Relevance of Sai in Today’s World.
Selfishness, materialism, condition oriented, fanaticism, racial discrimination, riddled with terrorism, anarchy, struggle for power, is what rules the present world. Living amongst such strong negative forces man is lost among web of emotions. There is fear, greed, anger and competition to be successful in such a world. Where would man go when faced with tyranny? When there is no value for relationships, when money becomes the main driving force for establishing any kind of relationships. When there is no respect for parents, and when parents themselves are driven by selfish needs favor children, when siblings look for a pound of flesh to get better share in property, where would man go? Present relationships are based on condition and mutual benefit. Gone are the days of compassion, empathy, kindness, and selfless service. A person who is charitable is looked down upon as being crazy and misfit in this selfish society. Where would such man go? Only place such a man finds respite is at the holy feet of Sadguru and His teachings. For followers of BABA, if qualities like compassion, empathy, kindness prevail it is because of HIS teachings through Satcharita. Guru’s holy feet are the only place where one finds hope, love and bliss in spite of being surrounded by evil forces in the society. Love for Guru helps us to tide our weaknesses and emerge as successful. No doubt we are burdened by our environment and society but one who has implicit faith in Guru finds happiness and knows that He is loved unconditionally by Guru, though man’s devotion is conditional – a man looks towards guru to remove his problems and sufferings.
Shirdi Sai BABA’s teachings of mutual love, respect, tolerance, non discrimination of religion caste and nationality is to be practiced in present context. Baba always urged people to show kindness, empathy and love towards fellow humans. Shirdi Sai BABA is a symbol of unity among religions, their practices and beliefs. People from all religious backgrounds worship Him even today based on their practices and beliefs. Poor and rich are treated alike in His darbar even today. His life is best example of simple living and higher thinking. He was charitable, benevolent, shared sorrows and gave happiness by granting wishes. As followers of Shirdi Sai one must adapt such qualities. One cannot emulate a Sadguru but one can learn from His life and follow His teachings to make world a better place to live now and for future generations by instilling right values and conduct among younger generation. Shri Satpathyji has emphasized the relevance of Sai in present world with the following heart warming lyrics..
Jab dil udhas ho to
Sai ka naam lena
Jeevan soona lage to
Sai ka naam lena
Jab aafat gehare tujko
Sab chod de tera saath
Jab kahina mile sahara
Sai ka naam lena
Jeevan ka har din to
Roshan nahin ho ta
Jab sham nazar aayeto
Sai ka naam lena
Is ghat ka kya Bharosa
Ye khabhi bi choot jatha
Jab aakhir saas chaleto
Sai ka naam lena.
The above words say it all. Let us turn towards Sai when we are plagued by uncertainty and confusion. He will save us.
Anitha Kandukuri.