The Trap of Greed and the Glory of Surrender: Three Tales from Shirdi
The Leela
In the sacred verses of the Sai Satcharitra, the path of devotion is often tested by the allure of the material world. The story begins with Damu Anna Kasar, a devotee swept up in the winds of temptation. A friend from Mumbai wrote to him with a tantalizing proposal: a cotton business venture promising a profit of two lakhs—a fortune in those days. The bait was set, and Damu Anna’s mind began to soar with dreams of wealth. Yet, a seed of hesitation remained.
SEEKING assurance, he wrote to Shama, asking for Baba's permission. Baba, reading the intent rather than the paper, remarked, "What God is giving is not satisfying him; he intends to reach for the sky." Despite this warning, Shama, acting unlike a wise intermediary, fueled Damu's hope, suggesting that seeing Baba in person might change the outcome.
When Damu Anna arrived, he sat at Baba's feet, outwardly massaging them but inwardly striking a bargain: "Oh Sainath, if You help me in this transaction, I will offer a share of the profit at Your feet." He sought to bribe the Sadguru. But Baba, the Knower of Hearts, instantly rejected the silent offer, saving Damu Anna not just from financial loss, but from the spiritual catastrophe of greed.
In stark contrast stands the tale of Mhalsapati. Though living in abject poverty, when a wealthy merchant named Hansraj tried to force a bundle of notes upon him, Baba intervened. He refused to let Mhalsapati touch the money, declaring that He would never let His true devotees be snared by the trap of wealth.
Finally, the narrative turns to Balaji Patil Nevaskar, a farmer of supreme surrender. He would harvest his crops and bring the entire yield to Dwarkamai, piling it before the Master. He believed, "Baba is the owner of this labor, not I." He would only take home whatever small portion Baba returned to him as Prasad, subsisting on that alone. While Damu Anna sought to give a fraction of his profit, Nevaskar gave everything, accepting only what the Guru provided.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Many devotees approach the spiritual path with a transactional mindset, wondering if the Sadguru can be influenced by vows of donation or "shares" of profit to bless risky material ventures. The conflict arises: Is prosperity a sign of grace, or is the removal of wealth sometimes the true blessing?
The Revelation
The teachings from these three intertwined lives reveal the subtle dangers of Artharthi (desire-driven) devotion versus the liberation of total surrender.
-
The Omniscience of the Guru: No thought is hidden from the Master. Damu Anna never spoke his bribe aloud, yet Baba answered his inner intent. As the transcript notes, the Guru acts as the true parent, sometimes forcing "bitter medicine" (denying wealth) to cure the disease of greed.
-
The Trap of Accumulation: Using the metaphor of Saint Kabir, the teaching explains:
"If water enters a boat or wealth increases in the home, a wise man throws it out with both hands to save himself from drowning." Just as water sinks a raft, excessive wealth can sink a spiritual aspirant. Baba protected Mhalsapati by keeping him poor but spiritually pure.
-
The Definition of True Surrender: The transcript presents a profound challenge to the devotee. True surrender is not just asking Baba for success; it is accepting failure if it is His will.
"Master, if You have made me impoverished, then today I am sure You want to give something valuable to me. Your will be done."
-
The Nature of the Gift: Wealth, name, and fame are often deceptions of Maya. The stumbles, thorns, and losses received from the Sadguru are the true blessings, for they sever the bonds of illusion.
Scriptural References
📖 Sai Satcharitra Chapter 25 (Damu Anna Kasar), Chapter 35 (Balaji Patil Nevaskar), Chapter 36 (Mhalsapati); Bhagavad Gita (Types of Devotees).
Watch the Discourse
In the sacred verses of the Sai Satcharitra, the path of devotion is often tested by the allure of the material world. The story begins with Damu Anna Kasar, a devotee swept up in the winds of temptat...
Leela Narration
In the sacred verses of the Sai Satcharitra, the path of devotion is often tested by the allure of the material world. The story begins with Damu Anna Kasar, a devotee swept up in the winds of temptat...