Glossary

Alms begged by a monk; Sai Baba lived by begging food daily.

A story or discourse that imparts spiritual knowledge or moral teaching.

Knowledge of the Absolute (Brahman). The ultimate realization of the self as one with the universe.

The Ultimate Reality or Cosmic Spirit in Hindu philosophy.

The village meeting place where Baba slept on alternate nights.

Purification of the mind or heart. A prerequisite for true spiritual knowledge and the grace of the Guru to manifest.

Monetary offering given to the Guru, symbolizing surrender of attachment.

Religious Pride. The rigid pride one holds regarding their own religion, believing it to be superior to others, which hinders spiritual progress.

The perpetual sacred fire in Dwarkamai maintained by Sai Baba. The ash (Udi) from this fire is distributed to devotees for protection and healing.

The dilapidated mosque where Sai Baba lived for 60 years, which he called the 'Mother of Mercy'.

The place under the Neem tree where Baba was first seen as a young yogi.

The early morning prayer sung to wake up the Lord.

Divine play or sport of the Incarnation, often referring to the stories of their life.

The garden Baba tended to, where the Nanda Deep (perpetual lamp) burns.

The great or final Samadhi; the conscious, voluntary act of a realized soul leaving the physical body, as performed by Sai Baba in 1918.

The practice of constant remembrance and chanting of the Divine Name.

The nine forms of devotion: Shravanam (Hearing), Kirtanam (Singing), Smaranam (Remembering), Padasevanam (Serving Feet), Archanam (Worshipping), Vandanam (Bowing), Dasyam (Servitude), Sakhyam (Friendship), Atmanivedanam (Surrender).

Worship of the formless, attributeless God. A higher state of worship often difficult for ordinary humans to grasp without first surrendering to a Guru.

Selfless action performed without the desire for fruits or rewards, dedicating the action entirely to the Divine to purify the mind (Chitta Shuddhi).

Palanquin procession, held every Thursday in Shirdi.

Sectarian Pride. The arrogance or pride associated with one's own sect or lineage, often becoming a terrifying obstacle on the spiritual path.

The highest form of speech or sound, originating from the deepest level of consciousness, where the chanting becomes effortless.

Patient endurance, perseverance, and waiting with hope. It is the second of the two pillars of Sai Baba's path.

Worship of God with form and attributes (like an idol or a Guru). Sai Baba clarified that one often needs to pass through this to reach the formless state.

The temple where Sai Baba's body is interred and worshipped.

The order of renunciation; but Baba taught inner renunciation over outer attire.

The night prayer sung before the Lord goes to sleep.

Unwavering faith and trust in the Guru not just in good times but through all trials.

The first step of Nav Vidha Bhakti; listening to the stories and glories of the Lord or the Guru with a pure heart.

A bouquet of hymns/praises. A specific composition by Das Ganu Maharaj in praise of Sai Baba, which Baba held in high regard.

Literally 'betel leaf seller'. Baba used this term metaphorically for those who hate or reject the Guru after their selfish needs are not met.

Literally 'oil-presser'. Baba used this term metaphorically to describe 'clingy' devotees who stick to the Guru only for selfish desires.

The three Goddesses: Lakshmi (Wealth/Will), Saraswati (Knowledge), and Kali (Power/Action).

The sacred ash from Baba's Dhuni (perpetual fire), believed to have miraculous healing powers and symbolizing the transient nature of life.

The path of the bird. A direct, rapid flight to liberation or spiritual ascent, as opposed to the slower path of the ant (Pipilika Marg).

An era or epoch in Hindu cosmology (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, Kali).