Vairagya Lakshmi: True Wealth Resides at the Guru's Feet
The Leela
The spiritual journey often demands difficult choices between social convention and divine commitment. The narrator had made a firm resolution to undertake a Parikrama (pilgrimage) to Shirdi on the second week of every month. However, a conflict arose when the scheduled Sunday coincided with the auspicious festival of Diwali—the day of Lakshmi Pujan.
Devotees, torn between their vow to the Guru and their traditional rituals at home, pleaded for a postponement. They feared missing the worship of the Goddess of Wealth. But the narrator stood firm, presenting a stark choice: "Either Sai Baba or Lakshmiji." It was a test of priority. He reminded them of the profound Marathi verse, "Tatpara tuzya ya je dhyani...", illustrating that for one who is engrossed in pure devotion to the Sadguru, Goddess Lakshmi does not merely visit; she resides eternally in their home as a hostess, serving the one who serves the Master. The pilgrimage was not just a trip; it was a declaration that the Guru's feet are the source of all divinity, including the wealth of the world.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Is it right to forego the traditional worship of Goddess Lakshmi on her most significant festival day to visit the Guru? Does prioritizing the Sadguru over specific rituals invite misfortune or lack of abundance?
The Revelation
The teaching distinguishes between two forms of wealth and explains the true nature of the Goddess.
-
Two Forms of Lakshmi: One must discern between Bhog Lakshmi (Illusive Wealth) and Vairagya Lakshmi (Dispassionate Wealth).
- Bhog Lakshmi: Without the Guru's light, wealth fuels ego, indulgence, and drowning in illusion.
- Vairagya Lakshmi: When wealth comes under the guidance of the Sadguru, it is auspicious, used for welfare and service.
-
Hard Work vs. Flattery: The Goddess is not pleased by superficial rituals, flattery, or the specific placement of a broom. She is pleased by hard work (Purushartha).
"Your sweat doesn't even fall on the ground and before you she stands there with money... That is Maa Lakshmi."
-
The True Prayer: One should not ask Lakshmi for money to indulge, but for the capacity to serve.
"O Mother, if the religious mind is awakened within me and if I have the ability to use your money in good deeds, then only give me in abundance... otherwise keep me poor."
-
The Guru is the Source: Thirty-three crore gods reside at the feet of the Sadguru. When one serves the Guru selflessly, Lakshmi is compelled to serve that devotee.
Scriptural References
📖 Shree Sai Satcharita Chapter 8, Verse 112
Watch the Discourse
The spiritual journey often demands difficult choices between social convention and divine commitment. The narrator had made a firm resolution to undertake a *Parikrama* (pilgrimage) to Shirdi on the ...
Leela Narration
The spiritual journey often demands difficult choices between social convention and divine commitment. The narrator had made a firm resolution to undertake a *Parikrama* (pilgrimage) to Shirdi on the ...