One
Lokanatha Mudaliar of Chennai became mentally ill, allegedly
due to the evil doings of a tantrik. His relatives approached
Satya Sai Baba, who suggested certain measures and Mudaliar
was cured in due course. The grateful Mudaliar, a very rich
man, offered to build a temple for Baba on his land at Guindy.
He was convinced that Baba was God incarnate. It was,
therefore, his earnest, devout wish that the temple must have
Baba as the deity-in-chief. He was immensely pleased when Baba
confirmed his acceptance in writing, but suggested that the
idol should be that of the
Shirdi Sai
Baba.The memorable day came. The Mudaliar family
performed Paada Puja to the Baba and prayed that he imprint
his feet on a piece of white silk cloth covered with sandal
paste. Baba said, 'Today, I have installed the icon of Shirdi
Sai Baba in the temple constructed by you. It is, therefore,
only proper that you should have Shirdi Baba's footprints also
on the cloth you have offered.' The devotee said, "Swami, your
words are law to us, indeed! But, Bhagavan, how am I to get
Shirdi Baba's footprints when he is not with us? The
auspicious muhurtham is fast approaching. Only you can show us
a way out of this difficult, rather, impossible situation."
Baba smiled and said, "I will give you the imprints of
Shirdi Baba, do not worry!" So saying, Satya Sai Baba stepped
on the sandal paste-covered cloth. Wonder of wonders, the
imprint made was not of the small tender feet of the very
young Satya (this happened several decades ago), but of the
longer, wider feet of the Shirdi Baba! Everyone present was
amazed at this remarkable blessing of Baba and paid their
reverential obeisance. "Hail, Satya Sai Baba, the
reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, our humble salutations are
offered to you here, now and ever". - "Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai
Moortaye Namaha!" - prayer to Sathya Sai Baba.
Baba endorses the following
ten-fold path to divinity for follow-up by all:
Love
and serve the Motherland, do not despise the Motherland of
others. Just as you love and respect your mother, so do others
love their mothers.
Honour
every religion. Follow yours devoutly. All religions are
different pathways to God, the ultimate goal.
Mankind
is a single community: Vasudaiva Kutumbakam - Therefore, love
all.
Keep
your home and environs clean. This means health and happiness
for you and society.
Do
not throw coins when beggars stretch their hands for alms.
Help them to be self-reliant. Provide them with food and
shelter, care for the sick, disabled and the aged.
Do
not tempt others by offering bribes, or demean yourself by
accepting bribes.
Shun
jealousy, hatred and envy at all costs.
Become
your own servant before serving others. Do not depend on
others for your personal needs.
Be
a role-model law-abiding citizen.
Adore
God, abhor sin.
