gave his immense love and as the divine father He gave direction to our search for truth. His mission was to make people conscious of their divine nature. The people who follow His teachings and preaching are indeed blessed souls. The cardinal principles of Sai Path are 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi'. Sai Baba explicitly asked for these two qualities in His devotees by giving his self-experiential instance that his 'Murshid' or Master asked from him only two pice - one Shraddha and other the Saburi.
Shraddha
'Shraddha' in a Sanskrit word, which has no equivalent in English, at best it can be understood as, faith with love and reverence. Such faith or trust is generated out of conviction, which may not be the result of any rational belief or intellectual wisdom, but a spiritual inspiration. Baba sowed the seeds of spiritual inspiration in the hearts of people who knew of him. This Divine inspiration was so instant and profound that they automatically took refuge in Him.
Baba reiterated that steadfast love in God as the gateway to eternity. He used the instance of mother tortoise to illustrate this point. The mother - tortoise may be on the other side of the river, whereas her children are on the far side. She does not transfer food and water to her children by way of her loving glances. Yet, her loving looks are enough to protect the children. Similarly, people who lovingly look at God get His reciprocity. God's looks offer peace, protection and prosperity for His children. Baba's teaching, both direct and indirect explicate the significance of 'Shraddha'. Baba reiterates the spiritual guidance of Shri Krishna to Arjun - "Who-so ever offer to Me with love or devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, that offering of pure love is readily accepted by Me".
Saburi
'Saburi'; is patience and perseverance. Saburi is a quality needed throughout the path to reach the goal. This quality must be ingrained in a seeker from day one, least he looses his stride and leaves the path half way. As a hunter waits patiently and motionlessly for his target a devotee too has to wait patiently for attaining his goal. There are many trying situations in life. A test may come in the form of frustration, distress, agony, illness, mishaps, prolonged wait or a loss. In such moments we should seek support from the Master and hold on him.
If patience means anything it should last till the end, and faith will see us through every turmoil of life.
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