Chakra Narain
A Christian police officer observes Baba’s freedom from wealth, desire and religious division.
Sai BabaDevotee experienceVolume 3
The chapter
Chakra Narain was a Christian police officer ordered to watch Sai Baba and the money that came to him. He did not begin as a believer, but observation changed his view. Women placed their heads at Baba’s feet, yet Baba showed no attraction toward wealth or desire. He accepted what people freely gave, distributed food to beggars, and gave away money as soon as it arrived; when he died, only sixteen rupees remained.
When people objected that Chakra Narain was a Christian, Baba answered, “What of that? He is my brother.” Narain also witnessed Baba’s knowledge of hidden circumstances. A police officer who claimed to have no money was told to look in his purse, where a fifty-rupee note was found. Baba kept only a small part and told him to retain the balance because trouble was coming; the officer later needed that money and sent the balance to Shirdi in gratitude.
Narain also records the use of Baba’s udhi in illness and the way Baba’s charity crossed religious boundaries. The officer’s surveillance thus became a record of detachment, generosity, clairvoyant knowledge and brotherhood rather than evidence against Baba.
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.