B. V. Dev
An interrupted reading, Baba’s “stolen rag” rebuke, and the difference between borrowed stories and lived experience.
Sai BabaDevotee experienceVolume 3
The chapter
B. V. Dev was studying Eknath and Jnaneswar’s works when repeated obstacles prevented him from completing a reading of the Jnaneswari. He took the book to Baba and offered one rupee, but Baba demanded twenty. When Dev later tried to hear Balakram Manker describe his experiences, Baba summoned him, demanded twenty-five rupees, and angrily accused him of stealing Baba’s rag.
After the outburst, Baba explained that Dev should read the Jnaneswari daily at the wada. Dev obeyed, and the obstacles ceased. In a dream Baba then told him that he was reading too quickly and should read Adhyatma Ramayana with greater attention. Dev understood the completed reading as Baba’s direct gift, while second-hand accounts were only “rags” compared with personal experience.
Baba later asked for four guineas and said that although four had been given, he had received only one. Dev interpreted this as the surrender of the mind’s fourfold inner instrument—manas, buddhi, ahamkara and chitta—into the unity of the Jiva with Baba.
Dev’s service continued through his work for the Sansthan and through helping others consult Baba’s guidance. His chapter follows the change from collecting stories about Baba to allowing Baba to direct one’s own reading, conduct and spiritual surrender.
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.