Sai Devotee - Important
characteristics of Sai devotees
A devotee is
a live personality, who is kept energised with the
overflowing electric current from Sadguru. In this
context Sad guru may be considered as a powerful generator capable of supplying
any amount of current. It may be noted that with the same current a small bulb
or a powerful floodlight may be switched on. The source of divine power is the
same Sai but the radiance of a devotee depends upon his own capacity to absorb
divine current from Sadguru Sai.
By the grace
of Lord Sai let us discuss a few important characteristics of his devotees. In
the first instance, a devotee normally possesses radiant health and cheerful
disposition. He is carefree like a child. Whatever he eats is easily digested
and assimilated in the body. Purity of his actions is instrumental in his
mental and spiritual upliftment.
Such a
devotee is not a timid or a shy person, he is extremely simple and humble but talks, walks and carries out his routine
work with self confidence and a touch of grandeur. He is proud of only
one basic fact that he is also a
favourite child of his Sadguru.
In a playful
divine mood, he is clapping and dancing during prayer, bhajan,
keertan or palkhi
processions. It is a strange phenomenon that the same devotee is a serious
personality in be course of his office work or business affairs. Others think twice
before talking to a devotee. He will take up the matters very seriously to
settle scores with the parties, who are lazy and dishonest. Ability, integrity
and hard work are his guidelines for achieving success in mundane matters.
The
requirements of a devotee are limited. Therefore sometimes there is a wrong impression that he has no ambition in life, that he believes
in destiny and does not apply himself for achieving certain goals. He is
considered to be a contented person with meager requirements. It is true that a
devotee does not banker for wealth. But he believes in Karma Yog and earns wealth. His wealth is not spent only on
personal comforts. He spends substantial part of his income for the benefit of
less fortunate people around him. It may be noted that blessings from there
weaker people are more powerful than the blessings from elderly and prosperous
well wishers.
He works
relentlessly without hankering for results. It is true that astounding results
are achieved in his few endeavours, while large number of attempts are unsuccessful. These unsuccessful attempts
do not discourage him because he realises that the
precious lessons of life are learnt through these unsuccessful experiences.
Therefore these failures are equally important for him.
A devotee has
the courage of conviction. Conviction of speaking the truth, of making
commitments carefully, fulfilling the commitments, accepting the
responsibility, accepting the mistake and blame and saying No when others
hesitate and keep on doing things half-heartedly.
A devotee
exercises control on food consumption and sleeping hours. He possesses stamina
to work for several hours. He maintains his cool temper even under the
provocative circumstances.
A devotee
does not expect favours, gifts, etc. He is reluctant
to accept them. If he at all accepts them, they are utilised
for the benefit of others.
A devotee
does not believe in giving doles to the helpless. He believes in strengthening
his fellowmen so that they also stand on their own feet. The most
noble task in this respect is the uplifting of as many individuals as
possible.
A devotee
does not believe in self praise, boasting, etc. He avoids publicity because
publicity creates several problems and saps out his energy for unproductive work.
Such a
devotee does not consider himself superior in the presence of less educated and
poor people. He is not status conscious and therefore he can enjoy the company
of farmers and factory workers. He does not look small before any impressive
personality, high dignitary, etc. and moves about and behaves freely even in
the most sophisticated atmosphere.
A devotee
does not feel elated when praise is showered on him. At the same time he is not
upset when critics attack him.
A devotee has
respect for not only his Sadguru and Guru Bandhus but also for other saints and their devotees.
A
devotee sincerely imbibes
the qualities
of his Sadguru and through the process of purification he makes
his own body a temple of Sai.
