Shri Sai Sat Charitra-Chapter XXIV-Part IV

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Anna Chinchanikar vs. Mavsibai

Hemadpant now describes another witty incident, in which Baba played a peacemaker's part. There was one devotee by name Damodar Ghanashyama Babare alias Anna Chinchanikar. He was simple, rough and straightforward. He cared for nobody, always spoke plainly and carried all dealings in cash. Though he looked outwardly harsh and uncompromising, he was good natured and guileless. So Sai Baba loved him.

Sai Ram. Remember the Rohilla, who was apparently very rough, but whose singing of the kalmas from Quran was appreciated by Baba? Baba always looked into our hearts. Sai Ram.

One day, like others serving Baba in their own way, this Anna was, one noon standing prone and was shampooing the left arm of Baba, which rested on the kathada (railing). On the right side, one old widow named Venubai Koujalgi whom Baba called mother and all others Mavsibai was serving Baba in her own way. This Mavsibai was an elderly woman of pure heart. She clasped the fingers of both her hands round the trunk of Baba and was at this time kneading Baba's abdomen. She did this so forcibly that Baba's back and abdomen became flat (one) and Baba moved from side to side. Anna on the other side was steady, but Mavsibai's face moved up and down with her strokes.

Sai Ram. Baba accepted different sevas offered by various devotees with a pure heart but refused any such seva or service if offered with an impure heart. Sai Ram.

Once it so happened that her face came very close to Anna's. Being of a witty disposition she remarked - "Oh, this Anna is a lewd (bad) fellow, he wants to kiss me. Even being so old with grey hair he feels no shame in kissing me." These words enraged Anna and he pulled up his sleeves and said - "You say that I am an old bad fellow, am I quite a fool? It is you that have picked up a quarrel and are quarreling with me". All the persons, present there were enjoying this encounter between them. Baba, Who loved both of them equally and wanted to pacify them, managed the affair very skillfully. Lovingly He said - "Oh Anna, why are you unnecessarily raising this hue and cry? I do not understand what harm or impropriety is there, when the mother is kissed?" Hearing these words of Baba, both of them were satisfied and all the persons laughed merrily and enjoyed Baba's wit to their heart's content.

Sai Ram. Though it is given here as a witty story, it contains really deep spiritual gems. Only an innocent child can kiss the mother (and other grown up women) without any tinge of sexuality and with pure love. That is what we should possess toward all women. It was not for nothing that Baba used to address all women as mother. He was setting an example to all of us. A man is allowed a woman (his wife) to satisfy his sexual desires in a dharmic way (and to keep the process of creation going). Once they grow old, he is supposed to look upon all women including his wife as embodiments of the Divine Mother. Thus the story has some great morals. Every woman, except one's wife (except as stated above), is to be looked upon as Mother or Sister (aspect of the Divine Mother) and every Indian woman is thrilled to be addressed as amma (mother). Thus, the intention is important in every word, touch or action. A good act done with a bad intention is bad. The same act done with a pure intention is good. Water by itself is pure but is easily contaminated by dirt and impurities. Similarly mind's thoughts are easily contaminated by selfishness and desire to enjoy sensory pleasures. Kissing is thus a pure act when done with a good intention. Baba brought forth a great spiritual truth through the above incident. Sai Ram.