The Twin Nostrils of the Universe: Redefining Shradha and Saburi
The Leela
In almost every country around the world, wherever a temple of Sai Baba stands, two sacred words are invariably inscribed: Shradha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience). These are not merely decorative terms; they are the very eyes through which Baba views the world, and the Moolmantras of His existence. Yet, for many devotees, these words remain misunderstood—viewed as currency to purchase material miracles rather than the spiritual lifeline they truly are.
Imagine standing before the divine, presenting a conditional transaction: "Baba, if You grant my wish, I will believe." This is the "duplicate" faith that pervades the modern mind. But true spirituality demands a shift. The narrative invites us to look at the archetype of Lord Rama. If one were to ask Rama what He gained from a life full of hardships despite his righteousness, the answer would not be one of material accounting. He walked the path of morality not for the destination or the reward, but because He was in love with goodness itself. He held the bannister of honesty so tight that he became unaware of his own pleasure or pain. This is the essence of true Saburi—not merely waiting, but striving, sweating, and tolerating the storms of life with a sweetness in the heart, unaware of the suffering.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why do our Shradha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience) waver so easily when we face difficulties?
The conflict arises from a misunderstanding of spiritual devotion. We often treat faith as a conditional contract: we believe only as long as our desires are met immediately. When there is a delay (lack of patience) or a denial (unfulfilled want), the foundation of our devotion collapses, revealing that our faith was never "real" to begin with.
The Revelation
Baba teaches that Shradha and Saburi are not separate entities but the complementary sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other; as faith deepens, patience naturally manifests, and vice versa.
- The Litmus Test of Faith: True Shradha is unconditional. It is the resolve that says, "Even if I were to receive heaven from another court, I do not want it. But from Your court, Baba, even if I receive hell every moment, I will not leave Your arm."
- The Definition of Saburi: It is not passive waiting. It is the vessel required to pass through storms. It involves perseverance, hard work, and the ability to find satisfaction even in tolerating pain. It is making patience a nectar rather than a poison.
- The Bitter Truth: Spiritual growth requires facing the "neem leaves" of life—difficulties that cure us—rather than just seeking the sweets of comfort.
Baba's ultimate message to the devotee is clear:
"I cannot fulfill your legitimate and illegitimate demands. Till today neither any god has done nor will do further... My ask for Saburi as the 2nd rupee means you will have to face difficulties and hardships."
"Shradha and Saburi are the two nostrils of the whole universe through which world's Adhyatma (Spirituality) breathes."
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra (Implied context of 'Two Pice'), Saint Kabir's Dohe
Watch the Discourse
In almost every country around the world, wherever a temple of Sai Baba stands, two sacred words are invariably inscribed: **Shradha** (Faith) and **Saburi** (Patience). These are not merely decorativ...
Leela Narration
In almost every country around the world, wherever a temple of Sai Baba stands, two sacred words are invariably inscribed: **Shradha** (Faith) and **Saburi** (Patience). These are not merely decorativ...