The Vanity of Praise

In one of my conversations with Bholebabaji, he once said to me, “Beta, hamesha yaad rakhna, prashansa zehar hai. Ache ache Yogi bhool jate hain ki Karta Parmatma hai…” (Child always remember, that praise is poison. Even accomplished Yogi’s forget that the Doer is God….)

This struck a deep chord with me and remained dear to my heart ever since. When compiling the book on Annasaheb’s life, I noticed he too had laid great emphasis on just merely being an instrument of Lord Sai Baba.

In the satsangs, Pujya Dharmadas Baba too would often emphasise this point. He would sarcastically clap his hands and ask what one would you get by the empty praise and claps of society? “Nothing. Just know for certain it’s the doorway to one’s downfall.”

In the beautiful documentary film we published recently “The Life of Siddhas” where Pujya Dharmadas Baba spoke about His Gurus. Bapa recollected an important incident.

His Guruji Sevaram Baba gave the same advice to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji would often come to seek His blessings. Baba forewarned Him, “Ab tum Mahatma ho, bad-mein, aazadi Milne ke baad bhi tum Mahatma hi rehna.” (Now you are a pious man, after independence too, do remain pious.)

Similarly Sri Sai Baba too held countless devotees accountable when they had the slightest sense of pride. He would prohibit some from entering Dwarkamai, sometimes ask for dakshina and empty them, then ask them to borrow so they could give dakshina, etc.. to empty their pride.

Especially in the realm of experiences today, this one point is essential to keep in mind. When experiences happen it is by the grace of God. It is an answer to our prayers, the reciprocation of our love, but if pride arises in the slightest, that closes the doors to grace.

That closing will not make itself apparent. Life will often test one in hidden and mysterious ways.

Therefore the wise sages were always silent. Humility is a great virtue.