The True Parikrama: Moving from Physical Steps to Inner Communion
The Leela
The auspicious occasion of the Shirdi Parikrama approaches, a time when devotees gather to circumambulate the holy land where Sai Baba breathed life for sixty years. The transcript paints Shirdi not merely as a village, but as the spiritual equivalent of all great pilgrimages—Pandharpur, Kashi, Dwarka, and Rameshwar—all residing within the soil sanctified by the Saint.
While thousands prepare to walk the physical circle (Sthul Parikrama), the narrative invites the seeker to look deeper. The physical act of circling a temple or deity is but the beginning. The true journey, described as Sukshma Parikrama (Subtle Circumambulation), happens within. The narrator illustrates this with the vivid imagery of a young lover. Just as a youth on the threshold of adulthood, struck by love, performs every household duty and obeys every command with diligence yet remains internally intoxicated by thoughts of their beloved, so too must the devotee operate. The hands may work for the world, but the heart must circle around Sai.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Is it practically possible to maintain constant remembrance of God while burdened by the endless responsibilities of family, society, and career?
Context: A natural skepticism arises regarding the feasibility of 24/7 devotion. The mind asks: If I am to focus on my children's education, my job, and social obligations, how can I possibly keep my mind fixed on Sai without neglecting my duties?
The Revelation
The teaching clarifies that true spirituality is not about abandoning the world, but about shifting the center of one's consciousness.
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The Dual Existence: The core instruction is found in the balance of Prapancha (worldly life) and Paramartha (spiritual life). One does not cancel the other.
"Entrust this body to the duties of the world, but surrender the mind completely to the feet of Sai."
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The Subtle Parikrama: Physical circumambulation involves walking in a circle around a center point. In the subtle version, your life's activities are the circumference, but Sai must be the fixed center. No matter where you move in the world, your attention remains tethered to Him.
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The Power of Attachment: To prove this is possible, Baba uses the analogy of a miser:
"Just as a greedy man may wander anywhere in the world, but his mind remains buried with his hidden treasure underground, day and night... so should you bury Sai in your heart."
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The Practice: It requires Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (detachment). Perform every duty perfectly—educate your children, serve society—but let the internal chant of Sai's name never cease. This state, where the physical and mental journeys align, is the ultimate Parikrama.
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra Chapter 10 (Ovi 129), Sai Satcharitra Chapter 3 (Ovi 185)
Watch the Discourse
The auspicious occasion of the Shirdi Parikrama approaches, a time when devotees gather to circumambulate the holy land where Sai Baba breathed life for sixty years. The transcript paints Shirdi not m...
Leela Narration
The auspicious occasion of the Shirdi Parikrama approaches, a time when devotees gather to circumambulate the holy land where Sai Baba breathed life for sixty years. The transcript paints Shirdi not m...