The Ten-Rupee Promise: Closing the Gap Between Intention and Action
The Leela
In the city of Bhiwandi, Thane district, a divine drama unfolded at the home of Mr. Appa Sahib Kulkarni. While Appa Sahib was away, Sai Baba appeared at his doorstep in the guise of a humble beggar. Seeking blessings, Appa Sahib's wife offered the fakir a single rupee. When Appa Sahib returned and learned of the visit, he was dismayed by the small amount.
With confidence, he declared, "If I were there, I wouldn't have given less than ten rupees." Hoping to fulfill this boast, he went out to search for the beggar but returned disappointed and empty-handed. He sat down for his meal, and as noted in the scriptures, "without a morsel, one should not attempt to grasp the essence of spirituality." After eating, the memory of the fakir faded.
Later, while walking with a companion, the beggar suddenly appeared. Appa Sahib exclaimed, "Ah, we've found him!" Yet, the earlier grand resolution had weakened. Forgetting his promise of ten rupees, he offered only one. Baba refused it. Appa Sahib offered another, and then another, until he had given nine rupees. Finally, holding onto his wallet, Appa Sahib hesitated, claiming, "Now, I only have a ten-rupee note." Sensing the reluctance, Baba persisted, saying, "Alright, fine," took the ten-rupee note, and returned the nine coins. In doing so, Baba forced the devotee to fulfill the exact promise he had made: to give ten rupees.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why do we promise noble deeds with intense fervor ('amhi sagle vagdani tatpar'), yet waver when the moment comes to practically implement them? What causes the deterioration of a generous Sankalpa (resolution) into reluctance?
The Revelation
The Leela of Appa Sahib Kulkarni unveils the subtle mechanics of the mind and the nature of Maya.
- The Trap of Delay: Baba teaches that when goodwill arises in the heart, one must act upon it instantly. If a gap is given—even for a second—Maya enters that space and steals the thought away.
- The Rule of Immediate Action:
"When a good thought comes to you, there shouldn't be even a second's delay." If you feel the impulse to donate or help, do it before the mind rationalizes it away. If you delay even five minutes, the capability or willingness to act often vanishes.
- Handling Negative Thoughts: Conversely, when a wrong or sinful thought arises, one should apply the opposite technique: postpone it. Say to yourself, "Not now, later." By delaying the bad, you allow the impulse to pass.
- True Treasure: The narrative concludes with a powerful reminder about attachment. What slips through your hands in charity is not a loss; it is welfare. Accumulating "external rubbish" (material wealth) often diminishes the "original treasure" (spiritual wealth) inside.
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra Chapter 32 (Reference to the necessity of food/morsel for spiritual grasp)
Watch the Discourse
In the city of Bhiwandi, Thane district, a divine drama unfolded at the home of Mr. Appa Sahib Kulkarni. While Appa Sahib was away, Sai Baba appeared at his doorstep in the guise of a humble beggar. S...
Leela Narration
In the city of Bhiwandi, Thane district, a divine drama unfolded at the home of Mr. Appa Sahib Kulkarni. While Appa Sahib was away, Sai Baba appeared at his doorstep in the guise of a humble beggar. S...