Fifteen Lessons we can Learn from the Life of Lord Krishna

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Lord Krishna, the full incarnation of God on earth, led an impeccable life. His divine deeds were ever-mysterious and yet fully saturated with the fullest power of God. Only the highest of saints could catch small glimpses of His Divinity, that too with His grace alone. A vast majority of the people in those days could not recognize Krishna for who He was.

During His avataric career, He taught many lessons to mankind. Most of His teachings were through His own actions. While His teachings are as infinite and innumerable as His names and forms, we are biased toward the following teachings (listed in random order), which we humbly find applicable to our modern lives.

#1. Kartavya Parayana (He diligently performed His duties)

People think that the Lord had everything at His beck and call and His life must be one of opulence and luxury. In fact, if you look at His life, it was full of untold difficulties. His birth was in a jail and no sooner was He born, He was whisked away to an adjoining village in the middle of the night and in the midst of torrential rains.

Difficulties were His constant companion. Yet, Krishna would diligently perform all His duties without the slightest neglect. As a king, He took care of His subjects’ needs with extreme diligence. Though an incarnation, as a son, He got His parents released from jail and provided for all their basic necessities.

One notable fact about Lord Krishna was that He could assume multiple forms simultaneously. Once, all the gopikas wanted to be with the Lord at the same time. Using His infinite potencies, Krishna multiple Himself into many forms and graced all His eager devotees at the same time.

He would be administering justice in the royal court at one time and at the same time, He would be caring for His many consorts and their children. Yet, at the same time, He would appear to countless devotees and offer them solace, benediction, and protection.

The truth is that no matter how many difficulties came His way, Krishna did not swerve from His duties, even slightly. He performed all His duties with utmost diligence.

Lesson #1: We must perform our daily duties in life with utmost dedication and devotion, all while offering the results of our actions to God Himself.

#2. Keshava was generous beyond measure

Once, Sudama, a childhood friend of Krishna, offered a handful of rice to the Lord. This Sudama was so impoverished, He did not even have money to buy this gift. In fact, his wife had to beg for this gift as well. Yet, Krishna received this gift with the greatest joy, almost as if it was the universe’s most precious treasure.

In return, the Lord gave Sudama immeasurable wealth. As soon as Sudama reached home from his visit, his house had miraculously transformed into gold and there were precious stones, gold coins, and various other forms of wealth freely flowing into his house.

Lesson #2: We should be generous in our daily lives. We come empty-handed and leave in the same manner. Our hearts should be as magnanimous as humanly possible.

# 3. He practiced supreme equanimity in all conditions

Kanhaiya was born in a small village with hardly any amenities. During His very childhood, He moved to Mathura and was offered princely luxuries. Yet, Krishna maintained His equanimity in both the states and did not get afflicted by either joy or sorrow.

Supreme equanimity was His true ornament.

Lesson 3: Life brings both joys and sorrows. Neither is permanent. Practice even-mindedness during both conditions.

#4. He did not differentiate between other beings

At Gokula, Krishna was in the constant company of cowherd folks and the gopikas. While at Mathura, learned men like Uddhava and Akrura were His companions. Krishna did not ever differentiate between the rich and poor. He treated all alike and was loving toward everyone.

In fact, Lord Krishna’s love was so powerful and enamoring that even animals (such as cows), birds, and all beings across the universe would lovingly respond to His call. The call of His flute was irresistible and all beings would be drawn to His magnetic love.

Lesson 4: Love all beings! Baba’s teaching “Love All, Serve All” was amply demonstrated by Krishna as well. When you love unconditionally, you will receive love in return. This is the law of nature.

#5. He remained a true friend, a true lover, a true Lord, and a truly Divine teacher all the way to the end

Krishna accepted Arjuna as His friend, Radha as His loving self, and Arjuna and Uddhava as fellow-pupils. As a friend, Krishna protected Arjuna during his entire life. Had it not been for Krishna, Arjuna could have never won the Mahabharata war.

Krishna was Mother Radha’s devotional goal. Her love was so powerful, Krishna would melt in her mere presence and would often showcase His oneness with Her. Is there a difference between Purusha (Supreme Being) and Prakriti (Mother Nature)? They are both one and the same.

After Krishna moved to Mathura, He continued playing the flute. Despite the distance, His divine tune would give solace to the pining heart of Mother Radha. When Mother Radha gave up her form and merged into God, Krishna stopped playing His flute. Such was their bond — the bond between a true devotee and God. When devotion is true, there is no difference — God and devotee become one.

As a Jagadguru (World Teacher), Madhava continued imparting immortal teachings till the very end. Even before taking Samadhi, He spoke about the cosmic knowledge to Uddhava and directed Him to his divine teacher.

Lesson 5. Fulfill your kinship till the very end. As Baba says, we meet each other on earth due to rinanubandhan (ties from previous birth). Fulfill the duties called for by these ties ungrudgingly, and till the very end.

6. He identified Himself with the universe and all beings

The Divine Krishna considered the universe (and all the beings) as a part of Himself. Never did He differentiate between the two.

Once, Duryodhana sent the Divine Sage Durvasa, who was known for his choleric temper, to his Pandava brothers. The Pandavas were in exile and did not have the resources to feed the army of disciples who were accompanying the sage. Krishna had given the Pandavas a divine pot (Akshayapatra) that would provide food and other necessities to the brothers and their wife, Draupadi. Yet, there was a condition. Once Draupadi would have her meals, the pot would cease providing materials for that day.

When Durvasa arrived at the Pandavas’ dwelling in the forest, Draupadi had just finished her meals. They were helplessly anxious as to how they could feed the entire retinue that was accompanying the sage. As they fervently prayed to Krishna, He appeared on the scene to protect them. There was but one grain remaining in the pot. Krishna ate this grain and felt satisfied.

No sooner did Krishna feel satisfied, all beings in the universe (who are but a part of Krishna) felt extremely satiated as well. The sage and his disciples, too, felt very full and fearing that they would be overfed after this feeling of satiety, fled from the place. In this way, Krishna saved them and also proved His identity with all beings.

Lesson 6. We, too, are one with everyone. There is no difference between us and others (at the atmic level). Feel others’ pain and do the best you can to alleviate everyone’s suffering.

7. He lived only for the sake of service to other beings

Nothing in His life was selfish. All that he did was for the benefit of other beings. From start to finish, his life was one of selfless service. At times, He helped His village folk, while at other times, He kept demonic forces in check. He was constantly helping His devotees and did everything possible to help every being in the universe.

In fact, we have a lot to be thankful for. Had it not been for this incarnation, evil forces with various potent weapons (available with the mere power of thought) would still be extant on earth.

Lesson 7. Always live a life of service. There are plenty of opportunities to serve beings around us. No act is too small, no task is too menial. We don’t have to build big hospitals. Small acts of loving service count just as much as big tasks. It is the intention that counts.

8. He always protected His devotees

At the end of the Mahabharata War, Ashwatthama, a guru-brother and warrior from the Kaurava army, decided to vanquish the very last seed in the Pandava line. For this reason, He dispatched the infallible and nuclear-like Bhramasthra weapon in the direction of Uttara’s womb. Uttara was the wife of the fallen hero Abhimanyu and was expecting a child from their marriage.

Lord Krishna was disgusted by the animalistic behavior of Ashwatthama. It was unbecoming of a mighty warrior to dispatch such a potent weapon in the direction of a helpless fetus who was not even born in this world. Apparently, there was no antidote to this weapon and the recipient would face sure death. But that was not to be the case.

Krishna used His supernatural powers to enter the womb of Uttara in a microscopic form. As the weapon attempted to penetrate the womb, the Lord Himself neutralized the effect of the weapon and saved both the mother and the child.

Lesson #8. Do your best to protect all around you, especially when it is in your power to do so.

9. Krishna was always smiling, forever immersed in bliss

From the Lord’s very birth, the wicked king Kamsa would send evil emissaries to harm Baby Krishna. From monstrous birds and reptiles to ginormous rakshasas (demonic beings endowed with great powers) — all would attack the infant Lord. Yet, Krishna would smile and vanquish them in a trice. In fact, this hostility was a constant throughout the Lord’s life. Despite all the tirade, Krishna was forever smiling and in perpetual bliss.

Can we compare our difficulties to His? Nay! Yet, why do we worry?

Lesson 9. Always smile in life. This one is so simple, you can start at this very second.

10. He never identified with the body

Even in the battlefield of Mahabharata, the mother of all battles, Krishna was always smiling. There was not a trace of adverse emotion (fear, anger, and the like).

Krishna identified Himself with not the body, but His eternal paratmaswaroopam (formless divinity). It is for this reason that He was ever-smiling.

Lesson 10. Never identify yourself with the body. The body is but a mere vessel encasing your real self.

11. Selfless unconditional love was His very nature

Baba has described Krishna as Premavatara (divine embodiment of love). He loved all beings from the bottom of His earth. He even gave liberation to those who offended Him. Although, He put forth a drama on the earthly plane, on the spiritual plane he gave mukti (freedom from birth and death) to his devotees and benefited them very kindly.

Lesson 11. Practice unconditional love, no matter what others do to you. Forgive your enemies and move forward with life. In the material world, we may call ourselves friends, enemies, or relatives, but in the spiritual realm we are all one: Love and Light!

12. He knew all about time, but He lived one day at a time

Kanha was omniscient and had full knowledge of past, present, and the future. He knew fully well what was to come and yet He lived one day at a time — never thinking about the past, nor worrying about the future.

Lesson 12. Live in the present. As Baba says “Past is history; future is mystery.”

13. The Lord considered the Divine Name to be very dear

Once, there was a challenge wherein Lord Krishna was to be put on a scale and an amount of wealth equal to His weight was to be given away in charity. Mother Rukmini put forward all the wealth in the kingdom but the scale did not tilt even by a small amount.

Finally, on Narada’s advice one Tulsi leaf with the name of Lord Krishna inscribed on it was put on the other scale (minus all the material wealth). As soon as this was done, the scale balanced evenly with the Lord’s weight.

Lesson 13. The Lord’s name equals the Lord. The Divine Name is not an ordinary word. It encompasses all the divine potencies of the Lord Himself. Always chant the Divine Name. Even God cannot defeat a devotee who chants His name.

14. He never lost an opportunity to help others transform

When Gopala asked the village folk to stop praying to Lord Indra and offer worship to Govardhana Mountain (which afforded them with life’s daily necessities), Indra was offended and sent forth a torrent of rain and floods to Gokula village. The innocent village folk ran to Lord Krishna, who was their only succor in this hour of need.

Krishna had His own plans. He wanted to humble the king of deities, Indra. With just a tiny tip of his last finger, Krishna raised the entire mountain and held it uplifted for several days and nights. The villagers rushed under the mountain and were untouched by the rain or floods. Such was the power of Krishna.

Seeing this miracle, Indra rushed to the site and fell at Krishna’s feet. He was completely transformed.

Lesson 14. Share your knowledge about God with others. Don’t force them, but do your best to help them transform.

15. Humility incarnate

Although the Lord of the entire creation, Krishna was most humble. He always respected His parents, guru, and elders, and was always anxious to please them. All deities, powers, and beings in the universe were eager to serve the Lord, but He always carried on His daily work on His own, without anyone’s assistance. Much to the contrary, he made attempts to assist others.

Lesson 15. Trees bearing heavy fruits, bend down. Even if you have accomplished great things, always remain humble and serve your fellow-beings with utmost humility.

On Raksha Bandhan Day We Reminisce Lord Krishna and Draupadi’s Bond

Sweet-Tasting Water Miraculously Manifests At Om Sai Mandir On New Year’s Day 2014

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Today, January 01, 2014, New Year’s Day, we witnessed a strange manifestation at Om Sai Mandir. After finishing the morning Rudra/Sai Abhishekam, we saw streams of water emanating from a picture of Baba’s feet. The water was unmistakably sweet. Devotees were present when the water manifested from Swami’s feet.

On previous occasions, devotees have felt the appearance of vibhuti from the same picture. For the benefit of devotees, we are providing pictures from the miracle:

The arrow points to streams of water flowing while a bigger drop is circled

This is a close-up of Baba’s feet. The manifestation of holy water can be clearly seen within the circle.

Another view of the water stream flowing through Baba’s feet.

Baba Appears At Tirupathi

The Archakas of Tirupati have the habit of looking at the feet of Balaji Bhagwan and taking Padanamaskar before Suprabhatam (where God is woken up). They open their eyes only after this procedure.

One of the senior most archakas suddenly had a feeling one day that even after having served the Lord for 40 years, he was not fortunate enough to have his darshan. He prayed emotionally that if he had been sincere in his duty towards the lord, then the Lord must some day grant His darshan.

The next day, as usual when the archakas went into the sanctum sanctorum for padanamaskar, the senior most archaka went in first. As he reached for the feet of the idol, his hands could feel the moist feet of a human body. As he reached for the feet again and again, the same thing happened. He called out to the other Archakas and told them his experience. The other archakas too experienced the same warmth. For a moment the archakas got agitated and felt that some miscreant would be standing there but who could be so insolent to stand on the lord’s idol and that too when the sanctorum was thoroughly checked before being locked. Who could it be? Was it an illusion?.. Just that moment the archaka remembered the prayer that came out of him the day before. A thought flashed through his mind…..Was it the Lord himself?

He hurriedly removed the covering and opened his eyes. What he saw shocked him. He gave out a shriek, hearing which the other archakas also removed their coverings and opened their eyes. A sense of disbelief went through them on what they saw. The idol was gone and Sri Satya Sai Baba was standing in its place. Baba was standing in Chatur Bhuja form (with four arms). Baba was smiling. He looked at the senior most archaka and said–”You wanted to see me. I am here. What do you want?” The archaka was stunned and asked –”When did I ask to see you? In fact, I asked for darshan of my Lord Sri Balaji.” Baba replied –”I am your Lord Sri Balaji.” Taken aback by this reply the archakas asked again–”How can you be Lord Balaji? You have always said You are Shiva-Shakti Swarupa. How then can you say you are Vaikunthathi-pathi Balaji?” Baba softly replied–”All are one, my dear children. God is one. He manifests in different forms and man worships the form to which he is most attached. All faiths are paths leading to the same goal. Why then do you see the difference?” Baba spoke again–”I have come not to disturb any faith but to confirm everyone in his own faith. I respond to everyone with whatever name you call me. You wanted to see the Lord in form of Balaji and so here I am to fulfill your wish.” So saying Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba dissappeared and the idol of Bhagwan Balaji was back in its place. Silence prevailed for some time. Later the archakas handed over the administration of the temple temporarily to their juniors and rushed to Puttaparthy.

The next day the they were made to sit in front and as Bhagwan Baba came out for darshan, they sat with eyes glued at Him. As Baba came nearer, their hearts leapt in excitement. Baba maintained a little distance from them, looked sharply in their eyes, and asked –”Today how have you broken the tradition. Every day morning, you look first at my feet and then at my physical frame. Today you are looking at my face first without even taking padnamaskar.” As the archakas heard this, they fell at Baba’s feet. Baba took them to the interview room and spoke for a long time.

Millions Bathe In Ganga To Wash Their Sins, But She Washes Baba’s Feet

The origins of Ganga are divine. When Lord Vishnu assumed the Vamana Avatar (a short Brahmin child-like incarnation), he visited Emperor Bali and asked for land that he could occupy with just three steps. The emperor was very proud of his accomplishments and mocked the folly of the Brahmin for requesting such a trifle. Little did He know that the person asking for the gift was none other than God. Bali consented and, lo, the Brahmin child started growing to gigantic proportions. Within just a few seconds, He occupied all the three worlds. With His gigantic form, the Lord placed one foot on earth and the second in the heavens. With just two steps He reclaimed all that belonged to the Emperor.

When the Lord asked Bali to live up to his promise of giving land equivalent to three steps, Bali placed his head in obeisance and asked the Lord to bless him.

When the Lord’s feet were in the heavens, Lord Brahma (creator) rushed to the place and bathed Vishnu’s feet with water. It is said that this holy, sanctified water assumed the form of Ganga and now runs through earth to purify countless individuals every single day.

While she has the ability to sanctify millions of sinners, she herself washes Baba’s feet. In both Shirdi and Parthi Sai avatars, Baba demonstrated this truth.

Why visit Prayag? Everything is at my feet

Once, Das Ganu, a follower of Baba, wanted to visit Prayag to bathe in the holy river. As he requested Baba’s permission, the latter said, “Our Prayag is here, believe me.” As soon as Ganu placed his head at Baba’s feet, streams of Ganga and Yamuna miraculously started flowing from Baba’s feet.

Ocean welcomed Baba with a garland

When Swami was on a tour to Kanyakumari, Baba was at the shore with a band of followers. As Baba stood there looking glorious like a million suns, He stood facing the waters and made an emphatic declaration: “See, the ocean is welcoming me with a garland.”

Almost immediately, a wave moved swiftly toward the shore, touched Baba’s feet humbly, and receded as soon as it had performed its worship. When everyone looked at Baba’s feet, an exquisite and extremely beautiful pearl necklace was encircling Baba’s holy feet.

Baba Appeared In The Middle Of The Sea To Save A Sinking Ship

The book Sri Sai The Superman narrates a wonderful story about how Baba rescued a devotee in dire distress. It so happened that during the Russo-Japanese war, a devotee of Baba was commissioned as the captain of a ship. When the war reached its peak, all his steamers (baring a few) were sunk by the enemy lines and the opposing forces were keen on sinking his ship as well.

Just when his ship was about to sink, he took out a picture of Baba and with tear-filled eyes pleaded to Baba to come and save him. No sooner did he complete his prayers, Baba appeared on the scene and pulled the ships away to safety. The devotee was so grateful for this act of grace.

What’s more? Baba corroborated this miracle for devotees who were seated in His presence. Just when this incidence happened, Baba muttered an incorrigible “Oh!” out of the blue. Immediately, His entire dress was soaked with water and the space around Him (in Dwarakamai) was filled with a small pool of water. Devotees around Baba were confused by this incidence but knew there must be some explanation for the sudden manifestation of water.

After three days, a telegram arrived in Shirdi from Jahangiri Framji Daruwala, who wrote in to express his gratitude for Baba’s grace. It was then that all the devotees understood the meaning of the marvelous deed that Baba had performed.

Can a human appear in the middle of the ocean and pull giant ships to safety?

Through this incidence, Baba has given us an assurance that whenever we feel the ship of our life sinking in the ocean of samsara (worldliness), we can boldly call out to Him. He will surely come and rescue us. Sai is always with us.

Invisible Baba: How An Inanimate Camera Obeyed Baba’s Supreme Command

Baba Can Change Destiny Itself

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The warmth of sincere devotion can melt God’s butter-soft heart in an instant, and in response to a devotee’s plea the Lord becomes like a servitor, willing to extend any service possible.

When the call is sincere, He will alter even destiny and rescue devotees from sorrow. This has been the experience of innumerable devotees.

Once, a mother-in-law was fortunate enough to experience this grace. She was a pious lady who had a big family with many sons and daughter-in-laws. Despite experiencing all forms of happiness, she was not at peace, for none of her children were able to become parents. She visited Puttaparthi with utmost reverence and placed her sorrow at the feet of the Lord of Parthi. He heard her request with compassion but explained that none of her family members were destined to become parents–that was their fate.

She was disheartened but she firmly held Sai’s feet and with tear-filled eyes begged Him to intercede. Swami was moved and asked if she believed in Him. She calmly said that His will was supreme and that He could alter destiny itself, if He so willed. Swami was touched by her faith and blessed her. The following year, she came with beautiful grand children.

Obedience to God’s teachings is a sure way to draw His response and when a devotee adapts his lifestyle to match Baba’s teachings, Baba is sure to save such a devotee from even the most unalterable writ of destiny.

In the Sai Satcharita, there are numerous instances where a devotee was to meet death or a terrible accident, but Baba intervened and saved the devotee.

Once a devotee was intent on visiting Chitali on business purpose. Just before the visit, Baba warned the devotee of upcoming danger. Shirdi Baba posed his hand in the form of a snake and said: “The lamba buva (snake) is dangerous but what can he do to the children of Dwarakamai. The presiding deity (Baba) is merciful; He will always protect.”

In compliance with Baba’s warning and instructions, the devotee took Shama on the trip. True to his word, just when the devotee was reading a newspaper a snake was found unnoticed, but Shama noticed the snake and quickly called for help. Needless to say, the devotee’s life was saved. There are many such instances where Baba saved devotees from accidents and even predictions of sure death.

God is so merciful, He cannot but run for His devotees. He is like the hard-working mother who is always busy performing routine household chores–in His case, cosmic-duties. Despite her burdens, the mother always provides for the children’s needs and keeps a watchful eye on them. The children may not know or realize this.

When they are safe or at play, she continues performing her chores, but if a child starts crying inconsolably, she will leave everything and run to console her darling. Similarly, God, who bears the love of a thousand mothers, rushes to respond to His children’s calls. His simple words will allay all fears and fulfill devotees’ wishes.

Characteristic Of A Devotee

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A Sai devotee was once speaking to a friend when the latter randomly popped a question: “Since you have been His devotee for so long, I am sure your life must be very smooth, right?” The devotee was taken aback by the question because he had never visualized his relationship with Baba from a business perspective. He always enjoyed the love he felt for Baba and the love he received in return. There was never any bargain or requests. The friend’s question, however, prompted the devotee to introspect.

In fact, the devotee’s life was a hodge-podge of turbulent circumstances. There was a constant barrage of challenges and difficulties that left him with little room to live peacefully. From financial challenges to health issues and family hostilities, he had experienced all of that. He finally asked Baba, “Why so many difficulties when I pray to you?”

The compassionate Lord assured him as follows:

“My Beloved, can you ever measure the depth of the ocean with a small measuring container? The worldly perspective that your friend offered was like a small cup, whereas my grace is like the ocean. How can you measure one with the other? The hallmark of true devotion is not measured by the number (or absence) of worldly difficulties. For a true Sai devotee, the entire world is filled with Sai. Where does the question of difficulty ever arise? One’s devotion is tested on the basis of equanimity, fortitude, faith, love, and an attitude of selfless service and sacrifice. Problems are not the touchstone for measuring devotion.”

Didn’t Jesus, Mira, Buddha Hanuman face difficulties? Yet, despite the plethora of challenges they always smiled and resorted to God’s name, without ever swerving from the path leading to God. Despite the difficulties, they marched on knowing fully-well that all the “so called challenges” would foster their latent dispassion and devotion even further.

In ancient days, a guru called upon his disciple and asked him to plough a barren field. The disciple was so humble, he eagerly undertook the task without ever questioning the wisdom of working on a dry field. Even though the land was useless, the lad had utmost faith that due to his guru’s grace it will soon be transformed into a fertile, crop-ladden field. Day and night, the young boy toiled on the land, at times putting up with the ridicule of lazy onlookers.

For many years there was no result. In fact, his efforts appeared to be wasted. This did not deter him, though, and he continued his efforts with utmost faith. This went on for many, many years and one day the boy felt exhausted. Just as he was about the give up, the guru appeared on the scene miraculously and asked the boy what had transpired during the course of several years.

As the boy recounted the story of his failed effort, the guru smiled with a beaming light and asked the lad to look at himself. The young boy who was initially a weak creature had transformed into a young man with a rugged, muscular form and an unconquerable degree of strength. Not only that, he also breathed an aura of satisfaction, wisdom, and experience that could never be matched. Due to his implicit obedience, he had grown spiritually as well.

Indeed, the transformation was remarkable. Now, the guru asked him to look at the field. What did he find? Thousands of precious stones lay all over the field. These were hidden gems that only the guru knew about. Apparently, the guru wanted to bring these out through the boy’s tireless efforts.

God is like that too. He commands us to dig deep into our hearts and even though on the surface it may appear barren, underneath the dry appearance are pearls of wisdom, compassion, devotion, and love. Our initial efforts may appear wasted but if we persevere, one day God Himself will bring out all the treasures for us.

The truth is that suffering forms the basis of future success and through every painful experience we manage to acquire precious pearls of wisdom and become worthy recipients of the Lord’s grace.

Baba Commanded And, Lo, Dead Seeds Blossomed Into A Huge Tree

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Scriptures have proclaimed that the thought of a pure yogi is like a river that reaches its destination, often making its way by cutting through rocks and stones. Nothing can stop the flow of a river. As a mere child, Hanuman gulped down the entire sun as if it were a mere fruit. If a pure devotee can hold that much power, imagine how much more powerful Lord Sainath would be?

Some of us innocently assume Baba’s divine words to be ordinary discourses. The truth, however, is that every syllable uttered by Baba has a profound impact. If Baba were to ever command the sun not to rise, it surely will not. Such is the power of Baba’s will.

During His avataric career as both Shirdi Sai and Parthi Sai, Baba often demonstrated this truth. On one occasion, there was an intense storm in Shirdi. The fury of nature was such that it threatened to submerge the entire village into oblivion. Seeing his devotees in despair, Baba roared at the storm: “Stop your fury!” No sooner did Baba command the clouds, the rain subsided immediately.

On another occasion, a devotee wanted to plant a certain tree near Dwarkamai, Shirdi. He lovingly bought the seeds and came rushing to Baba. In his eagerness, he explained to Baba that he wanted to plant the tree and that Baba should give him permission. For some reason, Baba was reluctant to accede to the request and said “No!” This refusal was enough to cast a gloom and the devotee returned to his home. In fact, he was so disappointed he refused food and water. Internally, the devotee was truly hurting for not being allowed to plant the tree.

After a few days, the seeds dried and reached a “dead state” where they could not germinate any further. The devotee was still hurting, though. Seeing his child-like faith, Baba’s heart melted and he called the devotee and chastised him for refusing food and water. When he burst into tears, Baba’s mother-like heart could not see it any more. Baba immediately pronounced a benediction: “Go and plant the dead seeds. Even though they have become useless, due to My will they will germinate into a fine tree.” Baba’s will is supreme. Indeed the dead seeds germinated into a tree.

The Guru Charitra recounts the story of Narhari Sharma, who was afflicted with leprosy. After several failed medical treatments, he lost hope and visited Lord Dattatreya. His honest prayers melted the Lord’s butter-like heart instantly. On seeing him the Divine Lord said: “Even though the disease is a consequence of your wicked deeds in a past life, it will be wiped out. If you have faith in my word, plant the dead branch of a Fig tree at the Sangama and go on watering it every day. You will be healed on the day the stumps put forth leaves!”

The devotee took this advice very seriously and started watering the dead branch every single day. Those around him mocked this act and tried to dissuade him. They could not believe that a dead branch could ever produce leaves. Narhari was determined, though, and decided to pursue his faith with ever-increasing zeal. Indeed, one day the dead branch produced leaves and at that very instant his disease vanished miraculously.

This universe was created by God. His will is supreme. If we pray to Him with faith, He can make the impossible, possible.