Seven Steps to Sanctity: The Daily Routine of a True Sai Devotee
The Leela
In the sacred chronicles of Shirdi, a profound lesson on the continuity of devotion is found in the life of Mrs. Tarkhad. One afternoon, while preparing the daily meal, a hungry dog appeared at her doorstep. Without hesitation, moved by the creature's hunger, she tossed it a piece of bread. Moments later, a pig, stained with mud and filth, approached. Seeing the life force within the animal rather than its dirty exterior, she fed it as well.
Later that evening, when Mrs. Tarkhad went to Dwarkamai for darshan, Sai Baba looked at her with immense grace and said, 'Mother, today you fed Me sumptuously. My hunger is appeased.'
Surprised, she replied, 'Baba, I have just arrived. I have not offered You anything yet. How could I have fed You?'
Baba smiled, His eyes twinkling with the truth of Advaita (non-duality). 'That dog was Me. That pig, caked in mud, was also Me. When you fed them, you fed Me. He who sees Me in all beings truly serves Me.'
This incident was not just a miracle; it was a demonstration of how a devotee's every act—even the simple routine of cooking and feeding—can become a divine offering when performed with the right awareness.
? The Conflict / Doubt
We often wonder: What is the specific spiritual regimen that keeps Maya (illusion) at bay? How should a Sai devotee structure their day—from waking to sleeping—to ensure that every moment remains connected to the Divine, rather than getting lost in mundane distractions?
The Revelation
The transcript outlines a comprehensive 7-step spiritual routine (Saptapadi) based on the wisdom of the Sai Satcharitra. To transform a mundane day into a spiritual journey, one must integrate these practices:
- Waking Up (The First Thought): The moment eyes open, before hands reach for a phone or distraction, the mind must focus solely on Baba. As stated in Chapter 3, Ovi 147, if one looks at Baba, He takes upon Himself the burden of their life. Forgetting Him, even for a moment, invites Maya.
- Bathing (Purification): While bathing, one should not just cleanse the body but invoke the spirit of the holy rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari). Referencing Chapter 10, Ovi 151-152, the devotee should visualize the Guru's feet purifying the water, washing away sins alongside dirt.
- Eating (Compassion): Before consuming a single grain, one must ensure that those around them—including animals—are fed. As illustrated by Mrs. Tarkhad (Chapter 9, Ovi 122), offering food to the hungry is offering food directly to God.
- Applying Udi (Protection & Wisdom): Udi is not just ash; it is Raksha (protection). Applying it (Chapter 33, Ovi 16) grants discrimination (Viveka) and dispassion (Vairagya), curing the root cause of physical and mental disease: ignorance.
- Taking Medicine (Faith): When illness strikes, medicine is secondary. The true healer is the Guru's grace. One should chant Chapter 34, Ovi 111, acknowledging that without Sai's grace, no medicine can heal.
- Reading Scripture (Studying): One must read at least one chapter or Ovi of the Sai Satcharitra daily. Before reading (Chapter 41, Ovi 163), one must pray for the capacity to understand the depth of the Leela, admitting that without His grace, the text remains just words.
- Sleeping (Surrender): The day must end with total surrender. As per Chapter 48, Ovi 170-171, the devotee should pray: > "I am full of ignorance and ego. In my sleep, keep me at Your feet. Let my rest be a meditation on You."
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra: Ch 3 (Ovi 147), Ch 9 (Ovi 122), Ch 10 (Ovi 151-152), Ch 33 (Ovi 16), Ch 34 (Ovi 111), Ch 41 (Ovi 163), Ch 48 (Ovi 170-171)
Watch the Discourse
In the sacred chronicles of Shirdi, a profound lesson on the continuity of devotion is found in the life of Mrs. Tarkhad. One afternoon, while preparing the daily meal, a hungry dog appeared at her do...
Leela Narration
In the sacred chronicles of Shirdi, a profound lesson on the continuity of devotion is found in the life of Mrs. Tarkhad. One afternoon, while preparing the daily meal, a hungry dog appeared at her do...