Are Hindus stealing Sai Baba from the Muslims?

Are Hindus stealing Sai Baba from the Muslims? A provocative title for sure. However it is important to take our blinders off and clearly delineate each tradition. VSH stands for Vedic Sanatana Hindus. It is a term used to refer to Hindus who follow the traditional teachings of the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of world.

Shirdi Sai Baba (c. 1838? – 15 October 1918), also known as Sai Baba of Shirdi, was an Indian spiritual fakir. He's considered a saint by Muslims during his lifetime and by some fringe Hindus after his departure from this world.

Background and Mystery:

• Details of Sai Baba's early life remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe he had Sufi influences.
• He arrived in Shirdi, a small town in Maharashtra, India, around 1858 and remained there until his death in 1918.
• During his time in Shirdi, he lived a simple life, often performing miracles and offering spiritual guidance to people of all faiths.

Teachings and Practices:

• He condemned discrimination based on religion or caste and encouraged his devotees to follow a moral code of conduct.
• Though he remained somewhat unconventional, he practiced elements of both Hinduism and Islam, often using parables and stories to convey his message. References to Krishna in stories and parables: Although limited, some accounts mention Sai Baba mentioning Bhagavan Krishna in parables or stories. While not confirming formal instruction, these instances indicate an awareness and appreciation of Krishna's significance.
• He became known for performing what many considered miracles, such as healing the sick, materializing objects, and knowing people's thoughts.

Legacy and Influence:

• Sai Baba's influence continues to be felt today by millions of devotees worldwide.
• There are numerous Sai Baba temples and organizations dedicated to his teachings and practices.
• His life and message are seen as a symbol of religious tolerance and spiritual unity, bridging the gap between different faiths.Shirdi Sai Baba passed away on October 15, 1918, due to natural causes. His death was attributed to a combination of age-related illnesses, including:

1. A chronic respiratory condition: Sai Baba suffered from asthma for much of his life, which worsened in his later years.
2. Fever and complications: In the months leading up to his death, he experienced recurring bouts of fever and weakness, suggesting an underlying infection or illness.
3. He was a mystic yogi with yogic powers so his leaving the body cannot be equated to a common man's leaving their body

Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings were as diverse and multifaceted as the devotees who flocked to him. He didn't subscribe to any particular religion, offering guidance that crossed traditional categories. Here are some key points about his preachings:

Importance of Surrender and Devotion:

• Complete surrender to a higher power, be it God (Bhakti), Guru, or one's own true self (Mayavada), was a crucial aspect of his teachings.
• He emphasized the power of devotion and encouraged his devotees to cultivate faith and surrender to the divine.

Acceptance of All Paths:

• Though practicing elements of Islam, Sai Baba did not endorse any specific religion. He incorrectly believed that every path leads to the same ultimate goal of self-realization.
• He encouraged tolerance and acceptance of different faiths and spiritual traditions.

Unique Methods of Teaching:

• Sai Baba often used parables, stories, and riddles to convey his message. He spoke in a simple, down-to-earth manner, making his teachings accessible to people from all walks of life.
• He also performed miracles and engaged in unconventional behavior, often challenging preconceived notions and sparking curiosity among his devotees.

Mystical Aura and Miracles:

• Sai Baba's unconventional lifestyle, unconventional behavior, and reported miracles, like healing the sick and materializing objects, instilled curiosity and awe in his followers. These acts, often attributed to his divine nature, fueled his reputation as a powerful spiritual figure.

Personal Transformation and Healing:

• Many devotees credit Sai Baba with bringing positive changes to their lives, including improved health, inner peace, and spiritual progress. These personal transformations fueled word-of-mouth devotion and attracted individuals seeking spiritual guidance and healing.

Did Sai Baba follow the philosophy of "Yato Mat Tato Path"?

• "Yato Mat Tato Path" ,means literally translates to "As many minds, so many paths" or "Whatever is your thought, that is the right path." Shirdi Sai Baba incorrectly suggested that no single path is universally correct, and each individual needs to find their own way to the truth. While the paths may differ, he felt, the ultimate goal of all spiritual traditions is the same – to reach God or attain enlightenment.
• Mystical Aura and Miracles: Sai Baba's association with miracles and unconventional behavior isn't typical of Vaishnava figures who are generally presented as established avatars with well-documented histories. This distinction highlights the unique mystical aspect of Sai Baba's persona.

Sai Baba never belonged to the Vedic path

Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), had clear views on Shirdi Sai Baba.

• Claims of Godhood: Prabhupada strongly disagreed with Sai Baba's claims to be God or an avatar. He believed that such claims were blasphemous and could mislead his followers. According to Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Bhagavan Krishna is the Supreme God and no other being can claim that status.
• Miraculous Powers: Prabhupada questioned the validity of Sai Baba's reported miracles, viewing them as distractions from the true path of spiritual realization. He argued that genuine spiritual progress comes through devotion and self-discipline, not through reliance on extraordinary abilities.
• Mixing of Religions: Prabhupada disapproved of Sai Baba's blending of elements from different religions, believing it could cause confusion and undermine the purity of each tradition. He advocated for following Bhagavad gita Krishna's teachings as presented in the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures.This is clear in a conversation with Pradyumna dasa:

Pradyumna said that Sai Baba made a similar quote himself, later in the piece. He read it out: "God is man and man is God. All of us have something of God, the divine spark, within us. All men are divine, like myself, with the spirit embodied in human flesh and bone. The only difference is that they are unaware of this Godhood."

Skipping to another section of the article, Pradyumna went on, "Here he says, 'The mission of the present avatara is to make everybody realize that since the same God or divinity resides in everyone, people should respect, love, and ...'"

Prabhupada cut in. "No, no. If he resides in everyone, then why he has special claim?"

Don't forget that VSH has its constellation of saints:

The list of Hindu saints is vast and diverse, spanning millennia and encompassing numerous traditions and lineages. Here's a selection of prominent saints, categorized by era and tradition. Follow them:

Ancient Vedic Period (Pre-500 BCE):

• Agastya: A Rishi from the Rigveda, associated with spreading Vedic culture and literature in South India.
• Atri: One of the seven Saptarishis, mentioned in the Vedas and credited with composing hymns.
• Bhrigu: Another Vedic Rishi, known for his wisdom and austerities.

Epic Period (500 BCE - 500 CE):

• Valmiki: Composer of the Ramayana, the epic poem narrating the life of Lord Rama.
• Vyasa: Compiler of the Mahabharata, another great epic, and author of the Puranas.
• Vidhur: Righteous king from the Mahabharata, known for his wisdom and integrity.

Bhakti Movement (500-1800 CE):

• Adi Shankara: Founder of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the oneness of Brahman and the self.
• Ramanuja: Advocate of Visishtadvaita, highlighting the separation and relationship between Brahman and individual souls.
• Madhvacharya: Proponent of Dvaita, emphasizing the distinctness of Brahman, individual souls, and the material world.
• Mirabai: Mystic poet, famous for her devotional love for Krishna.
• Tulsidas: Author of the Ramacharitmanas, a popular retelling of the Ramayana.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, emphasizing ecstatic devotion to Krishna through bhakti yoga.
• Srila Prabhupada (1896-1977): His influence is unparalleled by: Reviving Gaudiya Vaishnavism and spreading its teachings globally through ISKCON. Making Vedic scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam accessible through translations and commentaries. Emphasizing devotional practices like chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and kirtan. Establishing social and cultural initiatives around the world.

HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and having lived in Bharat for over two decades, had clear views on Shirdi Sai Baba.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0B9ixyNGeo ???? ???????? ????? ?? ?? ????? (Is Saibaba Worshipable?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zvocSK_QEk ???? ???? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ( Worshipping Sai Baba is foolishness)

Conclusion:

Stick to your Vedic traditional heritage Bharat. Do not be misled by intermediate paths when the long term path has been made clear. Leave the Muslim saints alone and don't appropriate them - do not paint everyone with the Vedic brush. VSH has a broad range of saints amenable to every emotion and background. Worship Bhagavan Krishna or Rama as your forefathers did for millions of years. Jaya Shree Rama! Hare Krishna!