Sri Sai Satcharitra: The Wonderful Life of Shirdi Sai Baba, A Modern Rendering of Hemadpant by Monika Penukonda
If a man utters my name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes and increase his devotion. If he sings earnestly of my life and my deeds, I shall surround him in front and back and on all sides. Those devotees who are attached to me heart and soul will naturally feel happiness when they hear these stories. Believe me, if anybody sings my leelas I will give him infinite joy and everlasting happiness. ~ Shirdi Sai Baba
From this episode:
It is well known that Baba always asked for dakshina from people who went to see him. Somebody may ask a question, “If Baba was a fakir and perfectly detached, why should he ask for dakshina and care for money?”
We now shall consider this question broadly.
For a long time, Baba did not accept anything. He stored burnt matches and filled his pocket with them. He never asked anything from anyone, whether a devotee or otherwise. If anyone placed a coin or two before him, he purchased oil or tobacco with it. He was fond of smoking. He always smoked a bidi (clove cigarette) and a chillum (pipe).
Then some people thought that they could not see saints empty handed, so they placed some copper coins before Baba. If a coin was placed before Baba, he used to pocket it. If it was a two pice coin, it was returned immediately. After Baba’s fame had spread far and wide, people began to flock in numbers, then Baba began to ask dakshina from them. It is said in the Shruti (Veda) that puja to God is not complete unless a golden coin is offered. If a coin is necessary in the puja to God, why should it not be so in the puja of the saints also? Ultimately, the Shastras lay down that when one goes to see God, king, saint or guru, he should not go empty-handed. He should offer something, preferably money...
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