Disclaimer: This is not to defame anybody.
A man: Baba Ji. I am your follower and have been attending your seminars in various parts of the country. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak here.
Baba Ji, I am not doing good in business these days. There are huge losses and there is nothing which is like before. Please help.
Nirmal Baba: Brother, I am seeing a cassette (What?? Which era is Baba living in?). Have you bought a new one?
Man: (after some thinking) Oh, Baba. Yes, I went to a shrine a few days back and a vendor outside was playing it (not cassette!!). I liked the Holy lyrics too much but did not buy, though I wanted to.
Baba: Go there today again, and buy that. Kripa Aane lagegi???
A Woman: Baba! I have seen you a lot on TV and I am privileged to appear here today.
Baba Ji, my husband is not doing well in his business these days. We are devastated.
Baba: Dear Sister, (his eyes looking into infinite universe) I am seeing Pears Soap? What’s that.
Woman: Pears?? Ah, Peearss! Baba, we used to use it earlier, but now we use ___. We don’t have money enough to buy that.
Baba: Start Pears again…
Woman: (Interrupting) But Baba Ji we can’t afford that.
Baba: You must have a big heart if you want to succeed. That’s why you are suffering. Start using it again and you will see kripa aane lagegi. And do donate 10 % of your incomes. (He don’t say it, but means 10 % be donated to his trust, not for community service)!!
A Woman: Babaji, greetings. I am honored to stand in front of you with my troubles.
Babaji, My husband is not well and that’s why our work is suffering. He is unable to concentrate on work & we are under debt because his medical bills are too much too.
Baba: (confused look) which deity do you worship?
Woman : Vaishno Devi
Baba: But you haven’t been there in a long time??
Woman: Baba Ji, now our finances don’t allow us to travel long distance. I have come here with lot of hope.
Baba: I am seeing a silk saree too. Whats that?
Woman: (Still figuring out) Oh, I went with my sister in law for her wedding shopping some time back. I saw a silk saree and wanted to buy, but you know…(looking helpless)
Baba: Go to Vaishno Devi soon, and buy that saree too. Do keep donating 10 % of your incomes. Tabhi Kripa hogi.
A man: Babaji, I started a business and incurred heavy loss. Now, I have to do a job, pay back loans, take care of household etc. It’s very difficult to make the two ends meet. I am under tremendous stress.
Baba: Have you ever kept aside 10 % or any part of your earnings for donations/charity.
Man: No
Baba: I am seeing a Coca Cola. What’s that??
Man: Oh yes! I went to the market and it was scorching heat. I wanted to have a coke, but decided not to waste money instead.
Baba: If you guys will think just too small, what will you reap? Have chilled coke today, visit Sai Baba’s shrine in Shirdi, and do donate. Kripa zaroor hogi.
My Take : Sow good to reap good is what he conveys. He also asks to keep a certain % for charity. His words are kind, but his interpretations are selfish. I believe always do good but not that you will buy silk saree if you are unable to feed your children properly. A coke or Pears soap can’t save your day.
Any amount 2%, 5% or 10% you keep aside for good deeds should be a mix of donations at shrines (we do donate, and they also do community services like langar/donating quilts to poor etc.) & community service like feeding the poor, education/adopting the education of a child, senior citizen home/orphanages or paying someone poor’s medical bills. You may also consider donating to a poor girl’s marriage. This doesn’t mean you have to bear expenses for an open Heart surgery or a whole kanyadaan. Any help (big or small, full or part) is good for these people. Such options are available these days through NGOs also. But do check the authenticity beforehand. Do not give all to one trust/NGO or a Baba, because you don’t know how they are going to utilize it.
You are a better Judge. Take your call & Take care.
Anshuman Maini
