M. B. Rege
A judge’s account of visions, surrender and the Guru’s living guidance.
Sai BabaDevotee experienceVolume 3
The chapter
Before meeting Sai Baba, M. B. Rege had already devoted himself to prayer, Gayatri, meditation and breath-control. In 1910 he experienced three successive visions: first he saw his body lying apart from him; then Vishnu pointed out Sai Baba as the Guru he must seek; finally he was taken to Shirdi and placed his head at Baba’s feet.
When Rege later reached Shirdi and bowed before Baba, Baba initially rebuked him for worshipping a man. Rege withdrew, stunned, and waited. When Baba was alone, he called Rege back, embraced him and explained, “You are my child. When strangers are in the company, we keep the children off.” The rebuff became the sign that Baba had accepted him as a disciple.
Baba sent Rege to Ramakrishna Ayi, who served devotees as a mother. Together they practised Sai-nama japa and learned to value inner absorption over outward display. Baba later told Rege that books were not his essential path: keeping Baba in the heart and harmonising head and heart were enough, while still recommending sacred works to devotees who needed them.
Rege also describes Baba’s guidance in bringing P. R. Avaste to Shirdi despite Avaste’s loyalty to another Guru and practical obstacles. Across these experiences, Rege presents Baba not merely as a teacher but as the living Guru whose love, correction and insight draw a devotee toward surrender.
What this account invites us to reflect on
Rege’s story moves from spiritual practice and intellectual seeking to relationship with the Guru. Baba’s sternness, affection and silence all serve the same purpose: to turn devotion from an idea into a lived trust.
Editorial note: This page is a concise paraphrase for web presentation and does not reproduce the complete chapter. Please consult the original PDF for the full account and wording.