The Mystery of the Nine Coins: Beyond Wealth to Divine Virtues
The Leela
In the sacred, soot-stained walls of Dwarkamai, where the eternal Dhuni burned, Sai Baba prepared for His final departure from the physical realm. He called upon Laxmibai Shinde, the devotee who had tirelessly served Him bhakri with the affection of a mother. Baba, the Fakir who owned nothing yet commanded the universe, reached into His pocket. He placed nine coins into her hands—first five, then four.
To the uninitiated eye, this was merely a parting gift of alms, perhaps a reward for her culinary service. Even today, devotees flock to Shirdi to catch a glimpse of these physical coins, hoping for a transfer of luck. But in that moment, Baba was not acting as a banker of material wealth; He was a Master transmitting the code of spiritual perfection. As the coins clinked into her palm, He was silently asking: Are you ready to inherit the true treasure I brought to this world, or will you remain content with the metal?
? The Conflict / Doubt
Are the nine coins merely a material blessing or a talisman for financial prosperity?
We often approach the Guru with a transactional mindset, misinterpreting Baba's words—"If you give one, I give ten"—as a spiritual stock market scheme. We stand before the Emperor of Spirit like beggars, pleading for the stones of worldly success while He waits to pour diamonds of wisdom into our hands. If we hold the coins but lack the virtues they represent, are we not the poorest of all?
The Revelation
The nine coins signify the nine essential characteristics of a true disciple (Navavidha Bhakti), as described in the Eknathi Bhagwat. Baba’s method of giving—first five, then four—mirrors the scriptural enumeration of these virtues.
The First Five Coins (Foundational Virtues):
- Amaani (Humility): A complete absence of the desire for respect. Baba teaches that the seed of disrespect lies within the craving for respect. One must treat flattery as rubbish to remain immune to insults.
- Daksh (Alertness): Spiritual vigilance. We all have the same 24 hours; true efficiency is prioritizing the Master's work over worldly distractions every single moment.
- Nirmatsar (Freedom from Envy): Harboring no ill-will or hatred, even towards those who harm us. Hatred burns the vessel that holds it.
- Nirmam (Non-Attachment): Being free from the bondage of 'mine-ness'. One can live in a palace with family and wealth, yet remain as detached as a lotus leaf in water, knowing all is impermanent.
- Gurusevapar (Service to Guru): This is not mere flattery or adorning idols with gold—which Baba, the ascetic, would reject. True service is intuitive obedience; understanding the Guru's will without Him speaking a word.
The Remaining Four Coins (Deepening Realization):
- Thirst for Truth: A burning curiosity for the Supreme (Paramaarth), where one lives and dies only for the Ultimate Reality.
- Unwavering Inner Kingdom: Stability of mind that does not fluctuate with external storms or success.
- Absence of Spiritual Jealousy: A rare virtue. The speaker illustrates this with Rao Bahadur Sathe, who, recognizing Megha's devotion, did not hoard him as a follower but humbly directed him to the greater sun, Sai Baba.
- Economy of Speech: Treating words like diamonds. A true disciple does not waste energy on gossip or empty praise.
"What do I want to give you and what are you asking from me? ... I have come to distribute gems and pearls, and you stand before me to collect stones with outstretched hands."
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra Chapter 25, 32 & 42; Eknathi Bhagwat
Watch the Discourse
In the sacred, soot-stained walls of Dwarkamai, where the eternal Dhuni burned, Sai Baba prepared for His final departure from the physical realm. He called upon Laxmibai Shinde, the devotee who had t...
Leela Narration
In the sacred, soot-stained walls of Dwarkamai, where the eternal Dhuni burned, Sai Baba prepared for His final departure from the physical realm. He called upon Laxmibai Shinde, the devotee who had t...