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Sai Baba of Shirdi was a crown jewel among Saints. He lived his entire life out in a small and obscure village in India. The
villagers of Shirdi each claimed him as a member of their own religion, Muslim or Hindu, but really he came to make peace
between them and he always encouraged each to stick to his own religious path. He drew devotees from all over the country
though he never traveled and never cared for fame. Over and over his devotees found he knew their innermost thoughts and details
of their lives. He effected cures, conferred health, happiness, and prosperity, and made childless couples conceive. His real
purpose though was to awaken in them a longing for the spiritual life. Thousands thought of him as a wonderful saint with
miraculous powers but his innermost circle knew him to be in incarnation of God himself. Some said of Datta, others of Shiva,
still others saw ecstatic visions of their own beloved Guru or chosen Ishta (personalized icon of God) while gazing at Him.
He himself said only that he was the humble servant of God and pleased and furthered all who came in contact with him. Many
books have been written about Shirdi Sai Baba but the Shri Sai Satcharita, the story of Sai Baba's life and actions (quoted
from below) was written in his own lifetime and is best known among Sai devotees. Just before leaving his body he told a disciple
he would be reborn in a certain village 8 years hence and so it came to pass. (See section on Sathya Sai Baba.)
Sai Baba was first seen as a youth of sixteen sitting under a neem tree in Shirdi. None knew his origin or past. Even then
he seemed to be full of the knowledge of Brahman. He had no desire for worldly objects, even in dream. He kicked out Maya
(illusion) and Mukti (illumination) was serving at his feet. This young lad, fair, smart, and very handsome, was first seen
under a Neem tree seated in an Asan (meditative posture). The people of the village were wonderstruck to see such a young
lad practicing hard penance, not minding heat and cold. By day he associated with none. by night he was afraid of nobody.
People were wondering whence that young chap turned up. His form and features were so handsome that a mere look endeared him
to all. He went to nobody's door, always sat near the Neem tree. Outwardly he looked very young; but by his action He was
really a great soul. He was the embodiment of dispassion and an enigma to all.
A saint name Gangagir who frequented Shirdi said of him on first setting eyes on him "Blessed is Shirdi, that it got this
precious jewel". Another saint by name Anandanath said "This is a precious diamond in reality, though he looks like an ordinary
man. You will realize this in the near future."
Peace or calm was his ornament and he was the repository of wisdom. He had no love for perishable things and was always engrossed
in self-realization. He did not know or care for honor or dishonor. The name of Allah was always on his lips. His inside was
as calm as the deep sea. Though he sat in one place, he knew all the transactions of the world. Though a Siddha (realized
being), he acted like a sadhaka (disciple on the spiritual path). He was meek, humble, and pleased all.
"Sada Nimbavrukshasya mooladhiwasat,
Sudhasravinam tiktamapyapriyam tam,
Tarum Kalpavrukshadhikam sadhayantam
Namameeshwaram Sadgurum Sai Natham"
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