Professor of Geology & Chemistry in College of Engineering, Deccan Gymkhana, age 53, Brahmin, Poona.
10th, 20th, 25th, 28th May 1936.
Karma and Reincarnation
These were frequently referred to by him. "We must sow good (results) in this life and the next" was the truth that underlay many of the stories he told. He frequently referred to past lives of others and occasionally referred to the future lives of some. No one moving with him could have even a momentary doubt about post mortem existence and the existence of other worlds than this, wherein rewards and punishments for acts done here would be reaped. These are Hindu doctrines and beliefs. Coming to the question of Baba's Hinduism or other religion - Baba never declared (so far as I know) whether he belonged to any religion, caste, creed, etc. He was above all. But he has mentioned and done several things showing his relation to Hinduism.
I have heard Sai Baba say i.e., my Guru is a Brahmin.
Baba's Attitude to Hinduism and Brahmins
Baba had a great regard for the B.Gita, Bhawartha Ramayana, Eknath Bhagwata, Panchadashi, Yoga Vasishta, the Puranas, etc. His talks had reference to the contents of these often. When Jnanadeva's Arati was begun, he would sit up, fold his hands joining his palms in front of his chest in token of reverence and close his eyes. About Panchadashi, he said to Mr.Khaparde (as I heard) This is our treasury, i.e., it contains whatever is valuable for our spiritual welfare. I know personally his reverence for Yoga Vasishta. One day, in my early days (1914), Baba asked me several times to give him Rs.15 as Dakshina. I had no money and he knew that fully well. So when I was alone with him, I said, "Baba, you know I have no money and why do you ask me for Rs.15 Dakshina?" Baba answered that he knew my impecunious condition well enough. "But", he added, "you are reading Yoga Vasishta now. The part you are now reading is specially important. Get me Rs.15 Dakshina from that". I was reading Yoga Vasishta. Getting money out of it was deriving valuable lessons therefrom; and giving the money to Baba meant of course lodging the lessons in my heart, where he stayed as my Antaryami. I also know that he held Rama and Krishna in great reverence.
Baba and Maharashtra Satpurushas
Baba had great reverence for Saints like Jnaneshwar, Tukaram. What were the aims and the virtues needed for achieving them in Sai Baba's view and what sadhanas did he favour?