Kishinchand Lakhwani Conversations
2014 – 2018 Related in many WhatsApp conversations mainly by Kishinchand Lakhwani
Memories of Hazrat Sain Nasir Fakir Soofi Al-Qadri
Whatsapp Conversations
Introduction
The conversations in this booklet were on a ‘WhatsApp’ group named ‘Jalalani’ among older and newer disciples of our beloved Dargah Jalalani Sharif. While there are tapes with our Sainji’s voice, it is hard for most people to decipher words and meaning. Also, we have two websites, books, and translation of Sainji’s ‘Rehan’ (conversations about life, faith etc.) and an English translation, we do not have stories or experiences related by some older disciples who were either present, took ‘naam’ or interacted with Sainji and can share their thoughts, real events, or a few dreams. Most disciples are unwilling to share their dreams or spiritual experiences while awake for fear of violating instructions to not make them public, there is a huge benefit to sharing them also. Newer disciples are thirsty and eager to hear these stories, so their faith is shored up. After all, Sainji has also said if you cannot meditate enough, at least spend some time in ‘sangat’ (company with similar minded people) where spiritual conversations can be shared. Undoubtedly, there are some experiences that just cannot be shared as they are personal and if shared, disciples feel it shows pride and ego (‘nafs’) to tell others about their spiritual level. Ego is one thing we all have been warned about. So, all of us have amazing experiences that have enriched our lives that simply cannot be revealed at least publicly. But, I would urge you to at least consider sharing them with loved ones, so these experiences can stay alive and at least passed along in families, while still holding our ego in check.
Most conversations are reported by ‘Mama’ Kishin (Kishinchand Lakhwani) who spent a longer time with Sainji at an age when he was able to understand the language, see his parents (Diwan Siroomal and Mrs. Siroomal Lakhwani) and brother (Lalchand Lakhwani) and observe Sainji up close. Some of us took our naam from Sainji but were very young. Our experiences were more with his descendants or some very elevated spiritual beings from Dargah Jhok Shareef. Certainly, Hazrat Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib, Hazrat Sain Irshad Ali Badshah and Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali have all kept our Sainji’s instructions in front of us and held our hands and supported our spiritual journey always.
If I have either misrepresented any conversation or hurt anyone’s feelings, I apologize. I did the best I could in editing the conversations that occurred over at least two years to keep them accurate. Mama (Uncle) Kishin has read my initial draft and we have further edited some things. It is important that these experiences are shared rather than go with us to be lost forever.
If any of you have spiritual questions after you read this, please ask the only person who can answer them: Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri.
Bhagwan Satiani (Recorder) for:
WhatsApp group “Jalalani” Group members (in no particular order): Kishinchand Lakhwani, Kamla Jethani, Auntie Sat Lakhwani, Bhagwan Satiani, Pushpa Parwani, Haresh Satiani, Rita Lakhwani, Mira Satiani, Neelam Jethani, Asha Satiani, Asha Lakhwani, Meera Golani, Koshi Lakhwani, Sachal Lakhwani, Asha Manghnani, Anmol Ram Lakhwani, Aarti Bachani and Asha Bachani.
Thoughts and memories (Kishinchand Siroomal Lakhwani)
Year 1959: OUR SAINBABA was in Karachi, my brother (Bhau Lalchand or Asoomal) requested Him to give Naam to Ram (his son) who was only 7 years old as he was born in 1953. In Hyderabad, Sainji told Bhau, Ram was too young hence to take naam from Sain Lutuf Ali (Sainji’s son). Later, Bhau kept quiet but Sainji could read his mind and you know what he told Bhau: He said you think we are two or separate? No, we are one hence don’t differentiate. Bhau forgot about this and later must have requested Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib several times but each time Sain would avoid it and say may be later. Finally, perhaps after one- year Bhau remembered Our Sainji’s words and realized his mistake and eventually Ram took naam from Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib. Basically, trying to say just as the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was fond of Hazrat Ali and said he held the treasure but the door was Hazrat Ali. Prophet Sahib (SAW) spread Sufism and the true secret path through Hazrat Ali.
Memory: Sainji’s surgery
One day before Sainji’s operation i.e. 25 December 1960 Sain Haji Mohd Waris came to see Him. Despite us asking him to sit on the chair he sat on the ground knees folded like in namaz and was in a serious mood as he tied a ‘taveez’ on Sainji’s arm. I was witnessing from Sainji’s feet side standing next to bathroom door in Ramesh’s hall. Only once Sainji looked towards me and my 6th sense said Sainji was leaving this mortal world hence giving away some ‘amanat’ to Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib.
After the operation was over in the evening, Sainji spent a very restless night and some us were taking turns for night duty. I returned home somewhere about mid nite the next morning. Bhau Asoomal asked me to go to Jhok Sharif along with Sain Haji MW sahib as it was mela of Datapir. Sahib and Ama was coming there from Berani. As we all know our Sainji passed on the same nite though He looked very well earlier that morning when we went to say goodbye along with Sain HMW sahib.
Memory: Sainji travels to guide another Sufi
Whenever Sainji came for mela he would make several stops as per invitations of murids. Like Hyderabad, Berani, Shahdadpur, Nawab shah and so forth till Sain’s goth (village). During one such return trip at Nawab shah stop He suddenly announced that He would be returning to Hyderabad. Everyone was surprised to be returning to Hyderabad instead going to Dr Lalas house or Aunty Kikoos father. They all went straight to Dargah Sain Qutub Shah who was Guru of Sain Rochaldas. His grandson Sain Hadi Sain was standing outside on the road to receive our Sainji. Senior disciples said Hadi Sain took our Sain inside a room and made Sain sit on charpai and sat down on the floor at His feet. After some time Sainji came out and back to Nawab shah and the next day to Sain’s Goth. After lot of begging, He told murids that Sainji was asked by Sain Shahid Himself to go back and guide Hadi Sain as he needed help on his spiritual path!
Memory: about our Sainji’s Murshid
One day Sain’s Guru asked Him to contemplate about Hazrat Ali. After a few weeks when His Guru came to meet Him he literally bowed before Him. Sain was shocked and asked His Guru why He had bowed before Sain. The reply was: Do you think it is easy to look in the eyes of Hazrat Ali? Meaning his Guru could see Hazrat Ali in Sainji’s eyes or put it another way: Sainji has totally immersed himself in Hazrat Ali.
Memory about someone talking about our Sainji
There was a saint living about 20 miles away from Sain goth. Sainji told everyone that if u want darshan of Hazrat Ali go and see him. His name was Sain Qassim shah and when people visited him do you know what he told them? He said, “If you want to see God go and meet OUR SAIN SAHIB.”!
Memory: Respect for our Sainji
- The gadi nashin of great saint, a disciple of Jhok Sharif Sain Dalpatram. I think whenever Sain Anandram visited Sainji he would take off his shoes and walk barefoot about 20 km from Setharja railway station and meet Sainji. That is the kind of respect he got from saints who recognized Him. Sain Hadibux father of Sain Haji Mohd Waris also Gadi Nashin of Dargah Jhok Sharif literally used to touch His feet. Other disciples would ask Hadi Sain why? He said he could only see his own father i.e. Sainji’s Guru in him.
- One day at Dargah Jhok Sharif, Sainji went to see Sain Rakhyal Shah in the bari (small living quarter) next to ours. During their conversation old disciples accompanying Sainji said: Do you know what Sain Rakhyal Shah said to Him? He told Him that you have drank away the whole ocean and have left nothing for us meaning that you have emptied all the spirituality in existence pointing to the highest status of Our Sainji.
Memory about meditation
Ok let us start this was told to me and Bhau by his name sake. Lalchand. Once, he visited Berani and we listened to him the full night, still not wanting to get up with no match for his style of narration. He told us that Sain Shah Qalander was never a ‘gadinashin’ but his elder brother was; so, one day he left Jhok Sharif and after few days settled in village and started his meditation how?
By sitting on a thick ‘lakri’ (piece of wood) put across a well and he sat on top riding on it like on horse and meditated for full 10 yrs. In case of sleep he would fall in the well. He returned back when his elder brother died and the next gadinashin was his nephew who was pretty young. Murids requested Sain Shah Qalander.
Memory of Sain Baba
Our Own Bara Sain Himself has said two things in it. A He said His murshid Sain Abdul Sattar 1 said both father and son i.e. Sain Paryal Shah and Sain Mohsen shah come together in Lords court. Now, who will say that only one who himself is also present there 2. Again, on tape Sainji says when Sain Paryal Shah passed away a mast came for condolences to Sain Mohsen Shah. How? Well he arrived on a cane horse then met Sain Mohsen Shah not uttering a single word. Sain Mohsen Shah asked one person to offer mast a hookah he took three long sootas (deep inhales) like our Rita after 2nd puff Sain Mohsen Shah asked somebody to give a ralli to mast then after 3rd puff he left mounted his horse made of cane and disappeared. After his departure disciples asked Sain how he did not offer condolences? Sain replied in his 1st soota he did that in 2nd requested for ralli and in 3rd said good bye.
Ama once said that since we all became murids of Our Sain and barely went to Tando Saindad she felt Sain Alan Shah was a little reserved, so she mentioned this to Sain Bara on Datapir Sains mela. He told her not to worry after spending about a week at Jhok Sharif during which period Sain’s murshids mela day also falls in between. On their way back to Hyderabad Sainji decided to visit Tando Saindad dargah. Sain Allan Shah Sahib was totally surprised and realized humility and greatness of our Sainji paying respects at their dargah. Ama said after which all his reservations were gone and gave us same love!!
Our Baba (Siroomal Kripaldas Lakhwani) did not meditate much yet you know what are Sain’s words for him? ‘Darya uthli tho beri mei paway’. Means the sea or river turns and is falling in the boat rather than vice versa. Some disciples were Sains beloved. Of course, they loved Him too but it’s for the Guru to choose!
Other memories
# On the same note once at Jhok Sharif someone asked OUR SAIN BABA: Did Hazrat Data Dastagir Badshapir performed many many miracles? Sainji said beta he was a BELOVED of the Lord hence called Mehboob Subhani hence no comparisons with him.
# One morning we went down and were immediately asked by Dr Nachaldas (Sainji’s companion and ‘doctor’) to approach Sain Din Mohammed who earlier in the morning called him over and spoke in barochki language (their dialect) which by now even Doc understood somewhat. We have all heard after creation that different jamaats were formed and lined up and in forefront being that of prophets also. In this background, don’t forget Lord Christ remark of being ‘marked sheep’. Here will be appropriate to give 2 instances one when Paul Brunton the famous author of discovery of India approached Master Mahshya a very, very advanced disciple of Sri. Ramakrishna to give him naam. Master politely refuses and tells him he did not belong to them but consoles him that he will soon find one to whom he belongs. After a few months he finds again a top order Saint Raman Maharishi in south India.
# I am bypassing 2nd as the point has been made thus we all belong to Qadria Silsila as obvious in Our Sainji letters all with His Name at the end Sufi Al Qadria. You will not find a single letter without that at the end. Now back to Karachi hall. Actually, immediately after Sain Imdad Ali’s death Sainji had said he had been placed on very high status but this morning Sainji told Sain Din Mohd that Imdad Ali has joined the rank/jamaat of PROPHETS. See that was GRACE POWER and LOVE OF OUR SAIN SAHIB. Now what more do we need Amen!
# Today I will share what I have heard from Sain Oshak Ali Sahib about Sains murid Jasso Sadh. In general, Our Sainji liked poor people more than the rich because the rich are more materialistic and have ego problems. As you all know Sainji had many murids amongst the marecha sect whom Hindus in general regard low caste. One marecha lady always told me you are my brother. You knew Mai Ganga, a very developed soul and considered me like a son. Once during the mela in the evening she was inside the roza while was talking and walking with Dada Sobhraj in the courtyard. After some time when I entered Sains roza Ganga called me over in a corner and asked what happened I called you 2/3 times, yet you didn’t come? I told her I did not hear her but asked what was the matter? She said at that time Bara Sain was giving FAIZ (Heavenly Blessings) to all persons sitting in roza but you missed your chance. I told her that was my fate. You know she used to tailor ladies’ clothes but for many years keeping a little money on the side and when Our Sains roza was ready she came and gave all her savings to Bhau for making some gold thing to be put on Sainji’s crown. Well that was true love.
# Sain Oshak Ali said Our Sain went to see Jessa Sadh in Bozdar Wada village and both went inside a room closing the door but not locking it. After a while someone not knowing that Sain was speaking privately to Jessa opened the door and what does he see? Two lions sitting! Today they have a yearly mela of Jessa Sadh a marecha! Of course, Sain Oshak Ali attends the mela also and gives lots and lots of respect! Lions indicate you have at least one going to Durbar of Hazrat Ali who was called SHERE KHUDA Lion of God)!
# A few people on thala (compound) saw Bara Sain’s body visible in many parts but He would emerge whole from his meditation as usual and advised them not to disclose this. Ama Marvi confided in Nimma that she had seen Sain Lutuf like that. I would have no idea what spiritual stage that would that indicate. And first is Shere e khuda.
# Bara Sainji’s one experience of early progress in His spiritual journey as told to me by Bhau of course. You will find this on the audiotape. Once Our Sain went to the zoo in Karachi with His Murshid and when there, Sain’s Guru stood outside the lion’s cage. The lion first whirled its long tail with a big bang and then bowed to Sain’s Murshid.
# Again, on Sains tape there is one incident where once His Own Guru asked him to contemplate on Hazrat Ali and after a few days when Sain’s Guru came to see Him the Guru bowed to Sainji. Sainji asked why? So Sains Guru said one cannot look into eyes of Hazrat Ali and not bow. This is implying fana (total immersion) not reincarnation!
# There was a very great saint named Syed Qassim Shah. Our Sain told all of us including Dr Nachaldas, his personal physician that if you wish to see Hazrat Ali then go and see Qassim shah. That you should visit Sain Qassim Shah, who lived only 20 miles from Jalalani Sharif. When people told Qassim shah what Sainji had said, he told everyone if you wish to see ALLAH go and see OUR GREAT SAIN. And this from a saint and not His murid!
# Here I remember someone told Sain scientists were planning to go to moon. Sainji smiled and said yes moon but they will not reach the sun. Never. They will get burned. Now this was naturally before 1960 when Americans reached moon 1963/64!
# Dr Nachaldas once treated Sain Qassim Shah for some illness who in return bestowed him a horse. However, when he came back Sainji told to go in return the horse and just ask for blessings.
# A small verse of Sain Dalpatram a decuple of Sain Shah Qalander Datapir: DEKHAT HI MAN BHAR AYA i.e. seeing my Guru I am totally fulfilled. This kalam has been sung so well by our Bhau! Why desire to see anyone else and what for? Guru alone is enough who has seen even God no need for any others face!!
# Look what Bhitai Sahib says YOU COME AND SIT IN MY EYES AND THEN I WILL CLOSE THEM SO THAT NO ONE CAN SEE YOU AND I DONT SEE ANYONE ELSE.
# A lot people used to tell our Sain that during His times there were many saints. Even SAIN would reply since He had seen the Sun i.e. His own Murshid He did not look at other stars! But we read in the book His Guru did send Him to two other saints of that time one Hamir Fakir of khadro district Sanghar and then 2nd Saint Fazulallah of Anbah. Later Our Sain sent Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib to Hamir Fakir too. The other one had passed away. All this is recorded in sindhi green book.
# A little on those two visits. The 1st was taken very early as Sain asked Hamir fakir to show him bazar of ISHQ (love) on which, Fakir blessed him and, on his departure, kept a piece of charcoal and a coin in front and blessed Him implying for him to go and meditate and ignite a fire of Ishq (love. When Sain Baba returned to His Guru, he told Him Fazulallah was a very great saint but would pass away much before Him and then onwards no one in the north would understand His language. See how far ahead saints can see. 2nd what a high status Sain had reached in the period between the two visits.
Sain Baba history
Sain Sadiq Shah while going to Tajal Sharif Dargah had stopped in Sain Goth and said here I get a smell of a ripe melon and hence soon a great Saint will be born here. SAIN BABA used to say He was a child of about 7 or 8 yrs. when Sain Sadiq Shah passed away. This is in the sindhi book. As a child about 7 years of age Sainji would hit with a light stick small plants to show Him God and on seeing pretty cows again remind Him of God.
Also, in the book is mentioned that when SAIN BABA was a couple of years older, He had a vision that a boat coming in Mirwah Canal with 5 suns in it and calling Him over. He went running and saw PAK PANJTAN IN BOAT they were HAZRAT MOHD (pbh), HAZRAT ALI BIBI FATIMA, HAZRAT IMAM HASSAN and HAZRAT IMAM HUSSAIN. They loved Him and said you will soon meet your murshid Sain Abdul Sattar first of Jhok Sharif.
This is also from the sindhi book. Sainji’s Murshid came after some time in a nearby village and Sainji went there and got NAAM. His Murshid again came following year and Sainbaba went to the kachehri (gathering) but His Guru called Him over saying he wanted to go to urinate hence to accompany him with a mug of water. Having gone a little distance, His Guru said he had just come far with Him and with no desire to pass urine but only to remind Him as He had forgotten the Naam! Sounds strange but true as this fact was stated by SAINBABA Himself.
SAINBABA used to say never ever sit in company where your Guru was being criticized. If you cannot do anything just go away and then he said that someone sat a long time listening while something very evil was being said about his Guru. Suddenly a dunali bandook (gun) appeared firing two shots killing at once two sons of that person. I can’t say which version is true or maybe they are 2 separate stories.
Earlier I had mentioned Dada Mulchand seeing Sri Krishna and Hazrat Ali interchanging repeatedly while Dada was staring at statue of Sainbaba at Shridhi.
After these episodes Sainbaba seems to have spent many years at the feet of His Murshid perform many chores like filling water pitchers, jharoo (sweeping) you name it. Serving His master very well and simultaneously meditating whole night, keeping dahas (ten days fast). Seems during that time His Guru also sent him to a well-known Saint Hamer Fakir.
When Sainji was leaving home doing meditations in the desert once His nafs (ego) begged him to please go to dargah of Saint Ubhan shah not very far to eat meat which his nafs could smell. On reaching there (here I have heard a little differently from the book) Sainji took a little meat and His nafs taunting Him to say, “See how I have tricked you.” Upon this Sainji decided to teach His nafs a lesson and went away for a very long time in mountain range bordering sindh and Baluchistan. Thereafter His nafs became His ghulam (servant).
Hamer Fakir
Here I will narrate a story not in the book. Sainji said in the mountains he found a daba (can)covered up. Upon opening it He saw an ant feeding on a piece of misri (sugar from sugarcane) and added “Khalik malik sabhni jo ahe per Hadi thi Hidayat kanh kanh khe tho kare” meaning the Lord is provider of all beings but few are chosen to get a KAMIL MURSHID!!! See we are among those few lucky ones!!
Even Dada Kripaldas visited him once and when Dada returned he could only see surat of Hameer Fakir and lost surat of Sain Paryal Imam but later got it. Don’t know how.
Sainji’s visit to Hameer Fakir is in sindhi book page 20 so I will just tell you how Dada Kripaldas got over his surat (facial image). He prayed to Sain Paryal Imam and the same night saw Sain Paryal Shah chasing Hameer Fakir with a danda (stick)in hand saying how dare he do this to his disciple. Finally, it was all over. See saints sometimes play these games also. Our Ama had exactly similar experience. Will not disclose his name (not Hameer Fakir) and she prayed to OUR SAINBABA after trying her efforts for about 15 days then Sainji helped her and she too got over it!
The one interesting fact about Hameer Fakir should be mentioned is that his mazar (tomb) is in the middle of the city on a small mound and recently renovated by our Hindu brothers. He was always surrounded by dogs and his mazar still is. You know he had named all-female dogs with names of wives of Mir’s (Rich landlords) and yet no one dared to question him. He was a great Saint of his times though outwardly behaved as a mast.
Memories: Sainji’s early experiences
Let us share about Sainji’s early experience as told by Bhau Asoomal. Later, will write about Sainji some more experiences as given in sindhi book for those of you who cannot read sindhi. Sainbaba said one of his Murshids disciple met a disciple of Saint Shah Mansoor and both said their status was higher than the other. So, Shah Mansour’s murid said a kalam (poetry verse) and in reply Sain’s disciple also said one. Then Shah’s said a second verse and Sain’s also replied. Then Shah’s said a 3rd one once again Sain’s fakir replied. Now, Mansour’s murid kept quiet but Sains fakir said 4th couplet. Upon this Shah Mansoor Himself guided his murid to reply to 4th. After this Sain’s murid kept quiet whereupon Shah Mansoor once again guided his murid to recite 5th and here Sain’s fakir stood quiet but then Sain’s Guru appeared and guided his murid to reply to the 5th verse. Now Shah Mansoor Himself kept silent but Sains Guru asked his fakir to recite not only 6th but 7th as well! On this Shah Mansoor said Sufis are two stages higher than us. Bhau added that this Sains fakir was about OUR SAINJI Himself hence we count this as one of our Sainji’s early experience and His zenith came later.
Then we read about Sainji keeping dahas (ten- day fast) at dargah of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and not eating anything for 9 days so on. On the 10th day a Fakir appears in black clothes and bringing him a meal. Sain partook of it and then came to Jhok Sharif where Sainji’s Murshid told Him the Fakir you saw was Bhitai Sahib himself.
Memories: Other incidents
Now before going to sleep let us share one more from sindhi book. Sainbaba on one visit stayed for SIX months at dargah of Shabaz Qalander. Though not mentioned in the book Sain Shah Shaheed appeared and asked Shabaz Qalandar Sahib how come he has kept His murid for so long upon which Shabaz Qalandar replied your Fakir is staying of his own will. Sain Shah Shaheed looked at Our Sainji and said “neengar jaldi Jhok Sharif ach” (Child come to Jhok Sharif soon).
Will give you another example. Once Sain Alan Shah came to 16 B Queens Road to meet Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib to undo Indian Sub-continent partition as there was no justice in Pakistan. Sain HMWS somehow diplomatically pacified him. Later when Sain Alan Shah came to mela in Jhok Shareef at night, after ziarat of Roza, Sain HMWS pulled Sain Alan Shah to put his Karachi request at mazar (tomb)of SAIN SHAH SHEED saying only He had the power to grant his wish. So, you can judge about the power of Shah Shaheed Sahib.
This reminds me Bhau Asoomal once said Dada Kripaldas Grandfather) told the whole family that Sain Paryal Shah had told him that Gandhiji was a good man but cannot see the results and other things due to partition and this was much before partition of 1947. See Saints know all but don’t interfere in will of THE LORD!!
Bhagwan, this is lovely and confirms Bhau’s story that when Shabaz Qalander came to Roza at Jhok Sharif OUR SAINJI WAS CALLED THERE and in the morning Sainji said He was happy “Shabaz Qalandar RAZI THI WAY” (he is now happy)!
One afternoon in 1953 I was with Sainji and He said let us go and rest in that masjid as it was very hot day. Sainji laid down and Adi Lachi (his companion) and me were giving Him zors (massaging his legs) and a very cool breeze was coming from two small windows from the back. SAINBABA remarked this is the breeze which blows all the time in heaven. See even heavens fanned OUR MASTER!!
The other day you said you think there are no Hindus or Muslims up there. There upon this I recall Bhau (Mama Asoomal) said Sainji says when a talib (disciple)progresses on spiritual path, at one stage he hears THE FLUTE of KANA short for KANHAYA (Krishna)and many get stuck as it’s very melodious but only a kamil (very elevated spiritual master) Murshid will make him move higher from there! So, there is an even higher level! Also implies Lord Krishan is real.
In true Sufi philosophy or principal in the olden days at Jhok Sharif all young and old always bowed to one another. Once I was shocked when 6 ½ foot 78/80 yrs. old Mohandas grandfather of Jethanand literally bent to touch my feet due to the above principle.
Will share two small stories from when our Ram (Bhau Asoomal’s son) was born in 1953. In Hyderabad my brother Gul and I were studying in St. Bonaventure school. In those days OUR SAIN BABA was staying with us. At birth Ram’ s chati (horoscope) name by a mehraj (pundit) was given as Tikam. Sainji was told about it. He had a nice laugh and said the name as tikam is an instrument commonly used in sindh for earth breaking so Sainji gave him name of ‘SadaRam’ we used to call him Ram. Only Adi Lachi and Sain Ali Guls family called Sadaram and that was also the time when Dr Gopi was treating Sainji along with Dr Nami a homeopath.
One fine day in winter vacations I think it was in 1956 Tulsi, Gobind (masi kamla’s husband) and me decided to go to Sainbaba. We took the train and stayed a couple of hours in a Dharamshala for lunch then by bus to Bozdar wada and finally took a ‘tonga’ (horse cart) for Sainji’s village (goth). We were very tired. When we reached thala (compound) Sainji was sitting on his small charpoy (cot)with a little fire by lukris (wood sticks) and surrounded by about 8/10 people. It was pretty dark by then. We met Sainji one glance from HIM and all our tiredness evaporated. We too sat around fire but were still feeling cold. Sainji noticed and asked Nanga Fakir (his constant companion/valet) to give us some rough woolen rulies (blankets) and we sat till around 9 pm and went for dinner and then to sleep at Adi’s house.
Next morning Tulsi asked Sainbaba for Naam. I got up but Sainji said to keep siting. Now you know what happened. Sainbaba reading Tulsi’s mind asked what Naamhe would prefer: a Hindu word or Muslim word. I was totally surprised because Gul and I had been given Naam together in the masjid (mosque)next to Roza (tomb)and HE had not asked this question from us. The beauty lies in the fact that Tulsi said he would prefer Hindu Naam!! Many years later I was discussing this with Uttam Wadhwani (an older disciple in Mumbai) and he told me his whole family too were given Hindu words and said in those days many other Hindu murids were given Hindu Word. Bhagwan, you will notice Hindu or Muslim Naams don’t make any difference in the Sufi spiritual path!
Last night I was reading a sindhi book and went thru 4 kalams by Sainji. Would like to make few observations. The last two kalams in remembrance of Murshid but the first two clearly show what heights Sainbaba had reached clearly showing HIS merging with God and yet His own Murshid stopping Him that if He opened up, volumes would be written but His spiritual progress could stop. This fact clearly points towards Sainbaba’s greatness of His own Guru who guided Him to carry on the spiritual path and not writing kalams or poetry!!
The 2nd observation is when my grandfather Kripaldas chose OUR SAINJI over all other saints. At that time when he told baba (Dewan Siroomal, my father) that OUR SAINJI was now on path of PROPHETS. What a compliment. This was somewhere in year 1932 when Sainbaba was on His zenith!!
3rd and final observation confirming this GREATNESS comes from no less than a Saint for whom Our Sainji says if you want to see Hazrat Ali go and meet Sain Qassim Shah. So, a Saint of this stature says if you want to see ALLAH or GOD go and SEE OUR SAINJI. This must have been in the early fifties as Dr Nachaldas comes into the picture.
Basically, for Sufi’s as well as for many saints these matters are beyond mind, as mind has limitations so spiritual matters must be personally experienced but here I will discuss two things. It is generally believed Adam was created first and Sufis believe Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was created first. Adam was only the first to be sent on earth and in support I will quote just 2 things. First, Sachal Sarmast says: “Asan Adam kanoo age huawasi adam sanau jawa” meaning that I was before Adam and he is born out of me. The 2nd is in the last Sur in all melas and is called Sur Jakhro: “Bya sabh anera miti magahin hui etri etc.” basically it means there was just this little earth from He was born, He is the king others are ordinary. I have asked all senior zakirs (those reciting kalams during mela) of dargah Jhok Sharif in whose praise is this said, and all have confirmed this Sur is in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and HE refers to Him only. But once again as in the Bhagavad Gita Adhya 18 its easier and best to take to bhagti yoga and just take refuge in Lord therefore Rajyoga not recommended in kaliyug. This is very clearly said by none other than Great Saint Ramakrishna in Gospel of Ramakrishna so end to all discussions after this!
All the time I am endeavoring to remember even small, small things when Sainji was in Karachi so let me share one. One fine day Sainji unexpected asked Bhau Gagu and Bhau Asu “Bacho how far is your house i.e. 16 B from the sea?” We explained that it was not too far. All the same believe me Sainbaba went in deep, deep thought for quite some time. Finally, he raised His head and said “Khair bacho khair.” Since then I have noticed often meteorological department predicts a storm heading for Karachi in our area and then somehow direction gets changed. Like very recently for a storm named Nilofer! People of Karachi believe it’s due Dargah Abdullah Shah Ghazi, but I think it’s Our Sainbaba why otherwise was this question asked?
Sain Hasan Buksh (Sainji’s son) was sleeping at the mosque at the mela at Dargah Jhok Sharif and dreamt that behind the mosque there was a garden full of flowers and fruits. He started walking and eating the fruits. Sain Nasir Fakir then stopped him and asked him to sit down with the rest of the large crowd sitting in the compound. A white clothed fakir sat next to Sain Nasir Fakir with a large book. Sainji turned to the man and asked whether he had entered Sain Hasan Buksh’s name in the book. The, Sain asked if the man had entered everyone’s name in the book who was attending the mela. The man replied that he had indeed. Sain then asked him to close the book, got up and went to the Roza. Sain Hasan Buksh related that he also followed. One fakir dressed in saffron clothes stopped him and asked whether he had seen his father (Sainji). He replied that he had. The fakir then commented that “If you follow in his footsteps, he is your father, otherwise he does not care. The ‘dafter’ (book) of Sain Shah Shaheed is also in his hands.” Sain Nasir fakir then proceeded to go to Sain Shah Shaheed Badshah’s tomb, which opened and Sainji walked inside. Sain Hasan Buksh said he then came and sat on the steps leading to the Roza in amazement. Sain Hasan Buksh encountered Jasso fakir (a disciple) coming out of the Roza, who smiled at him and asked for the details of what he had observed. Sain Hasan Buksh described the dream. Jasso fakir replied “It was not a dream. It was real, but I am not allowed to say any more.”
I will write two small stories about OUR SAINJI. The very first time when Bhau Gagumal recorded His voice on a Grundig tape of which we all have cds now Sainji asked “so now you all will be able to hear my voice forever.” Bhau Gagu responded yes, Sainbaba.” Sainji says “Subhan Allah.” It’s all on tape as we were all sitting there really those were great times, how I miss it!!
Next when again Bhau Gagu took out His 1st movie of course silent in those days it was shown to SAINBABA in the hall down stairs. A pure white cloth sheet was hung on the hall wall adjacent to bathroom door and an arm chair was placed for Sainji to see it. We were all standing behind Him watching together you know what He said: “Is that me really?” how sweet and innocent was My & OUR LORD AND MASTER!!
On the play of two words My and Our I am reminded of one story I personally did not witness, but Dadi Rani told me that once at Sain goth, Dada Butani brought a dupatta and came and stood in between Sainji and other murids sitting around and virtually covered Sainbaba refusing others to see Him. He became that possessive! On another occasion in Karachi, Dadi said he literally covered Sainji’s face and on removing the dupatta told Him: “hai muinjhi kunwar” i.e. means hello my bride! Just imagine Bhutani was an ashiq (lover of Sainji). It’s in the book that on one occasion the English gora (white)governor was to visit DJ college and Dada Butani was a college principal at that time. OUR SAINJI was in Jhok Sharif and without caring two hoots for the Governor Dada went away to Jhok Sharif saying, “I am going to my own governor.”
I went with SAINBSBA just 2/3 times usually mela time hence He was in a pensive mood and would only relax when mela was over. It seemed His mind was more in union with ‘Mamati walas’ or Sages buried there! Sainji had great respect for the premises within the boundary and said “hite sheedan jo khoon kriyal ahe” meaning there is blood here of saints who have sacrificed their blood and therefore never ever wore shoes inside. Even at the age of 120 yrs. and in extreme heat he wore slippers made of rough jute cloth while going to bathrooms and would wear His normal shoes after crossing the boundary which were carried in hands by Nanga fakir, his personal valet. Mithi Dadi said in preparation days all fukrah went for mela by bus accompanying Sainji and used to get off the bus approximately 1 mile ahead of dargah and all walked by foot along with Sainji. In the evening lot of people came to hear Rehan from Him which lasted for about 80/90 min on thala of the Bari.
In this path disciple must become very subtle or proper word being ‘Sukhium’ besides dutifully follow his Gurus instructions. Sainji often said: “whoo PAK jaghyoon ahin ko beadaba asman raseeda theenda ahin cha!” (Those places are pure and those who don’t obey cannot reach the skies).
I like Sainbaba’s following words: “Bhagat kara Bhagwan pehchano Aap mein dhoondo pao re” (advises to look and find God within you) and these words even more:” Jahaz yateeman jo achi bandar te pahuto —– achi Hadi hath dijo” (Boat or airplane full of orphans has reached shore, now give me a hand God to pull me ashore) was one of His last sentences said to Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sain on 15th December 1960 when Sain HMWS was leaving for Datapir mela at Jhok Sharif and visited Sain at Pinto hospital in Karachi.
One day Sainji was speaking about ego or nafs and told us a sage reached great heights in heavenly regions and at one stage he was asked how has he climbed so high and was it due to grace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or his Guru? Because of ego he replied: “Prophets and Murshids are for weaklings” and that he had reached of his own efforts. Sainbaba said this saint was asked this question thrice and his reply was also same. Sainji said that Bacho, this was due to his ego and a secret hand appeared and his soul was thrown in deep, deep darkness and May Lord have mercy upon him.
I read in a book of Swami Ramakrishna that after Swami passed away His disciples had two categories. First, those who took to sanyas and second household disciples. Swami Vivekananda is best followed by Swami Brahamanand originally called Rakhal. His book is worth reading and from the 2nd category was Master Mahashya. One day a disciple from the first category came to the Great master with remorse clearly on his face so Master asked him what his problem was? He told his Guru that despite very hard practices and meditations for a long time he still could not get over thoughts of lust from his mind. As you all know Swami Ramakrishna used to say two most difficult things to conquer are KAMNI AND KANCHAN. Master asked him to come close to Him and then first putting His finger touching His tongue and asked his disciple to open his mouth and bring out his tongue. Then he just touched it with His finger and the disciple never ever had same problem again. See that was GRACE.
Ama said once at Jhok Sharif after mela got over some Hindu murids came to OUR SAINJI and said in the olden days Fakirs in mela gave ‘faiz’ easily to murids but we don’t see Saints like them nowadays. Imagine stupid people saying this to Our Sainji. He told them all right let us keep dahas (ten days fast and prayer) in Jhok Sharif together and see what happens. But they said 10 days were too much so Sainbaba suggested 7 days. They looked satisfied but within a few minutes only they started making excuses with each one suddenly remembering their half-finished chores and soon left. You know what OUR MASTER said after they had disappeared. “BACHO RUGO CHAWAI TE WATHI DISAN HA TE KHABER PAIJI WANJHEN HA!! (If only they had followed my advice they would have known better.) THAT IS OUR SAINJI!!!!
Meera bai Mama Kishin’s daughter) what do you say not even 7 day’s effort or grace?
You know what Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib told me about you when you were born? He said you were gift given to me, but I will still not tell u more of what He said!
Trying to say in kalam murid is telling his Murshid I am your slave and hence accept me as one. Normally one fears being a slave and here murid is being humble. Some disciples like Sri Ramakrishna think of God as a mother!
Read that book of Dr Rochaldas you will like it. He was a very humble person and see how his Guru raises him to Sainthood.
DADI Lachmi (Bhagwan’s mother, my elder sister) has been handed over to HAZRAT DATAPIR HIMSELF (His name was Haji Fazlullah Shah and around 1810 or 1820’s third in line for ‘gadi nashin’ or successor in line for Jhok Sharif Dargah after Sufi Shah Shaheed Inayat Shah but did not take the seat) and never again to worry about her. I have written earlier Baba loved Dadi the most but was too wise to express openly. Now why the assurance from Great Sainji it has again some background so will tell you in person. Each time Dadi gave birth to you all children, Sainji would call Ama (my mother) and congratulate her and reassure her all this is Murshids raaz (blessings/trust)!
Bhagwan’s paternal grandfather Seth Ghanumal was a hardline observant Hindu. His mother (my sister Lachmi) of course married into the family with a long history of following Sufism with Sainji.
You know when Gul (Mama Kishin’ brother, now deceased) was marrying Diana, Ama was worried. Sainbaba told Ama it was destined and at some stage marriage would be broken. Saints know everything. Now what to speak of OUR GREAT MASTER. HE falls in a different category and I repeat that we are very fortunate. I personally know Sain Paryal Shah refused several people who wanted Naam from him and said that they do not belong to Him. Same was the case of Master Mahshya a great Saint in Calcutta a disciple of Swami Ramakrishna. I feel sorry for many of our children who have drifted away. You (Bhagwan) are lucky Sain Oshak Ali Sahib has told you about your son Anand and Daughter Anmol. We as parents can only pray to Our Sainji for our families and have trust in Him.
One verse of Sain Sadiq Shah recited during mela RAAG hits one like a hammer. “AKHAR ANDHA SADBA JIN HIT NA DITHO HOO DEH” i.e. means all those who have not seen or been to other side while living in this world shall be considered as blind. Its same as Saints telling us to die before death. Once at Sain’s goth one of Sainji’s own son said something unworthy. After 5/10 minutes I went to Sain Lutuf Ali Sain without my saying a word. He looked at me and He said that gentleman has not yet annihilated his Ego. Fakiri is much much further away!
A small observation that Sri Ramakrishna loves God in shape of A MOTHER while most of us look upon OUR GOD as a father figure. Now father equals to love and discipline whereas mother equals nothing but love, love, and more love.
Today I think we can share some thoughts at random it might remind us of Sainji’s more stories no matter how small. Let me start with partition. Now all saints knew this was coming but you will notice none of them interfered with the Lords scheme however they all helped their own murids safety. If you read Radhaswami literature you will find their Master Hon Maharaj Sawan Singh whom I hold very great respect for, helped many many of His murids because there was great bloodshed in Punjab!
Dada Kripalani & family who lived somewhere near DJ Science college in Karachi were in serious threat by incoming muhajirs. Unexpectedly Sain Abdul Sattar (Gadi Nashin Dargah Jhok Sharif) sent over 2 very hefty men to safeguard them. Rioters thinking this house belonged to a Muslim family did not attack them. Very soon they left for Delhi. See even OUR GREAT MASTER was separated from His most loving and dearest murids physically but took care of them. Yet they accepted the will of the LORD.
I am reminded of one incident on Dada Gulabrai’s tapes where he says he was on thala at Sain’s goth when Sainji said that presently Dadi Rani, Bhabhi her sister and Mrs. Bhutani were speaking about Sainji in Bombay. Dada Gulabrai noted the time and date then wrote a letter to Mithi Dadi to check if the exact time/date was correct. In those days Dadi and Bhutani’s were neighbors and lived on Warden road and sure enough Dadi confirmed at precisely that time they were sitting together and remembering Sainji!
Once in Karachi SAINBABA said if even a cat can smell what is being cooked in 7 surrounding houses, then a FAKIR will not know that much? We all smiled.
I will tell you one small story narrated by Baba (Dewan Siroomal). Once he said he was with Sainji in Tando Adam town for a lunch invitation with Sainji when Sainji desired to pay a visit to Dargah of Makhdoom Noh in Hala town. In those days there was a train service from Tando Adam to Hala and after reaching they all took a Tonga ride from railway station towards dargah, which was about one-kilometer distance. On the way but still quite far away, SAINBABA pointed towards a person standing by the road side. He then asked Baba “do you recognize that man.” Baba said no. Sainji said “He is the gadinashin of Hala.” This is a famous shrine in Sindh and its commonly said that they had lacs of murids and by the way he was the grandfather of Makhdum Amin Fahim a minister of PPP. Anyway, that gentleman met Sainji with the highest respect and took them personally to dargah and did lot of khizmat (service) taking care in every respect and did not even take back silken bistra (bedding) and begging Sain to accept it as nazrana (token)!
The Tando Adam story gives us one more glimpse about Sainji. Whenever HE came to Berani, He was also invited by His murids to Tando Adam town and after lunch around 5 pm He always went and sat for meditation till 7 pm at a very small Dargah of Saint JUMAN JATI SAHIB. This shrine is close to where our Bhabhi Pari’s (Bhau Asoomal’s wife) parents lived. After getting up @ 7pm Sainji said that very few people recognized this great saint. He went further and added build this type of mazar when I am no more in this mortal life. The mazar looked somewhat like Sain Imdad Ali and Sain Hidayat Ali at our own dargah see how HUMBLE WAS OUR GREAT SAIN A TRULY GREAT SAINT!
Baba passed away in April 1958 and martial law was imposed by Ayub Khan in Sept 58 by a very notorious and tough Gen Tikka Khan who was made Sindh Chief and he ordered anyone who had not paid income tax of previous years to deposit same within one month. Now, Bhabhi’s (Mama Asoomal’s wife) family Seth Jasumal and others were also traders and besides zamindari Nathurmal would keep accounts in WANKI SCRIPIT so thought he could get away with it so he did not pay up. But someone reported them to authorities and there was a big raid at their house and they took away all books along with Seth Nathurmal to Hyderabad. They kept him in custody, got hold some Hindu guy and asked him to correct and convert books to simple sindhi. Naturally everyone was fearful that they would be been fined heavily along with jail! They got hold of Bhau Asoomal and went to OUR SAINBABA. Bhau told Him about the problem. Sainji said “sabh khair thi wendo” meaning all will be allright and they all came back. Would you believe as soon as they reached Tando Adam that very same day unexpectedly a new ordinance was issued extending time limit by one month. So, they were immediately released to go back and file fresh accounts and deposit what they were supposed a to pay with no extra penalty!! Now this was pure and simple MIRACLE!! After this incident Seth Jasumal accepted Sainbaba as his Guru but in heart he did not take Naam formally as Sainji passed away in 1960. But I noticed in Karachi and later in Bombay Seth kept Sainji’s photo beside his bed and said HE is my Guru!
An observation: OUR SAINBABA never used the sindhi word ‘MAAN’ (me) but always used ‘Moon’, which is different like Maan is like a big I versus Moon being a small i. Same was the case with Dr Rochaldas who always referred to himself as BANDO which means a Ghulam or servant. Naturally, meaning servant or Ghulam of his Guru or God.
Let me share another story of 1949. We had all temporarily migrated to Beawar very close to Ajmer, India. Bhau Asoomal had gone and rented a huge semi-built house as our family was large. It had no doors and we used chadars (sheets) to cover one very small toilet so ladies made good use of the terrace for a toilet! If you don’t believe me ask Bhabhi Sati (Manoo Uncle’s mother. If you travelled from Beawar to Ajmer in the morning you could see many women sitting by railway tracks for their morning toilet and they only covered their faces so they all looked the same!!
Well, this incident probably happened in early 1950 when Baba went for some work to our district Nawabshah collector (senior government officer). Baba at that time was a member of Sindh Assembly. The name of the collector was Masood, who had migrated from India and during partition riots quite a few of his family members had been killed so he was very bitter against Hindus. When Baba met him, he did not show any courtesy and sitting on his chair he extended his hand for a shake. Now Baba was very sensitive in these protocol matters. Hence, he scolded him harshly and walked out. Upon this the collector got really bugged and decided to teach Baba a lesson. So, using a tout (paid person) he filed a case of robbery of a goat or may be goats along with Baba’s kamdar (land manager) Lalu father of Goda and Mitha. Immediately he issued a non bailable warrant of arrest, so Baba went into hiding and sent our manager to OUR SAINJI.I am told Sainji got very upset and asked Ama to proceed to Dargah Jhok Sharif. Ama along with Bhau Lilaram and Partabrai (grandfather of Ratan whom you all know) went to Dargah. Now as per Sainji’s instructions they all did JAGA (stayed awake and prayed) for the whole night inside the Dargah. Bhau Lilaram had a vision seeing durbar full of Saints and that Ama complained: “Is any one of You going to help us?!” Upon this some Saint’s discussed with one other and you will be surprised what one Saint said. He said “Fakir Sahib (referring to OUR SAIN BABA) has decided to UNDO INDIA-PAKISTAN PARTITION so please go back and beg Him not to do so. He has the powers but please tell Him we will pray for Dewan Siroomal and things will be o.k.” Here you all can judge SAINJI’S Love for Baba. Ama told me from the Dargah they all went direct to Jalalani Sharif and narrated everything. On hearing this Sainji cooled down and said “Dewan’s (Baba or Dewan Siroomal, Dadi Lachmi’s father and mine) orders will be cancelled forthwith then he will get release of his kamdar and further this collector will never be posted in your district.” In the morning they left for Berani and by the time they reached home all this had transpired!!
Beautiful line from Sain Baba “SE DITHA MOON JIN DITH PIREEN KHE.” It means “I saw those who see God.” Well, most of us can claim the same. Is it not?
Now all of us murids of Dargah are ultimately connected to SAIN SHAH SHAHEED of Dargah Jhok Shareef as He is the Head and the rest of the Fakirs spread from Him.
Let me share this: one day in Karachi OUR SAINJI said “Hazrat Imam Mehdi has seen that there is no justice in Pakistan; however, whenever He reveals Himself I will not be there, but He shall come to my thala and offer namaz and have meals at my invitation.” Our Bhau Asoomal was sitting there so he very innocently asked SAIN BABA “If we invite Him will He also accept our invitation.” Sain Baba replied “why not? He surely will, provided you extend the invitation! Can you all see SAINJIS LOVE FOR OUR FAMILY!!!
It’s basically about Sainji’s love because it could be more than 100 or 200 years or more before anything like this happens. Another thing Sainji said that He will only appear when all world powers become very weak, hinting bound to be a war or maybe a nuclear war. Who cares? We are not going to be there. Lord’s plans are HIS ONLY, but Saints throw hints just as Sain Paryal Shah said, “Gandhi is good man, but he does not what will happen after independence” and there was no talk of even partition at that time, but SAINTS can see far ahead.!
Today I would like to write about Baba (Dewan Siroomal Kripaldas Lakhwani). You have read about SAINJIS love for him. Basically, Baba spoke little as compared to Bhau Asoomal and expressed even less. I never saw Baba asking a single question directly as he always went thru Ama. Both Ama and Bhau were morefree with SAINBABA. He would also sit at some distance unlike the rest of us. Now when I along with Baba and Ama went to Sain goth immediately after the tragedy of Sain Imdad Ali (His nephew) I think around 9/10 April 1958, Baba saw Sains condition with tears flowing all the time. Sainbaba quietly wiping them away with handkerchief. I used to look at Babas face and it said everything. Only once he remarked what will happen if SAINBABA departs. Ama later told me that Baba said wish he could depart before Sainji. Further he always desired a sudden death. Well now we all know he passed away on 25th April 1958 and how? Massive brain hemorrhage. I was still in Sain goth when on very early morning of 25th Motiram came for dua from Sainji and to fetch me. I reached Hyderabad around 11 am and Baba passed away around 4pm. Baba was in deep coma. Ama sitting near him quietly told me she had seen Sainbaba who told her that the 10-year extension given to him in 1948 was over.
Meera, I am told Sainji was also very fond of Chatumal father of Dr Nachaldas. I say this because when Sainji came to Karachi for Babas condolences HE said Baba and Chatumal were both in His heart though Chatumal had passed away 15/20 years before Baba. You see the duty given by Nachaldas and now Miskeen (Nachaldas’s son) its again due to Sainji’s love for their family.
Sainji was not shy of expressing his exceptional love. For example, once Sainji openly said “DARYA UTHLI THO BERI MEIN PAVEY” meaning the ocean or river wants to over flow into the boat for Baba. Also, another example was Him crying in our house porch when Mithi Dadi (Rani) was leaving for Bombay. Also, those special letters written to her in Berani again were no secret for they were written by Kiku while Bhau Gagumal and Nachaldas were sitting right there! That is how I know some of the contents of those letters though I never told Ustadji (Hiru) about it. Then again Sain Haji Mohd Waris openly said Bhau Lilaram “munhinjo yaar ahey” meaning he is my buddy or dear friend.
It was either in Karachi or Goth that Sainji very rarely spoke about the day of Guru’s sacrifices. One day Sainji related this: “Bacho one day amongst Guru Nanak lineage a 10 or 12 years old boy was sitting on the roof with his legs dangling from the mangh (roof vent in older days. Sainji pressed this child Guru’s feet Sainji and said there was practically no bones but just flesh. Sainji further said: “This child Guru is very fast on the spiritual journey.” I cannot recall the name but seems like Sainji was speaking of young son of Guru Tegh Bahdur Sahib because this child had asked his father to give the great sacrifice which was the need of that time to save Hindus being forced to become Muslims during Mughal king Aurangzeb and we all the rest of story. How amazing!!
Well, then it’s Guru Har Kishan for Sain never said his being Teg Bahudur’s son. That was MY guess. Kushwant Singh’s book of history of Sikhs indicates that name of Guru Nanak’s Murshid was HUSSAIN SHAH. Had KUSHWANT BEEN WRONG SIKHS would have lynched him!
Here is a joke I heard at Sai goth. Remember, Mahram a compounder with Dr Nachaldas? Well he had never seen a train so asked someone about it and this man told him to go to Setharja station, buy a ticket and on the platform, you will see a very dark object with smoke coming out of it, which you ride on. Mehram reached the platform and after buying a ticket there he saw a huge SHEEDI (i.e. a negro in sindhi) who was smoking a cigarette with smoke coming from him. So, Mehram jumped upon him holding him tight. The sheedi said “what the hell you are doing?” Upon this Mehram took out his ticket and said I am not riding without ticket.
Mehram once went to Hyderabad with OUR SAINBARA when Sainji was going to Rani bagh town in a jeep but the jeep was full. But Mehram insisted that they take him also so Sainji asked to sit on the bonnet of the jeep. Mahram used to wear only god (wraparound below the waist) and a shirt with no underwear. As the jeep raced a bit due to strong wind his god (like a dhoti worn around the waist) flew away and he was naked and begged Sainji to stop the jeep. Sainji asked the driver to keep driving for some more time. SAINJI HAD GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR!!
Bhagwan, surely not personal but vision or dreams are for us, but the Saints meet one. At Sain Paryal Shah mela attendance at Jhok Sharif confirmed both by Dada Kripaldas and Dada Mulchand so many times Dada Mulchand used to tell me that Kripaldas has said this and that about us. Also, Dada replies that for them both worlds are real. One day Dada Mulchand told me he saw Hazrat Ali and Lord Krishna at Shirdhi in India. Sainji told Bhau Asoomal about a lot of past things even regarding Badshapir Dastagir and never in the open. Rarely, He openly spoke about Adi Khandul and some of her experiences. It depended on his mood or better word to describe his attitude is: MAUJ. Further imagine Sains reach to even comment on this Guru or that Guru being fast on the spiritual path meaning He knew how far they were on the path!
How many of you know OUR SAINJI said Sain Din Mohammad had received Naam direct from Hazrat Ali in a vision. Only because of Sainji’s presence hardly anyone paid attention to him otherwise he was a major saint himself. Sainji told us he used to meditate whole night standing with his hair tied to a long screw fixed in wall. If he felt sick, Sainji took care of him with massage of badam (almond) oil. One only saw him meditating and barely raising his head. A Mujahid or fighter of the first order. Sainbaba said according to Sufis the first person created was the Holy Prophet Sahib (PBUH) though first one sent on earth was Adam. Many Sufi saints have revealed this but only in poetry. I will just quote two. First, in the very first sur (poem) of Raag Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai clearly says the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is cause of creation. Then, even in Dargah Jhok Sharif last sur recited in all melas is called sur Jakhro in which they very clearly say the Holy Prophet PBUH) was born from special earth i.e. Miti in sindhi. All the others came later. Many Punjabi saints have said so again in their poetry. About the time of death irrespective of Dams (breaths) or year of life all Muslims and most others believe duration is fixed. Regarding Saint’s, it is different and leave at their own time and they can give extensions to others with permission from Lord.
Now regarding themselves I will share 4 things 2 from OUR SAINBABA HIMSELF. First, Sainji in the tape tells us how the angel of death sought permission from OUR SAINJI’s GURU one night. Also, on tape, Sain baba said there was a Saint near their goth a bit mast (not in his senses) and when the saint passed away there was a dispute between his disciples both Muslims and Hindus. The Muslims wanted to bury him and Hindus wanting to cremate him, so they kept fighting. Upon this the Saint just got up and said ok I will now die later! The third example is when Sain Sadiq Shah used to say that a Saints life was like a walking stick, which he can throw away whenever they wish. Here I remember OUR SAINJI saying for Saints death was like shifting from one world to another. Lastly, I clearly remember going to mela of HADI SAIN Guru of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib and he disclosed to one or two of His close murids His intention to pass away that very night as He wanted to go away on His Gurus day. People noticed lot of activity of His murids going to Him repeatedly. Anyway, after the mela we asked BUDHUMAL (Shamloos dad) what was this all about and he told us the whole story how murids had cried and begged SHMWS not to leave them. So Sainji changed His mind but at the same time told them He would not be informing them next time. Sain Sahib then passed away in December 1970 i.e. probably between one n two years after the first incident and this time not during mela but in Karachi in Dr Colonel Shah’ s clinic around 3 pm.
Sainji replied to all letters before emails and at Dargah they were dictated to either ‘master’ or Bhau Asoomal or Kikkoo in Karachi and he also rarely refused invitations either for tea or lunch. At one lunch in Hyderabad in particular Sainji was invited by Nawab of Tajpur but lived in Hirabad area near Mira girls school established by Sadhu Vaswani, which is still there. Now the back ground of this Tajpur Nawab family was that their forefather was like an enemy to Sainji’s Guru. Things had gone so far that he had even planned to murder Sainji’s Guru. Why? Well, there came a time when no direct descendant was alive and left to be a gadi nashin (sit on the seat of previous Murshid) of Dargah Jhok Sharif, so Sain Sadiq Shah had selected Sain Abdul Sattar whose sister was married to last gadi nashin of Jhok. Finally, Sainji’s Guru became the Gadi nashin. As I said Sainji never refused. He remembered this past history so what Sainji did was He quietly told Ama to prepare something, hide it and carry it along so that He would eat only nuts while the other murids could have lunch made at Nawab. THAT WAS SAINS LOVE FOR HIS GURU THOUGH 100 YEARS HAD PASSED. By the way, Lila (Sajnis sister) took her Naam there in my presence she had come from Mirpurkhas.
Dada Lakhoomal’s first meeting was thanks to one Berani person or bradri (extended family). When Sain Sadiq Shah saw Dada Lakhoomal (my great grandfather) his first words said to that person was: you have brought me a very straight stick i.e. he is a true and good- hearted man. The story is that at their village quite a few murids had come. Now Sain Sadiq Shah was very particular like OUR OWN BARA SAIN and SAIN HAJI MOHD WARIS SAHIB (SHMW) too that fukrah (murids that visit Dargah) get proper meals and bed etc. We saw Sain Irshad Ali (Sain Oshak Ali’s father) carrying meals on his shoulders for fukrah. I reached Jhok around 7 p.m. and always saw SHMWS supervising cooking degs (huge pots used for cooking) opposite our rooms. Sain Sadiq Shah was seeing nangar (where meals are served) when He noticed some ants in the flour either rice or bajra and He got very upset and was about to scold his men when Dada stepped in and said, “it’s nothing we will take it back and clean in a short while and be back.” So, he did. Sain saw and looked very pleased and stared deeply at Dada and smiled. He said, “you have covered for somebody else and I will always cover for your family.” The favorite phrase is as long as your family gives respect and regards to Saints they will have ALLAH PULLAH at later stage. I still remember Sain HMWS Sahib saying that I am also giving you people as SADIQ had given to Lakhoomal perhaps you all know the Holy PROPHET SAHIB (PBUH) HIMSELF emphasized about this quality. He said When GOD covers everyone’s sins who are we to disclose and thus bring public humiliation upon any one. The Holy Prophet Sahib (PBUH) was apparently very strict about it.
You all remember Sainji’s famous words. “YA KAR AUR ALLAHJI YA KAR PRIEN PACHAR INHAN BINHI KHAN DHSR QADIR KENH KHE NA KARE” i.e. either you meditate or at least speak about your Guru since I am lousy to do meditation at least I can try towards 2nd option.
Sainji and Bhau Asoomal went to Jhok Sharif Dargah along with a person from Berani village. His name was Noora Mangsi. After 3 days stay, Bhau asked for leave from Sainji. Sainji told him to stay couple of days more. Upon this Noora begged to leave as he had some work back home. Sainji told Noora that he could go but Dewan (Asoomal) is not coming with you since he will first visit 1st Asman (sky or heaven level) then 2nd Asman and finally 3rd Asman only then he will return!! When Noora left Bhau told Sain: Sain what is this? At least take me to 4th where Hazrat Ali holds His court because on the 3rd level it’s Lord Jesus Christ and I have no real attachment for him. Sainji just smiled but did not commit more. Now this was told to me by Bhau himself, so heaven is no big deal for them. The Saints are absorbed in God and heaven is very small favor from them.
A few days was Sain Haji Mohd monthly day, so I remembered this. On one of our visit to Jhok Sharif it was His murshids urs and He used to feel very happy when more people came. I after just 2 rounds in one direction felt breathless and said to Sain Sahib that if anyone So, one morning He said come I will take you to old grave yard of my ancestors it was about 2 miles far n we left in 2 cars about 9/10 persons it was on a small mound n there were about 12 Mazars pointing to one which was little larger than rest He said this great grandfather was a great saint n has promised whoever will hold his breath taking 7 rounds clockwise n 7 anti-clockwise will go to heaven. I said if anyone held their breath that long he must already be a great yogi and I am not. Sainji looked at me smiled and said don’t worry you go and finish your rounds while breathing and the sage will send you to heaven. See, how generous this Sain Sahib was.
This is about a letter, Bhau was at Sainji’s thala (compound) and it was Sainji’s routine to reply to letters around noon because Master Shah Bux (who wrote the letters dictated to him) had to teach at school in mornings. Now Bhau was available and Sainji had received a letter from Dadi Dhani seeking his blessings. Invariably Sainji would ask has Dada Lachmandas left drinking and told NO. So, then Sain would always write back that God will give barkat (generally means financial success) to her sons. What had displeased Sainji about Dadas drinking because drinking by itself could not be the reason as Baba & Bhau Lilaram and quite a few others also use to drink. Why even Bhau Asoomal had beer when Baba invited high officials and Bhau Gagu too had beer off and on. I have received some answers but only Sain knows if it was that answer but seems convincing. Dada Manghamal (Koshis daddy) told me it was because Dada Lachmandas had secretly carried his whisky bottle to Sain goth and would drink in Adi’s house at nite thinking Sainji would not know. Perhaps this was sole reason or more only Sainji knew.
I think this one letter came from a murid in Bhopal India asking Sainji to please send DHAGA (sacred thread) for her buffalo to give more milk! Sainji laughed and said see how well she is following my teachings. But, you all will be surprised because Sainji yet sent her DHAGA (thread). Then, a lady from India wrote a letter that her neighbor was all the time fighting with her hence Sainji pray that the neighbor should DIE. For an instance, Sainji felt upset and said to us “look she thinks I have nothing else to do but give BUD DUAS (bad dua or prayer) TO PEOPLE however he just wrote back to ask for God to give your neighbor for SAMJH (understanding.
Then, Sainji asked Bhau to write that God will give barkat to Sugna (Dadi Dhani’s son) and blessings in general. Bhau was used to writing Sainji’s letters. You will notice how all Sainji’s letters begin and end but always before dispatching letters Sainji would ask the writer to read over what Sainji had dictated and some time He got them corrected. It was the same this time and Bhau had overblessed sending blessings left and right and centre because Dadi Dhani being a puphi (aunt) so when Sainji heard the letter HIS EXACT WORDS were: “Kon ghatyo athai bacho” i.e. in short, you have really gone overboard and blessed so much. Bhau felt a bit embarrassed and asked Sainji if he should tear the letter and write a second one? You know what Sainbaba said: “No, now that you have blessed them so shall it be”!!!! Sugna’s rise started after that particular letter. He became a multi-millionaire.
Grandfather was one of the 1st to recognise Him hence advised Baba accordingly. I can disclose now one day OUR SAINJI told Bhau (Asoomal) “your grand father would have risen higher had he refused to go to Sain Paryal Shah.” Although, grandfather’s Murshid Sain Abdul Sattar gave him permission as it would have been impolite to refuse. Sain Paryal Shah who had asked for grandfather’s hand but as you can see final choice was my grandfather’s!
Being immature, I thought if your Guru asked for your life one should not hesitate. So, in mind I used to think if my SAINBABA asked me to jump from a high building, if I turned back and looked at HIM I would be a kafir (non-believer) and would feel satisfied with this.
Sainji came to Karachi a few months later and during normal rehan (His conversation to us about things) and not at all looking at me said “BACHO SIR TE VIYO KANE KAN MEIN WHO KUCH BIYO THA GHURAN! Meaning the head is gone in just balancing the two sides of balance but the Guru is demanding something more. In the tape, you will find this. So, someone asked: what more can one give? SAINJI replied: constant remembrance and dedication. He further added that giving up life is only a onetime simple act. This is in tune with DIE BEFORE YOU DIE a very famous saying of all Saints. It implies giving up your bad desires and Ego, meditating etc. Saints want total faith!!
Let us start first in general. I would remark that Saints face changes when they get up after long meditations and this will usually be noticed by those who have spent some time with them. Here in Karachi, many noticed the glow on Our Bara Sains face around 6 am when Pushpa used to rush and pluck a flower and give it to Sainji. Same on 2 occasions in Jhok Sharif which even some ladies saw this. Also, Nimma and Sajni were there. This happened during Riazat approximately at midnight as soon as riazat was over Sain HMWS was in the verandah when God knows what happened but suddenly he took a yaktara (single string instrument) from the hands of one of the singers in the group and started singing and dancing. He was totally lost and literally had a glow or shine on his face. It took everyone by surprise that I still cannot forget that moment!
This also reminds me reading in Dr Rochaldas book during his journey to Vaishnu Devi in high mountains, Dr Sahib sees VISHNU BHAGWAN asking for his head to which the Doctor bows but suddenly his Guru Sain Qutubshah appears and tells Bhagwan this child is still needed here so Dr. Sahib was spared.
Once Bhau (Dewan Asoomal, my elder brother) told me OUR SAINBABA told him there is a stage in spiritual journey where you must get your head cut by NAATH (another name for Lord Shiva), Sainji though did not use word ‘Shiva.’ Must add that SAINBABA told Bhau few are able to cross NAATH barrier and only a very kamil (perfect or very advanced spiritually) Murshid can help here. Here it would not be out of place to mention that at Sainji’s thala (compound) we often heard OUR SAINBABA’s body being broken in many, many parts but HE would later come out hale and hearty. Ama Marvi said the same thing also for Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib as he too had achieved a very high state in spirituality and often confirmed by BARA SAINJI.
Apparently, it’s a very advanced stage in spiritual journey where you are asked to get your head cut like a goat by Naath. Now we Hindus call Shiv Maharaj as ‘Bhole Naath’ and we Hindus also regard him as lord of death. In spirituality Sainji repeatedly said “DIE BEFORE YOU DEATH” meaning what is use of human birth if you have not died while living or sacrificed yourself for God….
When Swami Vivekananda was studying law at the University College, London, a white professor, whose last name was Peters, disliked him intensely. One day, Mr. Peters was having lunch at the dining room when Vivekananda came along with his tray and sat next to the professor. The professor said, “Mr. Vivekananda, you do not understand. A pig and a bird do not sit together to eat.” Vivekanandji looked at him, as a parent would at a rude child and calmly replied, “You do not worry professor. I’ll fly away,” and he went and sat at another table. Mr. Peters, reddened with rage, decided to take revenge. The next day in Class he posed the following question: “Mr. Vivekananda, if you were walking down the street and found a package, and within was a bag of wisdom and another bag with money, which one would you take?”
Without hesitating, Vivekanandji responded, “The one with the money, of course.” Mr. Peters, smiling sarcastically said, “I, in your place, would have taken the wisdom.”
Swami Vivekananda shrugged and responded, “Each one takes what he doesn’t have.” Mr. Peters, by this time was extremely angry. So, great was his anger that he wrote on Swami Vivekananda’s exam sheet the word “idiot” and gave it to Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda took the exam sheet and sat down at his desk trying very hard to remain calm while he contemplated his next move. A few minutes later, Swami Vivekananda got up, went to the professor, and told him in a dignified polite tone, “Mr. Peters, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the grade.”
Vivekananda was in the beginning an atheist and a brilliant debater. When anyone said so and so is he would go to his 1st question, which would be: “Have you seen God?” So, nobody could convince him. But, one day someone brought him to Ramakrishna. Here too he asked the same question and you know, what came next?
Ramakrishna replied, “Not only I have seen God, but I can even show you.” Having said so Ramakrishna kept his hand on Vivekananda’s head and immediately he became unconscious for quite long time. When conscious he was a changed person and had no more questions!
Like our Sainji, Sri Ramakrishna’s focus was always spirituality or khayal. He said don’t waste time chasing wealth you will get whatever you are destined to get. Of course, you can carry on with your normal activities but don’t make collecting wealth as your goal.
My association with Sainji was very limited and it’s only when this house was built in 1955 that Sainji came and stayed in summer and winter that things changed. Besides we were studying in collage still.
I said about Bara Sain getting upset. This was told to me by Ama and the year I guess must have been after partition probably 1950 or 51. Sainji had gone to Mela of Sain Sadiq Shah. It happened just after returning from raag when all were sitting in Bari. After a while Bhagat Ram Chand of Mirpurkhas asked Sainji to perform a miracle as Hindus were facing lot of problems i.e. evacuee property etc. and on this suddenly Sain Baba’s face changed. Ama said there was so much dahshat (anger/wildness) no one dared to sit and one by one they bowed to Him and left the room. Then, after quite some time they peeped in to see how Sain felt and slowly began to come in.
Sain Baba explained to them that firstly His mind was still with Mamati Saints i.e. Saints not living like Sain Shah Shaheed, Datapir and others. We all know they are there at the time of Sama raag. Secondly, one should only ask for dua as ‘karamat kehar jo ghar ahe’ i.e. karamat or miracle performing is disliked by the Lord. Many many years later, Ama said once in Jhok Sharif mela just after the Raag, Ama was sitting near Sainji and He asked Ama who she was? Ama just kept quiet but later questioned Sain that if He didn’t recognize her here how will He recognize in the next life? Sainbaba just smiled at her and said perhaps it was not Me that was asking at that moment!! He also added that how can I not recognize YOU. That was Our Great Sain Baba!
SAINBABA was also clear that your means should be honest, like HE had particularly asked Dada Rupchand Kripalani never to take a bribe and we all saw even on a very high post as deputy director for imports he remained poor. We saw his very small flat above Kailash parbat in Colaba. He did not possess a car and when Shamloo was getting married he had to request Hiroo Advani and some other disciples for 2/3 cars.
Quoting from Radhaswami literature, a disciple wrote Swami Sawansingh that he was desperate to come to Dera (main gathering area) but was too ill to travel. Swamiji wrote back he must wait for 2 months as his illness due to bad karmas but Lord had been kind to have this reduced from 1/2yrs to 2 months only. Another time one of his disciples was on death bed and suffering for some time, a relative approached Sawansingh. HE replied its fine let him clear his bad karmas in this world only. Maharaj Sawansingh did not give Naam to the blind saying their karma was too heavy and the Guru often fall ill after initiations!
Even a great Saint like Ramakrishna had to bear pain from cancer on his arm due to clearance of very bad karmas of one of his loving disciples. For these reasons SAINJI stopped giving Naam in their last couple of years to outsiders.
The nature of Saints naturally comes from nature (God) i.e. LOVE.
Someone asked Shah Qalandar Datapir (real name Sufi Fakir Fazal ullah Shah of Dargah Jhok Sharif) what is God? His answer GOD IS LOVE.
I had gone in morning to Dargah of Saint Abdul Qadir Gilani (dargah in Karachi) as it was his 40 Urs sharif (death anniversary). Sitting there I reflected Our BARA SAIN who was precise and very selective and always ended His letters as SUFI AL QADRI. He could have chosen to end as JALALANI which was his ‘baloch’ cast but never, why? As He never forgot THE HEAD and BENEFACTOR. You all must have heard SAINJI’s tape where in meditation He saw pigs rushing towards Him. He called upon Datapir and pigs changed their direction but did not stop. Thereafter Sainji call BADSHAHPIR (Sufi saint of the Chishti order in India) and the pigs stopped after he started reciting the GREAT SAINTS name!
Another thing to notice SAINJI invariably ended His letters DUAGU. HE is asking God for blessings for everyone.
One more thing I recall throughout the whole day SAINBABA would say ‘YA ILLAHI KHAIR” meaning Oh God peace and blessings for all. Once again, He was seeking peace and blessings for whole of humanity. Really, we did not pay attention and took these things for granted. Not once did I hear Gila (speaking ill) of anyone from HIS lips, the most Sainji would say “BACHO ZAMANE JA MANHOON AHIN” or child these are worldly people.
One or two days just before His operation, Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib came to meet Sainji in morning. Sainji was lying on charpai exactly where you see the long sofa next to the window in Ramesh hall, and Sain HMWS was sitting near Sainji’s serandhi (head end) tying a taweez (prayer amulet) on HIS arm. I was standing perandhi (foot end of bed) side right next to bathroom door. Suddenly, SAINJI looked at me sort of sending a message for there was too much love in His eyes. My 6th sense told me Sainji was going and my tears came.
Next evening operation took place and Sainji was not well and spent the whole night very restless. Now comes the part befooling us all. Sainbaba was totally well around 10 am in morning. Gave Bhau a chance to force me to go to Datapir mela, along with SAIN HMWS sahib as Ama was coming there from Berani. Early morning about 5 a.m. someone came from BERANI to give us the bad news. Hence, we left immediately for Jalalani around 6 p.m., saw SAINBABA. Many, many people finally lowered HIM in the ground approx. 8 p.m.
Seeing BARA SAIN BABA was like great saint of Hyderabad has said about his Murshid Shah Qalandar Datapir in the opening line of his kalam, which Bhau use to sing in old days and that One line is. DEKHAT HI MAN PAT AYA.!! MURSHID DA DEEDAR IS EQUAL TO 100 CRORES OF HAJ Seeing your Murshid is equivalent to 100 crore times doing Haj in Muslims or Teerth in Hindus). By SULTAN BAHU
More of Sainji’s Rehan
On Page 89 letter no 14 sindhi book Sainbaba says HAYA IS ROOT AND YAQUEEN IS FRUIT, what exactly haya would mean here is it just respect should be more than that?
Mama, Bhabhi (Dadi Lachmi, Bhagwan’s Mother) says that in that sentence Sain means haya is like nethai (or thinking less of yourself) since the root is also low in the ground or no ego. Bhagwan, Dadi’ s meaning seems good at least makes some sense.
Remember in Gulabrai’s tape he says he asked SAINJI how to increase yakeen (faith) and Gulabrai says Sainji replying that too is not in murids hands. Hence, when I read letter 14 and came across this para wanted to know what Haya meant exactly all the same HIS REMBERANCE will surely help.
It is said, someone told SAINBABA Lord Krishna said world appeared like size of THALI or a plate. Our Master replied no, it appears like a bajar ka dana (seed of bajra or barley) or even less. So, we can’t even imagine about the universe but for Saints there is no limit as they reside in GOD THE CREATER HIMSELF.
SAINJI’S words: “SUFI UT VIYO JITE MARD NAKO JOI”. i.e. Sufi’s have gone where no man or woman has GONE. One day in Bhau’s hall
Bhau Gagu told Sainji that scientists were planning to go to moon and later even the sun. Sainbaba smiled and said moon yes but the Sun never. This was early 1960. Man, reached the moon in 1964.
These are three best advices from OUR SAINBABA
1 Jin wisryo naam tin pat vinjhai panhji. (Those who forget their Naam also have lost self-respect)
2 Sayo karyo.ie put your best effort at Naam.
3 Ya kar oar Allah ji ya kar pirieen pachae. Meaning either meditate or praise your beloved Murshid.
So we must follow what suits us.
Of all three naturally NAAM IS BEST. Having said all this, He would look at us and ask. “POI KAHRI SALAH AHE” (so, what is your advice?) WITH SUCH UNFORGETABLE LOVE.
Krishna and Arjuna
Once Krishna and Arjuna were walking towards a village. Arjuna was pestering Krishna, asking him why Karna should be considered an unparalleled Donor & not him?
Krishna, turned two mountains into gold. Then said, “Arjuna, distribute these two gold mountains among villagers, but you must donate every bit of it “. Arjuna went into the village, and proclaimed he was going to donate gold to every villager, and asked them to gather near the mountain. The villagers sang his praises and Arjuna walked towards the mountains with pride.
For two days and two nights Arjuna shoveled gold from the mountain and donated to each villager. The mountains did not diminish in the slightest. Most villagers came back and stood in queue within minutes. Now Arjuna was exhausted, but not ready to let go of his Ego, told Krishna he couldn’t go on any longer without rest. Then Krishna called Karna and told him to donate every bit of the two gold mountains. Karna called the villagers and said “Those two Gold mountains are yours. ” and walked away. Arjuna sat dumbfounded. Why hadn’t this thought occurred to him? Krishna smiled mischievously and told him “Arjuna, subconsciously, you were attracted to the gold, you regretfully gave it away to each villager, giving them what you thought was a generous amount. Thus, the size of your donation to each villager depended only on your imagination. Karna holds no such reservations. Look at him walking away after giving away a fortune, he doesn’t expect people to sing his praises, he doesn’t even care if people talk good or bad about him behind his back. That is the sign of a man already on the path of enlightenment”.
A beautiful story about the Flute of Krishna
Krishna always holds a flute in his hand, but there is a great story behind it. Everyday Krishna would go in the garden and say to all the plants, “I love you”. The plants were very happy and responded back and said “Krishna, we love You, too”. One- day Krishna rushed quickly into the garden very alarmed. He went to the bamboo plant and the bamboo plant asked, “Krishna, what´s wrong with you?” Krishna said, “I have something to ask you, but it is very difficult”. The bamboo said, “Tell me: if I can, I will give it to you”. So, Krishna said “I need your life. I need to cut you”. The bamboo thought for a while and then said “You don´t have any other choice. You don’t have any other way?” Krishna said, “No, no other way”. And it said “OK, I surrender to you”.
So, Krishna cut the bamboo, made holes in it, and each time, while he was doing that, the bamboo was crying with pain. At last, Krishna made a beautiful flute out of it. And this flute was with Krishna all the time. 24 hours a day, it was with Krishna. Even the Gopi’s were jealous of the flute.
They said, “Look, Krishna is our Lord, but yet we get to spend only some time with him. He wakes up with you, He sleeps with you, all the time you are with him”. So, one day they asked the bamboo, “Tell us the secret of it. What secret do you have, that the Lord treasures you so much?” And the bamboo said “The secret is that I´m empty inside. And the Lord does whatever he wants with me, whenever he wants with me and however he wants with me”.
So, this is complete surrender: where God can do whatever, He wants with you, whenever He wants, as He wants. And for that you don’t need to be scared, you know, you have just to give yourself. And who is yourself in reality? It’s just Him!
Allow the Lord to sculpt you.
About that flute, as I said, Sainbaba used to say it’s so melodious that many murids get stuck there only kamil (experienced and highly spiritual) Guru pulls them up!
More of Sainji’s Rehan
Reading SAINJI’S book one sees this phrase repeatedly. YA KAR AUR ALLAHJI YA PIREEN PACHAR. There are no short cuts. All Saints have put in very great effort then naturally came Grace of Murshid. Not one single Saint without hard work, what will happen to us?
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) requested God to remove just one name out of His 100 and God said NO, that name? QUAHAR. After which God gave many concessions but said name will remain. Among those concessions one was He will no more punish those with bad thoughts till one acts on them but will reward one even for entertaining good thoughts even if one fails to put them in action. This is Mercy.
But notice no getting away from bad karmas only one key: NAAM, NAAM. Of course, Guru could help but rarely. We read in many cases Guru’s having taken that burden upon themselves. Two examples come to my mind Sri Ramakrishna discloses his cancer due to bad karmas of a disciple. Second example, Guru Tegbahadur Sahib sacrificing His life to save Hindus from Aurangzeb.
Remember, whenever Sainbaba combed his beard He would not let a single hair fall on ground and we would carefully collect them. When asked why? Sainji responded these are tinkas (individual reeds of a broom) which is meant for cleaning the Chaunth (part of tomb) of my Murshid Sain.
On couple of occasions we personally saw Sain HMWS Sahib literally cleaning the chaunth of Roza of Shah Shaheed Sahib during riazat time in melas. See the humbleness of Saints.
Remember Sainbaba saying while sitting among people one should think all others are better than himself.
This was to teach us humility’ The way of Great Souls.
Some of you remember there used to be two twin brothers at Dargah Jhok Shareef and few could tell the difference between them. I remember Sainji in a joke told them to marry just one woman as she would not know the difference. You know what happened some years later? Well, one twin died but a 3rd brother who did not look the same at all joined the 2nd twin who was living and they married just one lady!
Sainbaba always used to stay with Dada Bhutani before this incident. You see, Dada was an intellectual, evolved and very liberal in his thinking and yet how this happened is beyond me. It was a routine that Dada would accompany Sainji to Jhok shareef bara mela and from their Sainji every year came to Karachi and stayed at Dada’s house. In fact, even Dadi Rani and their family met Sainbaba at their house. Besides Sainji was fond of Dada’s wife and everyone called her mummy and although her name was Kisi, Sainji used to call her the same. Kishinchand also did some spiritual meharbani and she would even tell Mithi Dadi (Rani) where Hiroo was when abroad. Sometimes when Mithi Dadi would worry about not receiving a letter from Hiroo, Mummy would tell them not to worry it will come in couple of days. One amazing incident was when Mummy would criticize Shabaz Qalandar or not thinking highly of Him. One night she saw a vision where Sainji flies her with Himself reaching a place. Naturally, it must have been Sewan Sharif (Shabaz Qalandar Dargah) and landing right in front of Shabaz Qalander Sahib and introducing mummy to Him and telling mummy Here is the person you have negative feelings of and to desist doing so in future. So, imagine Sainji’s RAAZ (blessing)on mummy and yet you will see how things change! On one mela after khatma (last day Raag) God knows what came in Dada Bhutani’s mind but let us call it destiny. Dada went and invited Sain Rakhyal Shah. My God Mithi Dadi told me Sainji was badly hurt and as a result Sainji that year did not go to Karachi after Hyderabad. He returned to goth but in the usual way stopping in Berani and from there to Nawab shah and finally as a normal routine Mithi Dadi said the rest of murids of Karachi begged a lot asking Sainji to come and stay in their homes but Sainji just went back saying He will come to Karachi from next year. After that Sainbaba used to stay every year at Mithi Dadi’s house. It’s like Lila losing Chanesar (akin to Romeo & Juliet) as in the famous sindhi story put in most beautiful poetic form by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in his rasala also regularly recited at all our melas in raag samma. Now, Dada Bhutani’s family completely lost faith in Our Sainbaba and took Naam from Sain Rakhyal Shah a second time. Why? Dadi said during Rakhyal Shah’s stay at their house, Rakhyal Shah displayed some minor miracle. I didn’t ask what that miracle was but that impressed their family so much that they changed completely for good. As for Dada, I have no idea if he regretted it or not, but he obviously retained his own faith which is evident from the fact he spent one full year with Sainji after partition in Pakistan i.e. 1952/1953. Out of those two years, I think he was with us in Hyderabad for a couple of months then more than one month in Berani. He spent whole nights in meditation, had extra order control over his mind and I have never seen another person like him. In Hyderabad, he was sitting with Sainji in our house me sitting 6/7 feet from both.
Gadi Nashin (Dargah’s Chief) from Tajjal Sharif (affiliated Dargah of Dargah Jhok Shareef like ours) related to Sain Ali Akbar Shah (son of SHMW of Dargah Jhok Shareef) that when he was a boy he was with our Sainji in Sain’s bari at Dargah Sharif one evening when he saw the skies light up brightly. He says the light came down and went inside the Roza. He says he thinks our Sainji may have gone in also. But, he lost consciousness. When he awoke, people including Sainji were trying to get him awake. Anyway, he pleaded with our Sain to tell them what was going on. Sainji declined saying he should talk about something else. Finally, he says he touched Sainji’s feet at which Sainji said something like you are from my Murshids place (Assume our Sainji’s Murshid Hazrat Sain Abdul Sattar have a connection with Thardarni Sain at Tajjal?) and you shouldn’t be touching my feet. Sain reluctantly told him it was Shabaz Qalander visiting Hazrat Sain Shah Shaheed Badshah in the Roza for something.
His whole point was that people say there have been only 2 ½ Qalandars but what about Shah Shaheed Badshah?
What is there to talk of Sainji! You know once what Dada Mulchand said to Bhau Asoomal once?
He said “Lal (affectionate name for Asoomal) what is this? often it seems to me I am creating worlds and destroying and again creating others.” This path is mysterious only travelers tell us their experiences.
Once Sain baba was sitting in khayal (meditation) at Jhok Sharif. Adi Lachi (Sainji’s companion), Nanga (Sainji’s companion/valet), Bhau Gagumal and a few more people saw suddenly a cobra passing by Sainji. At once they wanted to kill the snake with sticks but Sainji stopped them and later told them it was a fakir of the Dargah. He also said many birds you see flying here but some of them are past saints so not to kill anything and no one will harm you. Forgot to add that when Sainji said above words HE began the sentence with following words and I quote “BACHO JE WESAH KARYO!” meaning IF YOU BELIEVE me what I have said is true.
Sain Ali Gulab (one of Sainji’s sons) once told me “Kishin, as children we use to play at chowkandi (where related saints are buried, not the main roza), which was at ground level and often Saints in those Mazars would give us darshans and bless us!
Once Sainbaba had asked Dadi Rani if she had a Guru? She said: Yes, Guru Grannth Sahib is my Guru. Sainbaba had a nice laugh and told her you need a living Guru and one must find one no matter how long it takes. Of, course it did not take Mithi Dadi long as next day she took Naam from Sainji. We all know she became Sainji’s most favorite murid. Wish you had seen their love for each other. Its beyond your comprehension. Few things I might know but they can’t be shared. I personally feel Radha swamis are carrying forward Guru Nanaks path.
Many a times our Sainji said Guru Nanak was a SUFI.
As God has no one religion, even Sufis keep no difference and see how many Hindus come to our dargahs. Love has no religion and God is pure Love.
At Sainji’s feet we will all meet at our dear parted souls Ama, Baba and Bhau. Who will we recognize in the highest heavens?
Naturally, Nimma too and I know how much she loved Sain Lutuf Ali, so she too will be there.
Do you know in our family, whenever someone was to die Ama would tell in advance how Dada Kripaldas (my grandfather) had come to accompany that soul?
And in Babas case, she said both Dada Kripaldas and Sainbaba were there.
In the downstairs hall, Sain baba assured Ama that He would come as well as Dada Kripaldas. Furthermore, she would be informed about her going away 10/15 days in advance. Lastly, Sainji assured her there will be no sakrat (pain at the time of death) in her case and she would pass away peacefully.
Something happened, and I told Nimma that Ama will be leaving us within 2 weeks and she passed away 10 days later.
So, for a true disciple the highest heaven lies at feet of his GURU.
Only Great Sufis who dived deep realized the absolute truth.
So, they always say, dive deep and there you will find God.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (Sufi saint and poet of Sindh) has clearly pointed the way look what he has said. He says it’s very good that you pray or say namaz and keep fast or roza and go for haj or teerth etc. These all being outside activities but adds that it’s something else which will lead you to God.
Now, obviously he is referring to NAAM.
So, crux is sit in meditation with Naam as given by your Guru and there is no other way but to find God inside yourself.
One day in Bhau’s hall we were sitting with Sainji. HE asked us after death your body is burnt, right? (we only Hindus were there.) The soul which has departed is pure so then who is accountable and punished if a person has committed serious sins? We were quiet and Sainji said its ego. The ego still goes with you after death.
Many, many times Sainji would say believe me I cannot even move from one room to another. He did only what God wanted.
Look at the beauty in two-line verse which we hear every year at mela Sama raag in morning.
“Surat bhaen ne shaikh khe, Ahe mana miroyi, Haq haqeeqat thi sabit jadhin” meaning don’t think of your Murshid as an ordinary person as you will see absolute TRUTH VIA HIM ONLY.
Same with what Sainji said and luckily i was sitting right there. The exact sindhi words Sainji used are 1 Groom or Ghot in sindhi compared to Naam. 2.Janch for baraat which is Urdu, He compared to Murshids face or ‘surat. ’But, understand, Surat very important as it stops the mind from wandering. Primarily its Naam for that is how we remember God.
Guru Nanik Sahib has explained many things very well.
I read in a book where Guru Nanik the great saint says God is in everyone, but you must find Him inside yourselves and for this God has manifested Himself in some people so that they can guide others. These are great master’s here to help us.
Once while sitting with OUR SAINBABA, a disciple said he finds it difficult to keep surat (Murshids’ face in front of him while meditating), Sainji replied not to bother the main thing is NAAM so just sit in khyal.
Further Sainji said NAAM is The Groom and surat is like baraat. So Sainji gave full importance to Naam. That is an important thing to remember as most of us struggle to keep the surat in front of us.
Mithi Dadi (Dr. Rani of Mumbai) and Baba (Diwan Siroomal my father) are just 2 examples who Sainji loved a lot not naming others. And, surprisingly Sainbaba on his first visit after Baba’s passing away used the same words. Said he lives on inside me. Only now I get the true meaning.
This is by Rumi. The words with it are extra ordinary I have never come across.
Further it would be nice to think they are being said to each one of us by OUR SAINBABA.
IF I HOLD YOU IN MY HEART, YOU WILL WITHER.
NO BUT I WL MAKE PLACE FOR YOU IN MY SOUL, SO YOU WL BE MY LOVE IN LIVES BEYOND THIS LIFE.
One day someone asked OUR SAINJI what can we offer God?
Sainji said only humbleness n love n His remembrance because that is what He has created us.
Since I remember it now, thought to post right now but I may have written this before.
1. All humans born will not remember their past janams. Imagine chaos if we did.
2.all born will be content to carry on living no matter what conditions are there. Notice even a cockroach does not want to die, generally even very old not ready to go.
3 This one is very important. Saints will not perform miracles for then Satan cannot misguide or mislead.
Rita, I believe this version appropriate as against Muslim version that best angel disobeyed God hence turned into Satan, to me it sounds most illogical! How could anyone has dared to disobey Lord that too at time of creation.
OUR SAINBABA used to say that most persons you see may look like humans but inside they are animals. These are words I heard in person.
Did it remind you of 2 lines in our own Sama Dargah raag?
“Jeseen piya jio te Riroh inhia rah te.” Meaning as long as you are alive to keep crawling on the PATH.
When Bhau Gagumal took out Sainji’s movie in the garden and then showed Sainbaba eating jelly in the hall wall on a white bed sheet He must have asked at least twice: Is that me? We all said yes! It seems Sainji had never used a mirror!!
I heard when first cigarettes were sold, one person was smoking one. Sainji called him over and told him to wrap a piece of light cloth over it and smoke a few puffs. Then asked him to see the cloth which had dark brown patches showing up hence asked him not to. Sainbaba did smoke but a hookah and I personally noticed he would take few puffs and ask people around Him to pass to Sain Ali Gul (one of his sons) who was always on thala with Sainji specially in evenings.
Sainbaba would use neem ka dantan (small branch of a tree growing commonly there) and no toothbrush or paste in earlier days. Sain would be chewing on it for 20 or more minutes. Seems new benefits of neem tree are being described about it on tv now.
This one is in Sainji’s tape as well. When Bhau Gagumal recorded Sainji’s Rehan on Grundig spool tape recorder and replayed to Sainji, Sainbaba remarked “So, now my voice can continue to be heard forever?” Bhau replied yes, to which Sainji said MAAR (translated to wow)!!
This was in Bhau’s hall.
Sainji was very active otherwise and required minimal if any support even when he way over a 100years in age. Sainji took a bath but not very often but when He did it was thorough. He kept Himself very clean. Sainbaba was not careless about anything. He was always well groomed, nails trimmed etc. When letters came He would be keen to reply immediately.
That Bara Sainbaba video where he is bathing himself. I was present at that time the bath was given exactly where we leave our shoes while entering roza at small gate. Notice seeing Sainbaba full of God given energy the way He is rubbing His beard. Sainji was 115 or more at that time.
Two days ago, Sain Oshak Ali told me he had heard that a pir (religious person) of Gambat town either gadinashin or his cousin has been coming to Dargah every 2nd month regularly. This time Sain learnt that the he comes in middle of the night and quietly leaves after spending a few hours. This time, Sain said he went quietly and he heard the pir was admonishing his disciples that they were facing problems because they had not been coming to Our Sainbaba’s dargah. He told them that he had received mehrbani (blessings) from Our Sainbaba who was helping his disciples as well. Pir also told them have you not noticed that in my own room Our Sainbaba’s photo was much larger than his own grandfather who was a well-known fakir. After this Sain Oshak Ali Sahib met the pir and asked to come and have tea and this pir said he would like to 1st spend more time in the Dargah and then come for tea. Sain said the pir remained in dargah for full 3 hrs. and then had tea and left.
One day Lalchand (Gulab husband of Hira’s Nana) came to Berani and started speaking about Jhok Sharif past saints. You know Bhau and me listened to him till morning. Never seen anyone like him the way he narrated, Bhau not 50% compared to this man. He said he knows so much that a story on his left shoulder tells him to tell mine 1st and the right one says no me first. His love for Dargah Jhok and particularly Sain Shah Shaheed was extra ordinary. I felt as he had been there at shahadat (death) time and honestly seeing his love I felt this gentleman deserves Shahadat and he did become a SHAHEED (Death in defense of his faith).
All murids must have faith. Faith very important as we know what happened to Dada Bhutani’s family. Only Dada Butani retained his faith. Dada Bhutani was with Sainji in 1952 at Hyderabad and once told me he had seen many, many saints. He even spent 2 weeks with great Saint Raman Maharishi of south India; he said the more he saw the more he realized OUR SAINBABA’s greatness. Dada himself was a realized soul, a principal of DJ College in Karachi, too. He was well read, and he would see a book in my hand and immediately tell me for example that the best book of Khalil Gibran was the ‘Prophet’ and not the one I was reading. He lived with us and it’s difficult to even describe him. So, consider your selves as SPECIAL for being murids of Sainji and naturally GREAT DARGAH JHOK SHARIF THE FOUNTAIN HEAD OF SPIRITUALITY AT ITS ZENTH.
I don’t remember the name but one of Sainji’s murid, who was sitting in meditation was disturbed by officials of Mir’s (rulers) of Khairpur, which was a state then. This fakir said mirs would no longer be rulers anymore, so he was brought before Sainji. Sainji also asked him to withdraw his words but he totally refused and eventually Mir’s lost their rule. Imagine the power Sainji’s murid!
Among Sainji’s many murids, those who would become great saints like Jasso Sadh a marecha (considered low caste.) In Bozdar his mela attracts 100’s and Mai Khandul, then Manik fakir and of course Sain Din Mohd. On the other hand, who can understand these things; those were Sainbaba’s very early days. Let me give you one example: one day in Bhau’s hall, Sainji called Sain Din Mohd and told him in their native language (Nanga his personal valet and Nihchaldas could understand) that Sain Imdad Ali’s status has been raised to that of a prophet. CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THAT!!! These things are beyond our understanding. If Sain Imdad Ali could be one of the Holy Prophet’s (PUH) close associates, then WHO WAS SAINBABA??
I forgot to mention Dadi Dhani who we could all notice was always with ZIKR. On her death bed towards the end 2 persons confirmed her voice change to SAINBABA’s voice. One was Nirmala her daughter and second was Sarla Advani. Dadi Dhani was much loved by Our Sainji and blessed by Dada Kripaldas.
I feel sorry what has recently happened to Ramesh.
Yesterday or the other day, this topic came out near Sain Oshak Ali Sahib; he told me something which I will not write here but tell you in person.
One day a disciple asked Our SAINBABA whether what we do is it all destiny or effort and here is the tricky answer given by Him. He said: Beta, two persons were shut in a small room with no light. Now, one believed in destiny and the other in effort. After some time, both felt hungry. The one believing in effort asked the other one saying let us search around but he refused saying if he was destined to get food he will get it anyway. The other one then got up searching in pitch darkness and finally found a chab (container) containing some roti so he brought it down and asked the other to share the roti. Having finished eating he said: see my effort helped in locating food so you still do not believe in effort? The other one replied: I was lying down, yet I got my share by fate! Completing this story Sainbaba did not comment further at all.
Our Sainbaba’s murshid had turned away Sain Rakhyal Shah asking him to become like an ant since he had the pride of being a ‘sayed’ (descendant of the Holy Prophet [PBUH]). And this not once but 2/3 times, only then he gave him Naam.
I read this in Sain Rochaldas book. As you know Dr K. Rochaldas was disciple of great saint Sain Qutub Shah his dargah is in Hyderabad. There came a stage where Sain Qutub Shah told Dr Sahib he had to be handed over to a higher authority. He gave him 2/3 names. One being that of Guru Nanak Sahib!! Dr Sahib chose Guru Nanik Sahib. Again, shows Divinity is ONE.
I will also relate 2 incidents where it clearly shows divinity is one. Dada Mulchand’s father was a great worshiper of Sri Krishna and a highly- advanced soul and he regularly attended court of Lord Krishna. There was also Diwan Hassamal a co-disciple of Dada Mulchand and an equally advanced person. This was told to me by Dada Mulchand himself.
On one occasion while Dada’s dad was coming out of the court of Sri Krishna he met Diwan Hassamal going inside. So, he asked him where was he going? Diwan replied: to the court of Hazrat Ali. Dada’s dad was shocked. Upon this Diwan Hassamal told him don’t you understand that DIVINITY IS ONE AS GOD IS ONE.
hen Pir Pagara (leader of spiritual/political family in Sindh) came to Berani and wanted zikr from Sainji, he very shrewdly avoided him by asking Pagara to recite salwat (Ya Allah, Ya Mohammad, Ya Ali).
You know at one-time Baba asked Him if we should convert to Islam. He very strictly said: “No! What for?” Just sit in meditation with Zikr. At later date, out of great love for Baba, He once told him to help the poor who come to you for different work and that shall be considered as your Ibadat (prayer).
For Guru Nanak Sahib, He would say that the Guru was a Sufi and Meera bai also. He praised them and add “Meera te dukh ghano bithal ho” (There was a lot of pain on Meera who suffered).
This is also interesting. Sainji once remarked a balak guru (child) from Guru Nanak lineage was sitting in my mangh (hawadan) with dangling his legs down. “Bacho (called us this meaning my children) I touched his foot and it was all flesh with no bones at all). I checked later, and I believe it. Sainji must have been talking about Guru Harkrishin (eight of ten Guru’s of the Sikh faith) who Sainji referred as child Guru. Further Sainji remarked that this child Guru is on a very fast spiritual path! ONLY SAINJI could PASS THIS REMARK. THAT GURU MUST Have PASSED AWAY 200 YRS EARLIER.
On one of my visits I went to Dada’s (Bhutani)flat on 3rd floor and it was like climbing 5 floors. The building had no elevator. As I entered I saw Dada he was going to washroom and seeing me he asked Guli, that was eldest daughter and who had chosen not to marry to serve her father, to tell me what transpired about a week ago. Dadi Guli looked at him but hesitant to tell me. On this, Dada remarked that it was all right saying “he is our own” and proceeded to bathroom. Dadi said a week back the bell rang and when I opened the door a Fakir entered, took off his torn shirt and said, ‘please mend it for me’, so saying that he went inside Dada’s room. After some time, he came out and taking his shirt from me he walked out and sort of disappeared. Then Dada came out and asked Guli “did you recognize the Fakir” so I said no. Then Dada disclosed He was none other than Hazrat Badshah Pir Dastagir. So, completing story she said what was discussed only Dada knows. Naturally, when I met Dada, He looked very happy but beyond saying see Data Sahib is so kind to me he said nothing more.
These are 3 episodes of Sainbaba’s early days of which 2 were published in the sindhi book after He left this world. The 3rd the elders felt should not be written about. Why, you can judge when I post the incident but here is another small one.
Sainji went to the shrine of the well- known saint and poet in Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. There he sat for 10 days and fasted every day. A person promised to bring Him a meal once a day, but he did not eat it saying He did not feel the need. On last or 10th day, an elderly person with a white beard brought Him the meal and He completed His fast and came straight to His Murshid at Jhok Sharif and told His guru about the whole incident. Upon this, His murshid asked him whether he recognized the elderly gentleman. Sainji replied in the negative. Thereupon his murshid informed him that the person was Hazrat Bhitai himself and he has blessed you a lot.
The purity of a great saint story. Sri Ramakrishna of Calcutta regularly ate a fruit from a neighbor’s garden with the owner’s permission. One day he had same fruit but vomited immediately. Upon checking, the disciples found that the garden had been sold to a new person whose permission had not been obtained. Even otherwise whenever he visited someone who was dishonest, He would not be able to digest the meal and vomit. Here it would be appropriate to quote my own Sainbaba who often said first in sindhi followed by translation, “jahri safafai Soofi a tahri sij na ho” meaning the purity of a true Sufi Saint exceeds that of the sun.
During the Sufi mela in Dubai – when our Sainji was giving a discourse on spirituality- Uttam Wadhwani from Mumbai – said that His aunty wanted to take naam zikr from our Bada Sainji Hazrat Nasir Fakir R.A. – about 50 years back— but she being a staunch Hindu and a devotee of lord Krishna – was having many doubts as to how to take Naam from a Muslim Fakir. However- when she went to sleep that night – she had a very vivid dream in which she saw a pendant/photo-frame- with Our Sainji on one side and the pendant was moving and Lord Krishna on the other side – both smiling and changing constantly – with lord Krishna and our Sainji appearing to her at the same time— this put her mind to rest and she was convinced that there was no difference between Shri Krishna and the Muslim Pir fakir our Sainji — so she took Naam from our Guru— Sufism is a very balanced and wholistic faith — we just have to have faith in our Guruji.
Memories about Sain Lutuf Ali
Memory with Colonel Shah
Once Sain Lutuf ALI took an appointment from Dr Col Shah, who was his physician, but the Doctor made us wait quite some time. Sain asked me to go and see him probably not wanting to barge in. Dr said 2 or 3 more minutes but again a good 10 or 15 minutes passed. Now, Sain was upset. I tried pacifying Him. Sainbaba respected him and he always gave him a chair and most of all the Dr was a Syed. Now, Sain Baba showed a glimpse of Sains ‘jalalat’ He said: so, what if he is a Syed and now asked Alisher (his valet) to go and check. Ali Sher being a villager with no inhibitions just walked in and told the doctor that Sain was getting angry, so doctor said take Sain to adjoining examination room and within 1minute doctor came and right away fell on Sain’s feet asking forgiveness. All Sainji’s anger evaporated and instead He blessed him heartily.
Memory about our Sain talking about Sain Lutuf Ali
I probably heard from Bhau and from some more old disciples that Sainji was meditating and He saw Sain Lutuf Ali’s body lying on floor with blood all around at the same time as a lion with his paws full of blood nearby. Sainji’s hair stood up then suddenly, the lion appeared in human form of Shabaz Qalander himself telling Sain “Sahib meine usko Ishq ke chambe lagaen hain.” Sain was pleased thanked and him and while narrating this episode He remarked that is the reason that Sain Lutuf Ali will always be a little ‘jalali.’ On a couple of occasions, Sain Lutuf Ali himself claimed He was Shabaz. Once Mahram (his valet servant) was planning to visit Dargah Sewan Sharif. Sain Lutuf Ali himself told why go so far when he was already siting with Him
Again, this is from Bara Sain Himself. He said Sain Lutuf Ali was very fast in spiritual progress and would have long gone in wilderness but it’s only because of me that you find him here. Perhaps you have heard that Sainji’s Guru used to tell his other disciples that Our Sain was so fast that He progresses in his journey after sitting in meditation just 3 hours what others do in 6 months. That was our Sain.
Memory
Before telling you 1st story let me give u all a general picture at Sainji’s thala at Goth. Sain Lutuf Ali kept a very low profile between say 1951/1958 one rarely saw him on thala. In fact, it was Sain Ali Gul who along with Adi & Nanga & Nachaldas who were there in evenings. Sain Lutuf Ali was a bit reclusive we would see him arriving on a horse always dismounting at main door where a helper would take away his horse and tie it somewhere on extreme left corner near bathroom. Sain himself rarely came on thala and instead went to his house. Personally, I believe if Sain Imdad (his elder son) had lived and not killed in 1958 Sain Lutuf Ali would have made him the Gadee Nashin. He was that kind of fakir.
Bhagwan’s memory
I have many, many memories of Sain Lutuf Ali. One of the earliest is in 1971 when we gone to the Dargah before my leaving for the US. I had not mentioned much to anyone except my parents and Mira. The India-Pakistan war was winding down. While I was at the Dargah Jalalani Sharif I had decided to ask Sain for his blessings. Sain got up from the ‘thala’ where everyone was sitting and went to the room to the small room to the left near where the tea is made. I walked in touched his feet and stayed quiet for a minute. He looked at me with a lot of love and said, “bacho, muklain ayo aheen?” meaning have you come to say goodbye? I folded my hands and again touched his feet not really surprised that he already knew somehow. He said, “Sadaeen sarna hujo” which, he used to say often and blessed me. To me it meant may you always stay well or prosper.
Memory about Sain Irshad Ali
Let me share with you about Sain Irshad Ali Sahib. He was one of most lovely persons I have ever met. I would even say he was ‘likal’ (hidden) Fakir very simple and no ego and so very loving. Hamesha dil ko himat dete the (Used to give us courage). I had the chance of spending quite a lot of time with him. We used to go for shopping together. He purchased almost all clothes for his children from bori bazar footpaths and very cheap Rs. 8 apiece. Even the toys were never expensive. He loved and respected Bhau a lot and many a times they would be watching tv serials like Ramayana etc. together but quietly he would close his eyes and meditate.
His driver Mohd Khan told me 2 of his miracles.
Once one of his buffalo gave birth to a male which would be useless. When they informed Sain who was sitting a little far, he told them they were blind and to go and see again properly. They came back and said it was female hence good for milk when grown.
There was a tree which had become dead and needed to be removed. It was somewhere near Sufi Manzil and all the men sitting there could not take it out. Finally, Sain told them to stand away he just took it in his arms and saying ‘YAALI’ pulled it out!
I was just a witness to another incident as we were returning from Bombay. During packing we had lots of luggage and Sain asked us to wrap and bind strongly his drums/ Baja (harmonium). He added that the customs people will make us open that parcel. When we landed in Karachi a full protocol had been arranged hence the custom officer cleared us with due respect. However, just near exit door an assistant collector who was observing from a distance seeing so many pieces stopped us. We explained who Sain was, but he said just open one pack and you got it. He pointed at that particular one with the drums/harmonium and we all started laughing. Anyway, when he saw what was in it he realized and asked Sainji for forgiveness. Sainji just smiled back….
Memories of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib
Today, being Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahibs monthly ‘dihara’(day) it is befitting to speak in general about Him. Sain was no ordinary saint. Ama often told him openly that he was reincarnation of one of Jhok past saints and Sain only smiled back! He never slept the whole night and Moulabux who spent his whole life singing kalams the full night used to tell me that Sain very often spent nights at old Mirapur which 1/2 km. on the opposite side of the main road is about where their ancestors are buried. Sain Himself took about 7/8 of us there for special blessings. There he pointed at one of the Mazars (graves)saying this saint has promised anybody who took 7 sidha (clockwise) and 7 ulta (anti-clockwise) pheras (circles) around his mazar will never see the fire of hell but with ONE condition: he must hold breath while taking pheras. After taking 3/4 sidha pheras I stopped became breathless I told Sain this was a joke because whoever could do it must already be an advanced yogi. Sain smiled back at me and said ok not to worry, take the pheras while breathing and my great. great grandfather will keep his promise.
A few days ago, was SHMW monthly day so I remembered this. On one of our visit to Jhok Sharif, it was His murshids urs (anniversary) and He used to feel very happy when more people came. So, one morning He said come I will take you to the old grave yard of my ancestors. It was about 2 miles far and we left in 2 cars with about 9/10 persons. It was on a small mound and there were about 12 mazars (tombs/graves) and pointing to one, which was a little larger than rest, He said this great grandfather was a great saint. This saint has promised whoever will hold his breath while taking 7 rounds clockwise and 7 anti- clockwise will go to heaven. After just 2 rounds in one direction I felt breathless and told Sain Sahib that if anyone held breath that long he must already be a great yogi! I am not. Sainji looked at me, smiled and said “don’t worry you go and finish your rounds while breathing and THE SAGE will send you to heaven. See how generous this Sain Sahib was.
Sain HMWS being a true saint always treated murids like his children even while asking them to perform small tasks. He said so very politely and with love. Naturally they responded without any hesitation. I saw him embarrassing Dhol Fakir after singing very nice kalams with his sweet voice. Why? Saints have no ego. Same went for Our Great Sain. Just asking a murid to bring him hookah from Sain Ali Gul sitting nearby would bring joy to us. You will have noticed the same while reading about Swami Ramakrishna and many other great saints. Sultan Bahu was not wrong in saying: Just DEEDAR (seeing)OF MURSHID was equal to 100 haj’s (pilgrimages).
You know Nimma went to Jhok Sharif with me and we met Sain Sahib. He himself took Nimma inside to meet Mummy (his wife). You know what He said “Saut (cousin) You made Kikoo (Gagoomal’s second wife) your daughter but today I want you to meet My daughter in law.” That is LOVE.
He was very kind to us and fulfilled our many wishes. For example, Nimma was taking Meera for her admission test to Saint Joseph Convent so she went for blessings to Sain at Mama Gehimal’s house at 2 B Queens Road. Sain said, yes it can happen but on one condition. If she gets admission, we must cook kababs for him. Nimma told us when she went to school unbelievably Mother Teresa, the principal, was literally pacing the verandah as if waiting for them. And then there was NO TEST. They made her fill a form and gave her admission at once!
About Sain HMWS, Moula bux told me at one time he wanted to leave the world completely and go away to jungles or a desert, so he asked OUR GREAT BARA SAINJI. He told him absolutely not! SAINJI SAID SUFI’S Have to TAKE CARE OF NANG (family)and NANGAR (fukrah or disciples). We all witnessed the rush of disciples later!!
I wish Sain HMWS was there during Nimma’s illness He was too kind and generous and surely helped us. But suppose we all must go. I liked what Bhagwan wrote about all of us on a train journey and getting off at our station while new people climb on.
Wish to record just 4 Meharbanis of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib among many others.
1. His introduction of Nimma to Mummy (SHMW wife) on our first visit to Jhok Sharif after our marriage.
2. Mira’s admission to St Joseph Convent School. You know that was a minor miracle.
3. Calling me from Hyderabad saying no appendix operation for me even after 3 doctors said yes.
4.Telling Ama in absolute terms: Kishin will not die before becoming Nana and a Dada. That too when I was not even married.
HAVE YOU SEEN A GREATER Saint?
It is true that when SHMWS wanted to go away to the jungle, Our Bara Sainji told him not to, saying you must look after naang (murids) and nangar (place for murid’s).
Once on a visit to Dargah Jhok Sharif not mela time, I was sitting on thala of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib. When Moulabux (Sain HMWS companion/valet) was passing by, I called him over and requested him to tell me something about SHMWS since he had spent so many years in his duty. He told me 2 small things.
1.He told me he and Sain go after dinner often to old Mirapur village, which is about 2 kilometers from Dargah and where ancestors of Sain Shah Shaheed are buried. There while Moulabux sang the whole nite, Sain meditated and both returned around 5 a.m.
2.He said he went nearly every evening to ROZA and on one such visit he met Sain Abdul Sattar’s elder brother and gadinashin (whoever sits on the seat as Dargah’s chief). Moulabux said Sain Abdul Sattar too went to roza quite often and would sit for some time there. Once they both were returning from Roza and he said Sain Abdul Sattar told him “I know you are very fond of my brother and you are very lucky as my brother has reached very high stage in his spiritual path” and added “believe me, Moulabux ADA (brother) has reached the stage where even my hands cannot touch his feet.”
That was the great Saint Sain Haji Mohd Waris Ji even being complimented by the then gadi nashin himself.
About SHMWS last evening, I was speaking with Dadi Lachmi and we discussed his generosities and REACH as true Saint who enjoys the power of GOD Almighty.
Repeatedly this line from SAMA raag at Dargah haunts my mind “AKHAR ANDHA SADBA JIN HIT NA DITHO HOO DEH.”
THEY WILL BE CALLED BLIND WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THOSE HIGHER REGIONS BEFORE DEATH!
Let me tell you a story about Sain Sadiq Shah which Bhau Asoomal told me.
There was a blind murid and his name was Pessumal. For some good act, Sain Sadiq Shah was very pleased with him and told him to ask one wish. Pessumal being a sindhi, said Sain if you are so pleased then grant me following wish.
He said he wanted to SEE his grandson in a jhoola in the lap of his mother with a golden wati (feeding utensil) in his mouth having milk. His was granted his wish. Again, we see power reached by high spiritual saints.
By the way Sain Sadiq Shah was head Khalifa of Hazrat Shah Qalander Datapir and murshid of our great grandfather Lakhoomal.
Bhagwan: My memory
I used to go to SHMW a lot in medical college; he always advised me to serve the poor well and not give water injections as local doctors were doing. I used to say yes, of course. People would come and tell stories about doctors doing bad things to the poor. He always looked at me after these stories and tell me the same thing.
One time we went to see him in the old Gehimal flat in the small corner room he sued to sleep in; we sat for a little while. I think there were four of us and I believe Mama Lalchand was one of them but not sure. We each got up to say goodbye and touch his feet and leave. I was last. This time he held my hand and asked me to stay behind. When others left, he looked straight at me and said, “Do you remember my advice about the poor?” I said yes of course I will never forget. He put his hand on my head, gave me a hug, which he never had before and said good now you can go.
That was the last time I saw him alive; within two days he went to the hospital and died.
I have never forgotten his advice and I hope he is pleased with me.
SHMW also asked me when I was in medical college to take Mummy, his wife, for doctor appointments. Some of you know she had health issues. She did purdah from most people but even though I was an adult she treated me as her son and gave me so many blessings for taking her to doctors. She and SHMW had so much trust in me.
Fast forward by 10 years: In Dec 1970 SHMW came to Karachi as his asthma became worse so he was admitted in Naveed clinic on Frere road. Regretfully, Dr. Colonel Shah who was a heart specialist and an excellent physician had gone to Islamabad. He was also the owner of this hospital. That night proved to be very bad as Sainji’s heart was getting overloaded and another heart specialist was called, but to no avail as his health grew worse and he passed away around 2 pm December 1970. He was straight away taken to Dargah Jhok Sharif. Sain left instructions to bury him after a whole night of kalam singing. You all know how fond of kalams he was. In the morning, he was being buried where his Dargah is in chowkandi Sharif at the feet of his father and Guru. Next, somehow his mazar (grave/tomb) would just not close as the last brick would not set properly and fall off each time. It was getting hot and our feet burnt as there is no tree in chowkandi compound. Just then, arrived our Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib accompanied by Dr Nachaldas, Miskeen fakir and Dr Ghulam Qadir. As soon as they had darshan (viewed his face) of SHMW, the mazar was able to be completed. (Bhagwan comments: I was there and we all wondered why the mazar was not being able to be closed?) We always wondered if Our Sain had come for his ‘amanat’ but only God knows.
Story
Well there was a dispute was between an older murid and his nephew who was a disciple of Sain HMWS. The murid was not giving his nephew and his brother their due share, so the nephew requested Sain for help and Sain in turned to Bhau Lalchand for help. Finally, Bhau managed to convince the murid for ‘faisla’(decision) in presence of Sain Himself because Kaka (Uncle)Khushaldas was friendly with the family. The meeting took place at 21/22 queens road in our gali (small street) in a guest house rented by us mainly for Sainji’s. Finally, faisla (decision) decided in front of Sain with Kaka and Bhau helping. Now comes the interesting part. The older murid agreed and gave perhaps 50/60 percent only reluctantly and before begging Sains leave asked Sain to bless him since he was planning to migrate to Bombay for good. Sain blessed him heartily. Now Bhau was watching all this and after everyone left Bhau started complaining what and why all this especially when he had not been fair in the whole deal. Sain would just keep smiling. Bhau was furious by now. Bhau was much experienced to know when Sainji’s blessed in different ways mostly ‘halu chalu’ like “Allah sabh khair kando” etc. Finally, Sain had to give in and you know what He said. He said, “What else could I do when the older murid was settling his score of previous janam !!!” Later the older murid’s family became disciples of Jogi Baba who stayed in their house in Colaba and today they are very close to Sain Oshak Ali Sahib. See how the wheels of fortune turn!!
Yes, even SHMW’s wife was generous with her blessings. Once she was being treated at a hospital located on Shaheed e Millat Road by Doctor Yasin, a physician married to a parsi lady Doc Dinar Talati a child specialist. They were not getting a child
although married for long time. They had adopted a girl child. One day came she along her husband’s visit to Mummy and there seeing Mummy surrounded by many murids praising her, Dinar also asked for blessings. Dinar got a girl within 12 months!
Now let me tell you what Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib told Ama one day. He said when you will go to heaven you will be given Mubarak’s (congratulations) for having produced a son like him (Lalchand).!!!!! Sain HMWS was also very fond of Bhau. About Lilaram (Auntie Sati’s deceased husband and Manoo’s father), Ama once had a dream about him and asked me to confirm if her dream about Bhau Lilaram. It was true Sain told me. I used to keep ill especially due acute asthma and dysentery etc. so Ama took me to Jhok Sharif for dua from Sain HMWS. It was morning when Sain Sahib came out from his house. His face was red or pinkish and at precisely that moment Ama requested Sain regarding my health. Do you know what he said about me? He said he (referring to me) will become a nana (maternal grandfather) Dada (paternal grandfather) and then die. Satisfied, he just moved and passed us! So, whenever Ama told me that she would go before me I assured her this will not happen. Then when Meera and Sachal became parents, I told her the guarantee part is over and the rest is up to God. Who can speak like that!!!
How many Saints have these kinds of authority from God??
Before I share 1 or 2 stories about Sain HMWS would like to say I regret not spending more time with him though we (i.e. Ama, Dada Sobhrajmal, Dadi Lachmi, Nimma and me) used to go together for Datapir Sain’s mela and spend 5 or 6 days attending Sain’s Murshids day too. We rarely left Dargah and stayed in the Bari and later in rooms built by Dada Sobhrajmal which were closer to bathrooms and hence convenient. So, I did not go much to be in company of Sain HMWS Sahib.
Now one day I got lot of pain in my stomach and went to see Doc Col Shah. He said it looks you have an appendix problem but for confirmation sent me to his son Naveed Shah who was a surgeon. Doc Naveed said yes and wanted me to take his appointment immediately for next day surgery, but I am always scared about surgery and hence asked him to wait for couple of days. Now comes the interesting part. Same nite I get a call from who else but Saint Sain HMWS and asked me what the doc said. Probably Bhau had informed him since they were both in Hyderabad. Sain said not to worry, no surgery for you!
Hearing this from Sain himself the next day I went to doc Syed Shaukat Ali. Well, he felt the same but said better go and see a surgeon and he referred me to a well-known doc Aman Ullah who after thoroughly examining asked me 2 questions: 1) did I get fever and 2) do I feel like vomiting. I said No to both. He examined me a 2nd time and came to conclude that it was not the appendix but my whole intestine had inflammation due to dysentery, so he gave me Flagyl tablets for 10 days and asked me after a break for 7 days to repeat the dose for another 7/8 days. No appendix problem till today. See, I am getting blessings sitting at home! As I have said He was very generous!!!
Before I write about a Karachi episode let me say just like OUR BARA SAIN I rarely saw Sain HMWS a bit upset. So, one time at Dargah Jhok Sharif, some thieves cut and robbed the silver plate on roza of Shah Shaheed’s door. Well, now Sain HMWS wanted it to be redone before the coming big mela which was about 4 or 5 months away. So Sain asked Bhau and Jethanand to get it fixed before mela. As usual karigar (repair people) were delaying and only 45 days remained. That is when for the first time Sain was very upset and told both Bhau and Jetha: what did they care! Job was done in the next 15 days. See what did it matter to Sain Shah Shaheed Sahib but NO it mattered to His true lover!
This was in Karachi when Sain HMWS was leaving for Dargah so Nimma, Meera and me went to 2b Mama Gehi’s house. Nimma gave a 5 rupee note to Meera. She was very young and don’t think she remembers it. Anyway, when she did give it to Sain everyone went silent and were looking at us. Then, Sainji realized something was up. However, without a word but a bit relaxed Sain took the note signed it and gave back the note to Meera. And then they left by car after which we inquired what was wrong. That is when they told us just a few minutes earlier when ladies had given nazrana (money offering) to Sain he had gotten very upset and tore away all the notes given to him because he had on previous occasions told everyone not to give him this on every visit as he had to come often to Karachi due to Mummy’s (his wife’s) sickness. See his love for an innocent child!! Don’t ask where that note is either has given away by Meera or lying in one of 100 small pouches in her cupboard.
About Sain Paryal Imam
Temporarily have forgotten Datapir Sahib’s story and instead sharing one about a visit paid by Sain Paryal Imam of dargah Tando Saindad.
Once he came to attend mela now in middle of Sama Raag against normal tradition he got up and left seeming bit ruffled. Our Dada Kripaldas too left with Sain. Later when everyone asked Dada what happened he told them Sain told him Raag Sain Paryal Shah was requested that he was honored to give some ‘faiz’ to fukrah by none other than Sain Shah Shaheed and Datapir. He looked around saw some 500/700, people and decided to do it. Suddenly His own murshid Sain Sakhi Mir Murtaz appeared and stopped him and pointing in direction of OUR SAINS GURU and said: why not him reserve your treasure for your own murids. Hence, he could not sit any more. This episode has been confirmed in the book written by Dada Mulchand himself!!
About Ram & Lalchand Lakhwani
Lastly, I must pay tribute to our Ram far for his tireless and selfless services to this dargah the way he helped Adi Milu after she got a bullet in her spine in a great tragedy that took place. God how much he spent on her treatment and sleeping nights at the hospital. On the benches of Agha khan hospital. I am sure God will never leave him and his whole family with lots of blessings. Amen
About Bhau one day you know what Sain Bara told Ama. Lal is the truest person in your whole house!! See how much Bhau served all dargahs whole year-round repairs were carried out at various dargahs. A raaza (worker) named Mahmood was constantly shuffled to different dargahs Sains tomb. Also, Bhau would leave Karachi and reach goth in mornings. God knows how many trips he made. Sainji was very fond of him as Bhau went there very often and always stayed a week or so and when alone Sainji would tell him new things like Qazi Sahib (Sufi saint in Pakistan) taking 13th janam (re-birth). Hazrat Qazi Sahib was a co-disciple of Sain Sadiq Shah. Both saints of very high order and murids of Shah Qalandar Datapir. Obviously, Sain would not say these in public and only share with a few others. Since Bhau loved me like a son he would share sometime but one or two other stories cannot be shared.
Memories of Dada Mulchand
Dada Mulchand was in Karachi so Bhau and me went to him quite regularly. One day he asked if I was free and would drive him to Mai Baba at her dargah in federal B area, which was quite far. Once there, he told me he had been sent by Hazrat Badshapir Dastagir to ask why she was so sad? While retiring from fakiri she got her husband married, leaving behind her 2 sons with him. Last evening, she had received a telegram from him that 1 of her sons had died. Though renouncing all she was after all a mother and do you know what message Dada gave her? He told her Baba has said to remove a small photo of her son from her pocket near her heart and she will feel better. She immediately did so, and we just came back!
Another memory.
The year was 1962 when I went to India for treatment of fear I had developed due to the air crash I was involved in. I stayed with Mithi Dadi (Rani) and our relationship grew. I was there for 2 months and Bhau had asked me to visit Dada Mulchand to get well. In those days, less than a dozen people came to his house in Sion called Mira mansion. He was very open with them but as the number of people grew he would not talk much. In 1962, believe me whenever someone entered he would immediately ask them why they looked sad and in the next breath he would speak about his problem and console them and said he will pray to Data Dastagir for them and everything would be ok. On most visits, there was one corner reserved for prayers and quite a few pictures on a wall including Data Sahib two pictures and one of Sri Ramakrishna, one of Dewan Hassamal his mentor and senior co disciple etc. He asked me one day to tell him which of two was Data Sahibs picture. He then simply stared, and he smiled and pointed at one but added that too was not 100 percent correct. You must have read the gospel of Ramakrishna where he says the photo of Christ is incorrect and that neither Christ was this fair nor had a pointed nose.
Dada Mulchand was great devotee of Sri Krishna. He was so advanced he use to go His durbar (meetings). One day while coming down stairs of his durbar he was surprised to find Dewan Hassamal (senior co-disciple of Dada) going up the same stairs. He was shocked at that and asked him what he was doing there. On this, Dewan Hassamal replied he was there to attend the court of Hazrat Ali. He then told Dada you still don’t understand that divinity is ONE. This Dada said was told to him by Dewan himself.
Now the 2nd story about Dada. He said “Kishin, I went to Shridhi ke Sainbaba and sat down opposite one of his statues.” You all have seen Sain Babas picture of that particular pose. Then Dada continued that while watching the statue he would see Sri Krishna and next moment Hazrat Ali looking at me. He said what do u think? I just kept quiet what could have I said! These are true experiences of saints only!!
Would like to tell you few things of living style of this true saint which are also like many other saints. He lived a very simple life in his small flat. His own room was barely 10 by 10 ft. At nite would go with 2/3 disciples covering people sleeping on footpaths with either chadors or blankets depending on the season. He would quietly send money to widows and later loved feeding the poor. Few will match his truthfulness in relationship to visits to Pakistan only for his dargah. When visas became difficult after 1971 war, he was repeatedly refused. Everyone suggested that if he did not show the purpose of visit. Instead, he should state: meeting relatives. He refused directly saying he would not lie at any cost and mind you the Sitlanis were his close relatives and he always stayed with them in Karachi. But, he said that since that was not the true reason for going to Pakistan he did not budge. Eventually, Sain Alan Shah Sahib came to Bombay though he was paralyzed.
There is one (my favorite) mandir which speaks volumes of love between a Guru and Chela (disciple). He bought his food for the poor from one dhaba (roadside eatery) near Sion mandir on two conditions: no adulteration and reasonable profit. That Dhabawala is a millionaire now.
Finally, a small story. One good day I went to Dada Mulchand in the morning around 11 am. I rang the doorbell and Dadi Guli his daughter opened the door. Dada was washing his face on a basin in the corridor. At once he said you know what happened very recently? He then looked at Dadi Guli asking her to narrate the rest. She was very reluctant but Dada said “he paihinja ahin” meaning tell him as they are close to us and went inside his room. So Dadi told me that just a couple of days ago, someone rang the doorbell. I opened the door and saw a Fakir who gave me his torn shirt asking me to mend it. I went inside Dada’s room to do it. She said you know who the Fakir was? He was no other than Data Dastagir Sahib Himself. What he said was go inside and ask Dada. Of course, when I went in Dada just gave me a wide smile.
About Dadi Rani
Today I will share about Mithi Dadi. She was an angel even more than a saint she was Sain Babas Deewani (passionate about Him). That is why Sain loved her the most. I spent a lot of time at their home and normally they went to bed around 10pm but if the discussions were about Sain she would send ustadji (Hiru)to sleep due to his health but would continue to sit no matter what time it was. Same for Karachi. When Bhau came at nite from his defense home, she would just not allow him to go but to continue discussion regarding Sain Baba and as we all know he knew lots! At Bombay, I saw someone speaking about Sainji and exaggerating. After the person left I asked her could she believe all that? She would smile and tell me, but she was speaking about my Sain and I don’t care if true or not. She was too wise not to have known the truth.
She 1st came to Karachi in 1956 at 16B. Do you know Sain Baba went personally to receive her at old Karachi airport? After that all came regularly to Pakistan. Whenever Sain asked her to come to Pakistan she would immediately come but being very responsible hand over her patients to some other doc and reach at her earliest. Sain loved her so much that we saw His tears rolling while saying good bye to her Once from Berani. Sainji sent very special letters to her, which have never been printed and very selected persons have seen them. I was promised to be shown by Sarla and Ustadji Hiru when coming to Karachi but as luck would have it they forgot them in Bombay!
She was a saint and you may think lots of Sain’s sitting in khayal (meditation) are more advanced but she was higher on the spiritual scale in this field. You need Murshids ‘raaz’ (faith/trust/consent/grace). Sain said this openly and even Guru Nanak says what Arti will we perform when the whole universe or Gagan is revolving around him.
Poem
“Fark Hota hai khuda aur Fakir me.
Fark hota hai kismat aur Lakir me,
Agar kuch Chaho Aur na Mile,
To samaj Lena ki kuch aur Accha Likha hai Takdir me.
(There is a difference between a saint and God. There is a difference between destiny and a line drawn. If you want something and do not get it then understand something different is written in your destiny)
SOME DUTIES OF A MUREED TO HIS MURSHID:
1. One should have firm faith, belief, and a firm conviction that his Murshid is the greatest of the spiritual beings of the era and that there is no one better qualified than his Murshid to guide him. If he regards another more perfect than his own Murshid, the bond of love is weakened between them and the word of the Murshid will have no effect on the mureed.
2. A mureed must not oppose or contradict the Murshid.
3. One must remain obedient to the Murshid in all aspects.
4. One should not undertake any spiritual duty without the approval of the murshid.
5. One should not raise one’s voice in front of the Murshid as this is a sign of bad conduct.
6. The mureed must not conceal from the Murshid any of his spiritual experiences, dreams, and any gifts that God has bestowed upon him.
7. The mureed must not feel at any moment in time that the master is indebted to him because of his devotion but rather he must understand that he owes everything to his Murshid.
8. A mureed must consider the Murshid to be present with him always.
Memory about Lalchand (different from Asoomal or Lalchand Lakhwani Asoomal)
Bhagwan, here many think the poet Iqbal was a Sufi reflected by what he meant when he wrote following verse.
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke. Khuda bande se puche ke teri raza kya hai.” On palmistry, this Lalchand was true diwana of Jhok Sharif but of Sain Shah Shaheed in particular. When I saw his hand, I got a feeling that he was destined to be a Shaheed himself. He did get killed in Tando Alahyar in one factory where he had gone to collect money for Seth Basumal. To date his body has not been found. He was Nana of Gulab of Houston.
Lalchand was a treasure house of information on Dargah Jhoksharif. Once he visited Berani and we listened to him the full nite and still not wanting to sleep because there was no match for his style of narration.
Sain Shah Qalander was never a gadinashin (appointed head of a dargah) because his eldest brother was. So, one day he left Jhok Sharif and after a few days he settled in a village and started his meditation. How? By sitting on thick lakri (stick) put across on top of a water well and riding on it like on horse. He meditated for a full 10 years. In case of sleep, he would fall in the well. He only returned to the Dargah when his elder brother died and the next gadinashin, his nephew was young, and murids requested of course. Once there, all murids flocked and produced great saints like Sainji, Sadiq Shah, Qazi Sahib, Sain Dalpatram and many others. By the way for many, many years his day was like other Saints day at Jhok Sharif. It was Our Great Sainji who told us about his greatness and now it’s the small Mela.
Memory about Nimma
Once I had a pretty big fight with my wife Nimma. Ama could hear but didn’t interfere. Next morning, she called me alone and said that Sain Lutuf Ali appeared to her and seemed annoyed with you because of Nimma and warned me for the future. I never disclosed to Nimma less I become egoist. But see how much Sain loved her!
Once Hotu Bhagat came to our house and said wanted to talk alone with Nimma. Once he left I asked Nimma what is this about? She reluctantly disclosed he had been specially sent by then Late. Sain Lutuf Ali to not tell about her dreams to anyone or she will not see anything in future and she never did tell others.
Neelam
The only experience that I remember very clearly is that when I bought my first house here. I really wished that my Sain would come visit my house. That same night I saw in my dream that I have looked out the window and I see a white car in my driveway and I see Suresh standing and on the other side was Sain Oshak Ali standing. And then my eyes opened.
What I have noticed all these years is that Sain Baba is listening to us. No matter where we are. I have witnessed so many miracles with myself that it is beyond belief. Sometimes I am amazed myself about how I even got out of a problem. Unbelievable. Really, we all are very lucky to belong to Jalalani Sharif Dargah and have such a kamil murshid. Jitna shukrana karein woh kum hai.
Sharing a story:
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes:
1. The best doctors should carry his coffin …
2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery …
3. His hands should be let loose, so they hang outside the coffin for all to see!!
One of his generals who was surprised by these unusual requests asked Alexander to explain.
Here is what Alexander the Great had to say:
1. “I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal .”
2. “I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth, will stay on earth.”
3. I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is: TIME.
We do not take to our grave any material wealth. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is LIMITED. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.
When we give someone our time, we give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life!
The best present that you can give to your family and friends is your TIME.
Poem
Vekh (look) Fareeda Mitti (dirt) khulli (Qabar or grave); Mitti Uttay Mitti Duhlli (Laash);
Miti Hassay (laughs), Miti Rovay, (insan); Antt Miti da Mitti Hovay;
Naa kar Bandiya Meri Meri (mine); Na ay teri na ay Meri;
Chaar Dina da Mela Dunya (world); Phir Miti di ban gai Dheri;
Na kar eithay hera pheri; na Miti naal na dhoka kar tu;
To V miti, O V mitti. Zaat paat di gal na kar tu, Zaat v mitti, tu v mitti, Zaat sirf Khuda di ochi, Baqi sub kuchh mitti, mitti.
(BABA BULE SHAH)
Sai Oshak Ali message today:
Kin sumhi nindon kayon (Some slept all night)
Kin parchayo Allah (Some remembered God)
Raat jo safar pooro thiyo (Night’s journey ended)
Sija khanyo saah (And the sun took a breath)
Epilogue
Hope you have understood and learnt something about our Sainji, his descendants and other Saints through these conversations. When many of us relating these memories are gone from this life, we hope you will form your own memories and share them. Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Sufi Al Qadri, Gadi Nashin of Dargah Jalalani Sharif represents Hazrat Sain Nasir Mohammed Fakir Sufi Al Qadri and He always listens to your experiences in confidence if you feel your dreams or experiences are too private to share publicly.
God bless all of us and may Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Sufi Al Qadri watch over us like our Sainji watched over all his children.
Whatsapp Conversations
2014 – 2018
Related in many WhatsApp conversations mainly by Kishinchand Lakhwani
Memories of Hazrat Sain Nasir Fakir Soofi Al-Qadri
Hazrat Sain Nasir Mohammed Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri
Hazrat Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri
Hazrat Sain Irshad Ali Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri
Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri
Introduction
The conversations in this booklet were on a ‘WhatsApp’ group named ‘Jalalani’ among older and newer disciples of our beloved Dargah Jalalani Sharif. While there are tapes with our Sainji’s voice, it is hard for most people to decipher words and meaning. Also, we have two websites, books, and translation of Sainji’s ‘Rehan’ (conversations about life, faith etc.) and an English translation, we do not have stories or experiences related by some older disciples who were either present, took ‘naam’ or interacted with Sainji and can share their thoughts, real events, or a few dreams. Most disciples are unwilling to share their dreams or spiritual experiences while awake for fear of violating instructions to not make them public, there is a huge benefit to sharing them also. Newer disciples are thirsty and eager to hear these stories, so their faith is shored up. After all, Sainji has also said if you cannot meditate enough, at least spend some time in ‘sangat’ (company with similar minded people) where spiritual conversations can be shared. Undoubtedly, there are some experiences that just cannot be shared as they are personal and if shared, disciples feel it shows pride and ego (‘nafs’) to tell others about their spiritual level. Ego is one thing we all have been warned about. So, all of us have amazing experiences that have enriched our lives that simply cannot be revealed at least publicly. But, I would urge you to at least consider sharing them with loved ones, so these experiences can stay alive and at least passed along in families, while still holding our ego in check.
Most conversations are reported by ‘Mama’ Kishin (Kishinchand Lakhwani) who spent a longer time with Sainji at an age when he was able to understand the language, see his parents (Diwan Siroomal and Mrs. Siroomal Lakhwani) and brother (Lalchand Lakhwani) and observe Sainji up close. Some of us took our naam from Sainji but were very young. Our experiences were more with his descendants or some very elevated spiritual beings from Dargah Jhok Shareef. Certainly, Hazrat Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib, Hazrat Sain Irshad Ali Badshah and Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali have all kept our Sainji’s instructions in front of us and held our hands and supported our spiritual journey always.
If I have either misrepresented any conversation or hurt anyone’s feelings, I apologize. I did the best I could in editing the conversations that occurred over at least two years to keep them accurate. Mama (Uncle) Kishin has read my initial draft and we have further edited some things. It is important that these experiences are shared rather than go with us to be lost forever.
If any of you have spiritual questions after you read this, please ask the only person who can answer them: Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Fakir Sufi Al-Qadri.
Bhagwan Satiani (Recorder) for:
WhatsApp group “Jalalani” Group members (in no particular order): Kishinchand Lakhwani, Kamla Jethani, Auntie Sat Lakhwani, Bhagwan Satiani, Pushpa Parwani, Haresh Satiani, Rita Lakhwani, Mira Satiani, Neelam Jethani, Asha Satiani, Asha Lakhwani, Meera Golani, Koshi Lakhwani, Sachal Lakhwani, Asha Manghnani, Anmol Ram Lakhwani, Aarti Bachani and Asha Bachani.
Thoughts and memories (Kishinchand Siroomal Lakhwani)
Year 1959: OUR SAINBABA was in Karachi, my brother (Bhau Lalchand or Asoomal) requested Him to give Naam to Ram (his son) who was only 7 years old as he was born in 1953. In Hyderabad, Sainji told Bhau, Ram was too young hence to take naam from Sain Lutuf Ali (Sainji’s son). Later, Bhau kept quiet but Sainji could read his mind and you know what he told Bhau: He said you think we are two or separate? No, we are one hence don’t differentiate. Bhau forgot about this and later must have requested Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib several times but each time Sain would avoid it and say may be later. Finally, perhaps after one- year Bhau remembered Our Sainji’s words and realized his mistake and eventually Ram took naam from Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib. Basically, trying to say just as the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was fond of Hazrat Ali and said he held the treasure but the door was Hazrat Ali. Prophet Sahib (SAW) spread Sufism and the true secret path through Hazrat Ali.
Memory: Sainji’s surgery
One day before Sainji’s operation i.e. 25 December 1960 Sain Haji Mohd Waris came to see Him. Despite us asking him to sit on the chair he sat on the ground knees folded like in namaz and was in a serious mood as he tied a ‘taveez’ on Sainji’s arm. I was witnessing from Sainji’s feet side standing next to bathroom door in Ramesh’s hall. Only once Sainji looked towards me and my 6th sense said Sainji was leaving this mortal world hence giving away some ‘amanat’ to Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib.
After the operation was over in the evening, Sainji spent a very restless night and some us were taking turns for night duty. I returned home somewhere about mid nite the next morning. Bhau Asoomal asked me to go to Jhok Sharif along with Sain Haji MW sahib as it was mela of Datapir. Sahib and Ama was coming there from Berani. As we all know our Sainji passed on the same nite though He looked very well earlier that morning when we went to say goodbye along with Sain HMW sahib.
Memory: Sainji travels to guide another Sufi
Whenever Sainji came for mela he would make several stops as per invitations of murids. Like Hyderabad, Berani, Shahdadpur, Nawab shah and so forth till Sain’s goth (village). During one such return trip at Nawab shah stop He suddenly announced that He would be returning to Hyderabad. Everyone was surprised to be returning to Hyderabad instead going to Dr Lalas house or Aunty Kikoos father. They all went straight to Dargah Sain Qutub Shah who was Guru of Sain Rochaldas. His grandson Sain Hadi Sain was standing outside on the road to receive our Sainji. Senior disciples said Hadi Sain took our Sain inside a room and made Sain sit on charpai and sat down on the floor at His feet. After some time Sainji came out and back to Nawab shah and the next day to Sain’s Goth. After lot of begging, He told murids that Sainji was asked by Sain Shahid Himself to go back and guide Hadi Sain as he needed help on his spiritual path!
Memory: about our Sainji’s Murshid
One day Sain’s Guru asked Him to contemplate about Hazrat Ali. After a few weeks when His Guru came to meet Him he literally bowed before Him. Sain was shocked and asked His Guru why He had bowed before Sain. The reply was: Do you think it is easy to look in the eyes of Hazrat Ali? Meaning his Guru could see Hazrat Ali in Sainji’s eyes or put it another way: Sainji has totally immersed himself in Hazrat Ali.
Memory about someone talking about our Sainji
There was a saint living about 20 miles away from Sain goth. Sainji told everyone that if u want darshan of Hazrat Ali go and see him. His name was Sain Qassim shah and when people visited him do you know what he told them? He said, “If you want to see God go and meet OUR SAIN SAHIB.”!
Memory: Respect for our Sainji
- The gadi nashin of great saint, a disciple of Jhok Sharif Sain Dalpatram. I think whenever Sain Anandram visited Sainji he would take off his shoes and walk barefoot about 20 km from Setharja railway station and meet Sainji. That is the kind of respect he got from saints who recognized Him. Sain Hadibux father of Sain Haji Mohd Waris also Gadi Nashin of Dargah Jhok Sharif literally used to touch His feet. Other disciples would ask Hadi Sain why? He said he could only see his own father i.e. Sainji’s Guru in him.
- One day at Dargah Jhok Sharif, Sainji went to see Sain Rakhyal Shah in the bari (small living quarter) next to ours. During their conversation old disciples accompanying Sainji said: Do you know what Sain Rakhyal Shah said to Him? He told Him that you have drank away the whole ocean and have left nothing for us meaning that you have emptied all the spirituality in existence pointing to the highest status of Our Sainji.
Memory about meditation
Ok let us start this was told to me and Bhau by his name sake. Lalchand. Once, he visited Berani and we listened to him the full night, still not wanting to get up with no match for his style of narration. He told us that Sain Shah Qalander was never a ‘gadinashin’ but his elder brother was; so, one day he left Jhok Sharif and after few days settled in village and started his meditation how?
By sitting on a thick ‘lakri’ (piece of wood) put across a well and he sat on top riding on it like on horse and meditated for full 10 yrs. In case of sleep he would fall in the well. He returned back when his elder brother died and the next gadinashin was his nephew who was pretty young. Murids requested Sain Shah Qalander.
Memory of Sain Baba
Our Own Bara Sain Himself has said two things in it. A He said His murshid Sain Abdul Sattar 1 said both father and son i.e. Sain Paryal Shah and Sain Mohsen shah come together in Lords court. Now, who will say that only one who himself is also present there 2. Again, on tape Sainji says when Sain Paryal Shah passed away a mast came for condolences to Sain Mohsen Shah. How? Well he arrived on a cane horse then met Sain Mohsen Shah not uttering a single word. Sain Mohsen Shah asked one person to offer mast a hookah he took three long sootas (deep inhales) like our Rita after 2nd puff Sain Mohsen Shah asked somebody to give a ralli to mast then after 3rd puff he left mounted his horse made of cane and disappeared. After his departure disciples asked Sain how he did not offer condolences? Sain replied in his 1st soota he did that in 2nd requested for ralli and in 3rd said good bye.
Ama once said that since we all became murids of Our Sain and barely went to Tando Saindad she felt Sain Alan Shah was a little reserved, so she mentioned this to Sain Bara on Datapir Sains mela. He told her not to worry after spending about a week at Jhok Sharif during which period Sain’s murshids mela day also falls in between. On their way back to Hyderabad Sainji decided to visit Tando Saindad dargah. Sain Allan Shah Sahib was totally surprised and realized humility and greatness of our Sainji paying respects at their dargah. Ama said after which all his reservations were gone and gave us same love!!
Our Baba (Siroomal Kripaldas Lakhwani) did not meditate much yet you know what are Sain’s words for him? ‘Darya uthli tho beri mei paway’. Means the sea or river turns and is falling in the boat rather than vice versa. Some disciples were Sains beloved. Of course, they loved Him too but it’s for the Guru to choose!
Other memories
# On the same note once at Jhok Sharif someone asked OUR SAIN BABA: Did Hazrat Data Dastagir Badshapir performed many many miracles? Sainji said beta he was a BELOVED of the Lord hence called Mehboob Subhani hence no comparisons with him.
# One morning we went down and were immediately asked by Dr Nachaldas (Sainji’s companion and ‘doctor’) to approach Sain Din Mohammed who earlier in the morning called him over and spoke in barochki language (their dialect) which by now even Doc understood somewhat. We have all heard after creation that different jamaats were formed and lined up and in forefront being that of prophets also. In this background, don’t forget Lord Christ remark of being ‘marked sheep’. Here will be appropriate to give 2 instances one when Paul Brunton the famous author of discovery of India approached Master Mahshya a very, very advanced disciple of Sri. Ramakrishna to give him naam. Master politely refuses and tells him he did not belong to them but consoles him that he will soon find one to whom he belongs. After a few months he finds again a top order Saint Raman Maharishi in south India.
# I am bypassing 2nd as the point has been made thus we all belong to Qadria Silsila as obvious in Our Sainji letters all with His Name at the end Sufi Al Qadria. You will not find a single letter without that at the end. Now back to Karachi hall. Actually, immediately after Sain Imdad Ali’s death Sainji had said he had been placed on very high status but this morning Sainji told Sain Din Mohd that Imdad Ali has joined the rank/jamaat of PROPHETS. See that was GRACE POWER and LOVE OF OUR SAIN SAHIB. Now what more do we need Amen!
# Today I will share what I have heard from Sain Oshak Ali Sahib about Sains murid Jasso Sadh. In general, Our Sainji liked poor people more than the rich because the rich are more materialistic and have ego problems. As you all know Sainji had many murids amongst the marecha sect whom Hindus in general regard low caste. One marecha lady always told me you are my brother. You knew Mai Ganga, a very developed soul and considered me like a son. Once during the mela in the evening she was inside the roza while was talking and walking with Dada Sobhraj in the courtyard. After some time when I entered Sains roza Ganga called me over in a corner and asked what happened I called you 2/3 times, yet you didn’t come? I told her I did not hear her but asked what was the matter? She said at that time Bara Sain was giving FAIZ (Heavenly Blessings) to all persons sitting in roza but you missed your chance. I told her that was my fate. You know she used to tailor ladies’ clothes but for many years keeping a little money on the side and when Our Sains roza was ready she came and gave all her savings to Bhau for making some gold thing to be put on Sainji’s crown. Well that was true love.
# Sain Oshak Ali said Our Sain went to see Jessa Sadh in Bozdar Wada village and both went inside a room closing the door but not locking it. After a while someone not knowing that Sain was speaking privately to Jessa opened the door and what does he see? Two lions sitting! Today they have a yearly mela of Jessa Sadh a marecha! Of course, Sain Oshak Ali attends the mela also and gives lots and lots of respect! Lions indicate you have at least one going to Durbar of Hazrat Ali who was called SHERE KHUDA Lion of God)!
# A few people on thala (compound) saw Bara Sain’s body visible in many parts but He would emerge whole from his meditation as usual and advised them not to disclose this. Ama Marvi confided in Nimma that she had seen Sain Lutuf like that. I would have no idea what spiritual stage that would that indicate. And first is Shere e khuda.
# Bara Sainji’s one experience of early progress in His spiritual journey as told to me by Bhau of course. You will find this on the audiotape. Once Our Sain went to the zoo in Karachi with His Murshid and when there, Sain’s Guru stood outside the lion’s cage. The lion first whirled its long tail with a big bang and then bowed to Sain’s Murshid.
# Again, on Sains tape there is one incident where once His Own Guru asked him to contemplate on Hazrat Ali and after a few days when Sain’s Guru came to see Him the Guru bowed to Sainji. Sainji asked why? So Sains Guru said one cannot look into eyes of Hazrat Ali and not bow. This is implying fana (total immersion) not reincarnation!
# There was a very great saint named Syed Qassim Shah. Our Sain told all of us including Dr Nachaldas, his personal physician that if you wish to see Hazrat Ali then go and see Qassim shah. That you should visit Sain Qassim Shah, who lived only 20 miles from Jalalani Sharif. When people told Qassim shah what Sainji had said, he told everyone if you wish to see ALLAH go and see OUR GREAT SAIN. And this from a saint and not His murid!
# Here I remember someone told Sain scientists were planning to go to moon. Sainji smiled and said yes moon but they will not reach the sun. Never. They will get burned. Now this was naturally before 1960 when Americans reached moon 1963/64!
# Dr Nachaldas once treated Sain Qassim Shah for some illness who in return bestowed him a horse. However, when he came back Sainji told to go in return the horse and just ask for blessings.
# A small verse of Sain Dalpatram a decuple of Sain Shah Qalander Datapir: DEKHAT HI MAN BHAR AYA i.e. seeing my Guru I am totally fulfilled. This kalam has been sung so well by our Bhau! Why desire to see anyone else and what for? Guru alone is enough who has seen even God no need for any others face!!
# Look what Bhitai Sahib says YOU COME AND SIT IN MY EYES AND THEN I WILL CLOSE THEM SO THAT NO ONE CAN SEE YOU AND I DONT SEE ANYONE ELSE.
# A lot people used to tell our Sain that during His times there were many saints. Even SAIN would reply since He had seen the Sun i.e. His own Murshid He did not look at other stars! But we read in the book His Guru did send Him to two other saints of that time one Hamir Fakir of khadro district Sanghar and then 2nd Saint Fazulallah of Anbah. Later Our Sain sent Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib to Hamir Fakir too. The other one had passed away. All this is recorded in sindhi green book.
# A little on those two visits. The 1st was taken very early as Sain asked Hamir fakir to show him bazar of ISHQ (love) on which, Fakir blessed him and, on his departure, kept a piece of charcoal and a coin in front and blessed Him implying for him to go and meditate and ignite a fire of Ishq (love. When Sain Baba returned to His Guru, he told Him Fazulallah was a very great saint but would pass away much before Him and then onwards no one in the north would understand His language. See how far ahead saints can see. 2nd what a high status Sain had reached in the period between the two visits.
Sain Baba history
Sain Sadiq Shah while going to Tajal Sharif Dargah had stopped in Sain Goth and said here I get a smell of a ripe melon and hence soon a great Saint will be born here. SAIN BABA used to say He was a child of about 7 or 8 yrs. when Sain Sadiq Shah passed away. This is in the sindhi book. As a child about 7 years of age Sainji would hit with a light stick small plants to show Him God and on seeing pretty cows again remind Him of God.
Also, in the book is mentioned that when SAIN BABA was a couple of years older, He had a vision that a boat coming in Mirwah Canal with 5 suns in it and calling Him over. He went running and saw PAK PANJTAN IN BOAT they were HAZRAT MOHD (pbh), HAZRAT ALI BIBI FATIMA, HAZRAT IMAM HASSAN and HAZRAT IMAM HUSSAIN. They loved Him and said you will soon meet your murshid Sain Abdul Sattar first of Jhok Sharif.
This is also from the sindhi book. Sainji’s Murshid came after some time in a nearby village and Sainji went there and got NAAM. His Murshid again came following year and Sainbaba went to the kachehri (gathering) but His Guru called Him over saying he wanted to go to urinate hence to accompany him with a mug of water. Having gone a little distance, His Guru said he had just come far with Him and with no desire to pass urine but only to remind Him as He had forgotten the Naam! Sounds strange but true as this fact was stated by SAINBABA Himself.
SAINBABA used to say never ever sit in company where your Guru was being criticized. If you cannot do anything just go away and then he said that someone sat a long time listening while something very evil was being said about his Guru. Suddenly a dunali bandook (gun) appeared firing two shots killing at once two sons of that person. I can’t say which version is true or maybe they are 2 separate stories.
Earlier I had mentioned Dada Mulchand seeing Sri Krishna and Hazrat Ali interchanging repeatedly while Dada was staring at statue of Sainbaba at Shridhi.
After these episodes Sainbaba seems to have spent many years at the feet of His Murshid perform many chores like filling water pitchers, jharoo (sweeping) you name it. Serving His master very well and simultaneously meditating whole night, keeping dahas (ten days fast). Seems during that time His Guru also sent him to a well-known Saint Hamer Fakir.
When Sainji was leaving home doing meditations in the desert once His nafs (ego) begged him to please go to dargah of Saint Ubhan shah not very far to eat meat which his nafs could smell. On reaching there (here I have heard a little differently from the book) Sainji took a little meat and His nafs taunting Him to say, “See how I have tricked you.” Upon this Sainji decided to teach His nafs a lesson and went away for a very long time in mountain range bordering sindh and Baluchistan. Thereafter His nafs became His ghulam (servant).
Hamer Fakir
Here I will narrate a story not in the book. Sainji said in the mountains he found a daba (can)covered up. Upon opening it He saw an ant feeding on a piece of misri (sugar from sugarcane) and added “Khalik malik sabhni jo ahe per Hadi thi Hidayat kanh kanh khe tho kare” meaning the Lord is provider of all beings but few are chosen to get a KAMIL MURSHID!!! See we are among those few lucky ones!!
Even Dada Kripaldas visited him once and when Dada returned he could only see surat of Hameer Fakir and lost surat of Sain Paryal Imam but later got it. Don’t know how.
Sainji’s visit to Hameer Fakir is in sindhi book page 20 so I will just tell you how Dada Kripaldas got over his surat (facial image). He prayed to Sain Paryal Imam and the same night saw Sain Paryal Shah chasing Hameer Fakir with a danda (stick)in hand saying how dare he do this to his disciple. Finally, it was all over. See saints sometimes play these games also. Our Ama had exactly similar experience. Will not disclose his name (not Hameer Fakir) and she prayed to OUR SAINBABA after trying her efforts for about 15 days then Sainji helped her and she too got over it!
The one interesting fact about Hameer Fakir should be mentioned is that his mazar (tomb) is in the middle of the city on a small mound and recently renovated by our Hindu brothers. He was always surrounded by dogs and his mazar still is. You know he had named all-female dogs with names of wives of Mir’s (Rich landlords) and yet no one dared to question him. He was a great Saint of his times though outwardly behaved as a mast.
Memories: Sainji’s early experiences
Let us share about Sainji’s early experience as told by Bhau Asoomal. Later, will write about Sainji some more experiences as given in sindhi book for those of you who cannot read sindhi. Sainbaba said one of his Murshids disciple met a disciple of Saint Shah Mansoor and both said their status was higher than the other. So, Shah Mansour’s murid said a kalam (poetry verse) and in reply Sain’s disciple also said one. Then Shah’s said a second verse and Sain’s also replied. Then Shah’s said a 3rd one once again Sain’s fakir replied. Now, Mansour’s murid kept quiet but Sains fakir said 4th couplet. Upon this Shah Mansoor Himself guided his murid to reply to 4th. After this Sain’s murid kept quiet whereupon Shah Mansoor once again guided his murid to recite 5th and here Sain’s fakir stood quiet but then Sain’s Guru appeared and guided his murid to reply to the 5th verse. Now Shah Mansoor Himself kept silent but Sains Guru asked his fakir to recite not only 6th but 7th as well! On this Shah Mansoor said Sufis are two stages higher than us. Bhau added that this Sains fakir was about OUR SAINJI Himself hence we count this as one of our Sainji’s early experience and His zenith came later.
Then we read about Sainji keeping dahas (ten- day fast) at dargah of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and not eating anything for 9 days so on. On the 10th day a Fakir appears in black clothes and bringing him a meal. Sain partook of it and then came to Jhok Sharif where Sainji’s Murshid told Him the Fakir you saw was Bhitai Sahib himself.
Memories: Other incidents
Now before going to sleep let us share one more from sindhi book. Sainbaba on one visit stayed for SIX months at dargah of Shabaz Qalander. Though not mentioned in the book Sain Shah Shaheed appeared and asked Shabaz Qalandar Sahib how come he has kept His murid for so long upon which Shabaz Qalandar replied your Fakir is staying of his own will. Sain Shah Shaheed looked at Our Sainji and said “neengar jaldi Jhok Sharif ach” (Child come to Jhok Sharif soon).
Will give you another example. Once Sain Alan Shah came to 16 B Queens Road to meet Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib to undo Indian Sub-continent partition as there was no justice in Pakistan. Sain HMWS somehow diplomatically pacified him. Later when Sain Alan Shah came to mela in Jhok Shareef at night, after ziarat of Roza, Sain HMWS pulled Sain Alan Shah to put his Karachi request at mazar (tomb)of SAIN SHAH SHEED saying only He had the power to grant his wish. So, you can judge about the power of Shah Shaheed Sahib.
This reminds me Bhau Asoomal once said Dada Kripaldas Grandfather) told the whole family that Sain Paryal Shah had told him that Gandhiji was a good man but cannot see the results and other things due to partition and this was much before partition of 1947. See Saints know all but don’t interfere in will of THE LORD!!
Bhagwan, this is lovely and confirms Bhau’s story that when Shabaz Qalander came to Roza at Jhok Sharif OUR SAINJI WAS CALLED THERE and in the morning Sainji said He was happy “Shabaz Qalandar RAZI THI WAY” (he is now happy)!
One afternoon in 1953 I was with Sainji and He said let us go and rest in that masjid as it was very hot day. Sainji laid down and Adi Lachi (his companion) and me were giving Him zors (massaging his legs) and a very cool breeze was coming from two small windows from the back. SAINBABA remarked this is the breeze which blows all the time in heaven. See even heavens fanned OUR MASTER!!
The other day you said you think there are no Hindus or Muslims up there. There upon this I recall Bhau (Mama Asoomal) said Sainji says when a talib (disciple)progresses on spiritual path, at one stage he hears THE FLUTE of KANA short for KANHAYA (Krishna)and many get stuck as it’s very melodious but only a kamil (very elevated spiritual master) Murshid will make him move higher from there! So, there is an even higher level! Also implies Lord Krishan is real.
In true Sufi philosophy or principal in the olden days at Jhok Sharif all young and old always bowed to one another. Once I was shocked when 6 ½ foot 78/80 yrs. old Mohandas grandfather of Jethanand literally bent to touch my feet due to the above principle.
Will share two small stories from when our Ram (Bhau Asoomal’s son) was born in 1953. In Hyderabad my brother Gul and I were studying in St. Bonaventure school. In those days OUR SAIN BABA was staying with us. At birth Ram’ s chati (horoscope) name by a mehraj (pundit) was given as Tikam. Sainji was told about it. He had a nice laugh and said the name as tikam is an instrument commonly used in sindh for earth breaking so Sainji gave him name of ‘SadaRam’ we used to call him Ram. Only Adi Lachi and Sain Ali Guls family called Sadaram and that was also the time when Dr Gopi was treating Sainji along with Dr Nami a homeopath.
One fine day in winter vacations I think it was in 1956 Tulsi, Gobind (masi kamla’s husband) and me decided to go to Sainbaba. We took the train and stayed a couple of hours in a Dharamshala for lunch then by bus to Bozdar wada and finally took a ‘tonga’ (horse cart) for Sainji’s village (goth). We were very tired. When we reached thala (compound) Sainji was sitting on his small charpoy (cot)with a little fire by lukris (wood sticks) and surrounded by about 8/10 people. It was pretty dark by then. We met Sainji one glance from HIM and all our tiredness evaporated. We too sat around fire but were still feeling cold. Sainji noticed and asked Nanga Fakir (his constant companion/valet) to give us some rough woolen rulies (blankets) and we sat till around 9 pm and went for dinner and then to sleep at Adi’s house.
Next morning Tulsi asked Sainbaba for Naam. I got up but Sainji said to keep siting. Now you know what happened. Sainbaba reading Tulsi’s mind asked what Naamhe would prefer: a Hindu word or Muslim word. I was totally surprised because Gul and I had been given Naam together in the masjid (mosque)next to Roza (tomb)and HE had not asked this question from us. The beauty lies in the fact that Tulsi said he would prefer Hindu Naam!! Many years later I was discussing this with Uttam Wadhwani (an older disciple in Mumbai) and he told me his whole family too were given Hindu words and said in those days many other Hindu murids were given Hindu Word. Bhagwan, you will notice Hindu or Muslim Naams don’t make any difference in the Sufi spiritual path!
Last night I was reading a sindhi book and went thru 4 kalams by Sainji. Would like to make few observations. The last two kalams in remembrance of Murshid but the first two clearly show what heights Sainbaba had reached clearly showing HIS merging with God and yet His own Murshid stopping Him that if He opened up, volumes would be written but His spiritual progress could stop. This fact clearly points towards Sainbaba’s greatness of His own Guru who guided Him to carry on the spiritual path and not writing kalams or poetry!!
The 2nd observation is when my grandfather Kripaldas chose OUR SAINJI over all other saints. At that time when he told baba (Dewan Siroomal, my father) that OUR SAINJI was now on path of PROPHETS. What a compliment. This was somewhere in year 1932 when Sainbaba was on His zenith!!
3rd and final observation confirming this GREATNESS comes from no less than a Saint for whom Our Sainji says if you want to see Hazrat Ali go and meet Sain Qassim Shah. So, a Saint of this stature says if you want to see ALLAH or GOD go and SEE OUR SAINJI. This must have been in the early fifties as Dr Nachaldas comes into the picture.
Basically, for Sufi’s as well as for many saints these matters are beyond mind, as mind has limitations so spiritual matters must be personally experienced but here I will discuss two things. It is generally believed Adam was created first and Sufis believe Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was created first. Adam was only the first to be sent on earth and in support I will quote just 2 things. First, Sachal Sarmast says: “Asan Adam kanoo age huawasi adam sanau jawa” meaning that I was before Adam and he is born out of me. The 2nd is in the last Sur in all melas and is called Sur Jakhro: “Bya sabh anera miti magahin hui etri etc.” basically it means there was just this little earth from He was born, He is the king others are ordinary. I have asked all senior zakirs (those reciting kalams during mela) of dargah Jhok Sharif in whose praise is this said, and all have confirmed this Sur is in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and HE refers to Him only. But once again as in the Bhagavad Gita Adhya 18 its easier and best to take to bhagti yoga and just take refuge in Lord therefore Rajyoga not recommended in kaliyug. This is very clearly said by none other than Great Saint Ramakrishna in Gospel of Ramakrishna so end to all discussions after this!
All the time I am endeavoring to remember even small, small things when Sainji was in Karachi so let me share one. One fine day Sainji unexpected asked Bhau Gagu and Bhau Asu “Bacho how far is your house i.e. 16 B from the sea?” We explained that it was not too far. All the same believe me Sainbaba went in deep, deep thought for quite some time. Finally, he raised His head and said “Khair bacho khair.” Since then I have noticed often meteorological department predicts a storm heading for Karachi in our area and then somehow direction gets changed. Like very recently for a storm named Nilofer! People of Karachi believe it’s due Dargah Abdullah Shah Ghazi, but I think it’s Our Sainbaba why otherwise was this question asked?
Sain Hasan Buksh (Sainji’s son) was sleeping at the mosque at the mela at Dargah Jhok Sharif and dreamt that behind the mosque there was a garden full of flowers and fruits. He started walking and eating the fruits. Sain Nasir Fakir then stopped him and asked him to sit down with the rest of the large crowd sitting in the compound. A white clothed fakir sat next to Sain Nasir Fakir with a large book. Sainji turned to the man and asked whether he had entered Sain Hasan Buksh’s name in the book. The, Sain asked if the man had entered everyone’s name in the book who was attending the mela. The man replied that he had indeed. Sain then asked him to close the book, got up and went to the Roza. Sain Hasan Buksh related that he also followed. One fakir dressed in saffron clothes stopped him and asked whether he had seen his father (Sainji). He replied that he had. The fakir then commented that “If you follow in his footsteps, he is your father, otherwise he does not care. The ‘dafter’ (book) of Sain Shah Shaheed is also in his hands.” Sain Nasir fakir then proceeded to go to Sain Shah Shaheed Badshah’s tomb, which opened and Sainji walked inside. Sain Hasan Buksh said he then came and sat on the steps leading to the Roza in amazement. Sain Hasan Buksh encountered Jasso fakir (a disciple) coming out of the Roza, who smiled at him and asked for the details of what he had observed. Sain Hasan Buksh described the dream. Jasso fakir replied “It was not a dream. It was real, but I am not allowed to say any more.”
I will write two small stories about OUR SAINJI. The very first time when Bhau Gagumal recorded His voice on a Grundig tape of which we all have cds now Sainji asked “so now you all will be able to hear my voice forever.” Bhau Gagu responded yes, Sainbaba.” Sainji says “Subhan Allah.” It’s all on tape as we were all sitting there really those were great times, how I miss it!!
Next when again Bhau Gagu took out His 1st movie of course silent in those days it was shown to SAINBABA in the hall down stairs. A pure white cloth sheet was hung on the hall wall adjacent to bathroom door and an arm chair was placed for Sainji to see it. We were all standing behind Him watching together you know what He said: “Is that me really?” how sweet and innocent was My & OUR LORD AND MASTER!!
On the play of two words My and Our I am reminded of one story I personally did not witness, but Dadi Rani told me that once at Sain goth, Dada Butani brought a dupatta and came and stood in between Sainji and other murids sitting around and virtually covered Sainbaba refusing others to see Him. He became that possessive! On another occasion in Karachi, Dadi said he literally covered Sainji’s face and on removing the dupatta told Him: “hai muinjhi kunwar” i.e. means hello my bride! Just imagine Bhutani was an ashiq (lover of Sainji). It’s in the book that on one occasion the English gora (white)governor was to visit DJ college and Dada Butani was a college principal at that time. OUR SAINJI was in Jhok Sharif and without caring two hoots for the Governor Dada went away to Jhok Sharif saying, “I am going to my own governor.”
I went with SAINBSBA just 2/3 times usually mela time hence He was in a pensive mood and would only relax when mela was over. It seemed His mind was more in union with ‘Mamati walas’ or Sages buried there! Sainji had great respect for the premises within the boundary and said “hite sheedan jo khoon kriyal ahe” meaning there is blood here of saints who have sacrificed their blood and therefore never ever wore shoes inside. Even at the age of 120 yrs. and in extreme heat he wore slippers made of rough jute cloth while going to bathrooms and would wear His normal shoes after crossing the boundary which were carried in hands by Nanga fakir, his personal valet. Mithi Dadi said in preparation days all fukrah went for mela by bus accompanying Sainji and used to get off the bus approximately 1 mile ahead of dargah and all walked by foot along with Sainji. In the evening lot of people came to hear Rehan from Him which lasted for about 80/90 min on thala of the Bari.
In this path disciple must become very subtle or proper word being ‘Sukhium’ besides dutifully follow his Gurus instructions. Sainji often said: “whoo PAK jaghyoon ahin ko beadaba asman raseeda theenda ahin cha!” (Those places are pure and those who don’t obey cannot reach the skies).
I like Sainbaba’s following words: “Bhagat kara Bhagwan pehchano Aap mein dhoondo pao re” (advises to look and find God within you) and these words even more:” Jahaz yateeman jo achi bandar te pahuto —– achi Hadi hath dijo” (Boat or airplane full of orphans has reached shore, now give me a hand God to pull me ashore) was one of His last sentences said to Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sain on 15th December 1960 when Sain HMWS was leaving for Datapir mela at Jhok Sharif and visited Sain at Pinto hospital in Karachi.
One day Sainji was speaking about ego or nafs and told us a sage reached great heights in heavenly regions and at one stage he was asked how has he climbed so high and was it due to grace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or his Guru? Because of ego he replied: “Prophets and Murshids are for weaklings” and that he had reached of his own efforts. Sainbaba said this saint was asked this question thrice and his reply was also same. Sainji said that Bacho, this was due to his ego and a secret hand appeared and his soul was thrown in deep, deep darkness and May Lord have mercy upon him.
I read in a book of Swami Ramakrishna that after Swami passed away His disciples had two categories. First, those who took to sanyas and second household disciples. Swami Vivekananda is best followed by Swami Brahamanand originally called Rakhal. His book is worth reading and from the 2nd category was Master Mahashya. One day a disciple from the first category came to the Great master with remorse clearly on his face so Master asked him what his problem was? He told his Guru that despite very hard practices and meditations for a long time he still could not get over thoughts of lust from his mind. As you all know Swami Ramakrishna used to say two most difficult things to conquer are KAMNI AND KANCHAN. Master asked him to come close to Him and then first putting His finger touching His tongue and asked his disciple to open his mouth and bring out his tongue. Then he just touched it with His finger and the disciple never ever had same problem again. See that was GRACE.
Ama said once at Jhok Sharif after mela got over some Hindu murids came to OUR SAINJI and said in the olden days Fakirs in mela gave ‘faiz’ easily to murids but we don’t see Saints like them nowadays. Imagine stupid people saying this to Our Sainji. He told them all right let us keep dahas (ten days fast and prayer) in Jhok Sharif together and see what happens. But they said 10 days were too much so Sainbaba suggested 7 days. They looked satisfied but within a few minutes only they started making excuses with each one suddenly remembering their half-finished chores and soon left. You know what OUR MASTER said after they had disappeared. “BACHO RUGO CHAWAI TE WATHI DISAN HA TE KHABER PAIJI WANJHEN HA!! (If only they had followed my advice they would have known better.) THAT IS OUR SAINJI!!!!
Meera bai Mama Kishin’s daughter) what do you say not even 7 day’s effort or grace?
You know what Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib told me about you when you were born? He said you were gift given to me, but I will still not tell u more of what He said!
Trying to say in kalam murid is telling his Murshid I am your slave and hence accept me as one. Normally one fears being a slave and here murid is being humble. Some disciples like Sri Ramakrishna think of God as a mother!
Read that book of Dr Rochaldas you will like it. He was a very humble person and see how his Guru raises him to Sainthood.
DADI Lachmi (Bhagwan’s mother, my elder sister) has been handed over to HAZRAT DATAPIR HIMSELF (His name was Haji Fazlullah Shah and around 1810 or 1820’s third in line for ‘gadi nashin’ or successor in line for Jhok Sharif Dargah after Sufi Shah Shaheed Inayat Shah but did not take the seat) and never again to worry about her. I have written earlier Baba loved Dadi the most but was too wise to express openly. Now why the assurance from Great Sainji it has again some background so will tell you in person. Each time Dadi gave birth to you all children, Sainji would call Ama (my mother) and congratulate her and reassure her all this is Murshids raaz (blessings/trust)!
Bhagwan’s paternal grandfather Seth Ghanumal was a hardline observant Hindu. His mother (my sister Lachmi) of course married into the family with a long history of following Sufism with Sainji.
You know when Gul (Mama Kishin’ brother, now deceased) was marrying Diana, Ama was worried. Sainbaba told Ama it was destined and at some stage marriage would be broken. Saints know everything. Now what to speak of OUR GREAT MASTER. HE falls in a different category and I repeat that we are very fortunate. I personally know Sain Paryal Shah refused several people who wanted Naam from him and said that they do not belong to Him. Same was the case of Master Mahshya a great Saint in Calcutta a disciple of Swami Ramakrishna. I feel sorry for many of our children who have drifted away. You (Bhagwan) are lucky Sain Oshak Ali Sahib has told you about your son Anand and Daughter Anmol. We as parents can only pray to Our Sainji for our families and have trust in Him.
One verse of Sain Sadiq Shah recited during mela RAAG hits one like a hammer. “AKHAR ANDHA SADBA JIN HIT NA DITHO HOO DEH” i.e. means all those who have not seen or been to other side while living in this world shall be considered as blind. Its same as Saints telling us to die before death. Once at Sain’s goth one of Sainji’s own son said something unworthy. After 5/10 minutes I went to Sain Lutuf Ali Sain without my saying a word. He looked at me and He said that gentleman has not yet annihilated his Ego. Fakiri is much much further away!
A small observation that Sri Ramakrishna loves God in shape of A MOTHER while most of us look upon OUR GOD as a father figure. Now father equals to love and discipline whereas mother equals nothing but love, love, and more love.
Today I think we can share some thoughts at random it might remind us of Sainji’s more stories no matter how small. Let me start with partition. Now all saints knew this was coming but you will notice none of them interfered with the Lords scheme however they all helped their own murids safety. If you read Radhaswami literature you will find their Master Hon Maharaj Sawan Singh whom I hold very great respect for, helped many many of His murids because there was great bloodshed in Punjab!
Dada Kripalani & family who lived somewhere near DJ Science college in Karachi were in serious threat by incoming muhajirs. Unexpectedly Sain Abdul Sattar (Gadi Nashin Dargah Jhok Sharif) sent over 2 very hefty men to safeguard them. Rioters thinking this house belonged to a Muslim family did not attack them. Very soon they left for Delhi. See even OUR GREAT MASTER was separated from His most loving and dearest murids physically but took care of them. Yet they accepted the will of the LORD.
I am reminded of one incident on Dada Gulabrai’s tapes where he says he was on thala at Sain’s goth when Sainji said that presently Dadi Rani, Bhabhi her sister and Mrs. Bhutani were speaking about Sainji in Bombay. Dada Gulabrai noted the time and date then wrote a letter to Mithi Dadi to check if the exact time/date was correct. In those days Dadi and Bhutani’s were neighbors and lived on Warden road and sure enough Dadi confirmed at precisely that time they were sitting together and remembering Sainji!
Once in Karachi SAINBABA said if even a cat can smell what is being cooked in 7 surrounding houses, then a FAKIR will not know that much? We all smiled.
I will tell you one small story narrated by Baba (Dewan Siroomal). Once he said he was with Sainji in Tando Adam town for a lunch invitation with Sainji when Sainji desired to pay a visit to Dargah of Makhdoom Noh in Hala town. In those days there was a train service from Tando Adam to Hala and after reaching they all took a Tonga ride from railway station towards dargah, which was about one-kilometer distance. On the way but still quite far away, SAINBABA pointed towards a person standing by the road side. He then asked Baba “do you recognize that man.” Baba said no. Sainji said “He is the gadinashin of Hala.” This is a famous shrine in Sindh and its commonly said that they had lacs of murids and by the way he was the grandfather of Makhdum Amin Fahim a minister of PPP. Anyway, that gentleman met Sainji with the highest respect and took them personally to dargah and did lot of khizmat (service) taking care in every respect and did not even take back silken bistra (bedding) and begging Sain to accept it as nazrana (token)!
The Tando Adam story gives us one more glimpse about Sainji. Whenever HE came to Berani, He was also invited by His murids to Tando Adam town and after lunch around 5 pm He always went and sat for meditation till 7 pm at a very small Dargah of Saint JUMAN JATI SAHIB. This shrine is close to where our Bhabhi Pari’s (Bhau Asoomal’s wife) parents lived. After getting up @ 7pm Sainji said that very few people recognized this great saint. He went further and added build this type of mazar when I am no more in this mortal life. The mazar looked somewhat like Sain Imdad Ali and Sain Hidayat Ali at our own dargah see how HUMBLE WAS OUR GREAT SAIN A TRULY GREAT SAINT!
Baba passed away in April 1958 and martial law was imposed by Ayub Khan in Sept 58 by a very notorious and tough Gen Tikka Khan who was made Sindh Chief and he ordered anyone who had not paid income tax of previous years to deposit same within one month. Now, Bhabhi’s (Mama Asoomal’s wife) family Seth Jasumal and others were also traders and besides zamindari Nathurmal would keep accounts in WANKI SCRIPIT so thought he could get away with it so he did not pay up. But someone reported them to authorities and there was a big raid at their house and they took away all books along with Seth Nathurmal to Hyderabad. They kept him in custody, got hold some Hindu guy and asked him to correct and convert books to simple sindhi. Naturally everyone was fearful that they would be been fined heavily along with jail! They got hold of Bhau Asoomal and went to OUR SAINBABA. Bhau told Him about the problem. Sainji said “sabh khair thi wendo” meaning all will be allright and they all came back. Would you believe as soon as they reached Tando Adam that very same day unexpectedly a new ordinance was issued extending time limit by one month. So, they were immediately released to go back and file fresh accounts and deposit what they were supposed a to pay with no extra penalty!! Now this was pure and simple MIRACLE!! After this incident Seth Jasumal accepted Sainbaba as his Guru but in heart he did not take Naam formally as Sainji passed away in 1960. But I noticed in Karachi and later in Bombay Seth kept Sainji’s photo beside his bed and said HE is my Guru!
An observation: OUR SAINBABA never used the sindhi word ‘MAAN’ (me) but always used ‘Moon’, which is different like Maan is like a big I versus Moon being a small i. Same was the case with Dr Rochaldas who always referred to himself as BANDO which means a Ghulam or servant. Naturally, meaning servant or Ghulam of his Guru or God.
Let me share another story of 1949. We had all temporarily migrated to Beawar very close to Ajmer, India. Bhau Asoomal had gone and rented a huge semi-built house as our family was large. It had no doors and we used chadars (sheets) to cover one very small toilet so ladies made good use of the terrace for a toilet! If you don’t believe me ask Bhabhi Sati (Manoo Uncle’s mother. If you travelled from Beawar to Ajmer in the morning you could see many women sitting by railway tracks for their morning toilet and they only covered their faces so they all looked the same!!
Well, this incident probably happened in early 1950 when Baba went for some work to our district Nawabshah collector (senior government officer). Baba at that time was a member of Sindh Assembly. The name of the collector was Masood, who had migrated from India and during partition riots quite a few of his family members had been killed so he was very bitter against Hindus. When Baba met him, he did not show any courtesy and sitting on his chair he extended his hand for a shake. Now Baba was very sensitive in these protocol matters. Hence, he scolded him harshly and walked out. Upon this the collector got really bugged and decided to teach Baba a lesson. So, using a tout (paid person) he filed a case of robbery of a goat or may be goats along with Baba’s kamdar (land manager) Lalu father of Goda and Mitha. Immediately he issued a non bailable warrant of arrest, so Baba went into hiding and sent our manager to OUR SAINJI.I am told Sainji got very upset and asked Ama to proceed to Dargah Jhok Sharif. Ama along with Bhau Lilaram and Partabrai (grandfather of Ratan whom you all know) went to Dargah. Now as per Sainji’s instructions they all did JAGA (stayed awake and prayed) for the whole night inside the Dargah. Bhau Lilaram had a vision seeing durbar full of Saints and that Ama complained: “Is any one of You going to help us?!” Upon this some Saint’s discussed with one other and you will be surprised what one Saint said. He said “Fakir Sahib (referring to OUR SAIN BABA) has decided to UNDO INDIA-PAKISTAN PARTITION so please go back and beg Him not to do so. He has the powers but please tell Him we will pray for Dewan Siroomal and things will be o.k.” Here you all can judge SAINJI’S Love for Baba. Ama told me from the Dargah they all went direct to Jalalani Sharif and narrated everything. On hearing this Sainji cooled down and said “Dewan’s (Baba or Dewan Siroomal, Dadi Lachmi’s father and mine) orders will be cancelled forthwith then he will get release of his kamdar and further this collector will never be posted in your district.” In the morning they left for Berani and by the time they reached home all this had transpired!!
Beautiful line from Sain Baba “SE DITHA MOON JIN DITH PIREEN KHE.” It means “I saw those who see God.” Well, most of us can claim the same. Is it not?
Now all of us murids of Dargah are ultimately connected to SAIN SHAH SHAHEED of Dargah Jhok Shareef as He is the Head and the rest of the Fakirs spread from Him.
Let me share this: one day in Karachi OUR SAINJI said “Hazrat Imam Mehdi has seen that there is no justice in Pakistan; however, whenever He reveals Himself I will not be there, but He shall come to my thala and offer namaz and have meals at my invitation.” Our Bhau Asoomal was sitting there so he very innocently asked SAIN BABA “If we invite Him will He also accept our invitation.” Sain Baba replied “why not? He surely will, provided you extend the invitation! Can you all see SAINJIS LOVE FOR OUR FAMILY!!!
It’s basically about Sainji’s love because it could be more than 100 or 200 years or more before anything like this happens. Another thing Sainji said that He will only appear when all world powers become very weak, hinting bound to be a war or maybe a nuclear war. Who cares? We are not going to be there. Lord’s plans are HIS ONLY, but Saints throw hints just as Sain Paryal Shah said, “Gandhi is good man, but he does not what will happen after independence” and there was no talk of even partition at that time, but SAINTS can see far ahead.!
Today I would like to write about Baba (Dewan Siroomal Kripaldas Lakhwani). You have read about SAINJIS love for him. Basically, Baba spoke little as compared to Bhau Asoomal and expressed even less. I never saw Baba asking a single question directly as he always went thru Ama. Both Ama and Bhau were morefree with SAINBABA. He would also sit at some distance unlike the rest of us. Now when I along with Baba and Ama went to Sain goth immediately after the tragedy of Sain Imdad Ali (His nephew) I think around 9/10 April 1958, Baba saw Sains condition with tears flowing all the time. Sainbaba quietly wiping them away with handkerchief. I used to look at Babas face and it said everything. Only once he remarked what will happen if SAINBABA departs. Ama later told me that Baba said wish he could depart before Sainji. Further he always desired a sudden death. Well now we all know he passed away on 25th April 1958 and how? Massive brain hemorrhage. I was still in Sain goth when on very early morning of 25th Motiram came for dua from Sainji and to fetch me. I reached Hyderabad around 11 am and Baba passed away around 4pm. Baba was in deep coma. Ama sitting near him quietly told me she had seen Sainbaba who told her that the 10-year extension given to him in 1948 was over.
Meera, I am told Sainji was also very fond of Chatumal father of Dr Nachaldas. I say this because when Sainji came to Karachi for Babas condolences HE said Baba and Chatumal were both in His heart though Chatumal had passed away 15/20 years before Baba. You see the duty given by Nachaldas and now Miskeen (Nachaldas’s son) its again due to Sainji’s love for their family.
Sainji was not shy of expressing his exceptional love. For example, once Sainji openly said “DARYA UTHLI THO BERI MEIN PAVEY” meaning the ocean or river wants to over flow into the boat for Baba. Also, another example was Him crying in our house porch when Mithi Dadi (Rani) was leaving for Bombay. Also, those special letters written to her in Berani again were no secret for they were written by Kiku while Bhau Gagumal and Nachaldas were sitting right there! That is how I know some of the contents of those letters though I never told Ustadji (Hiru) about it. Then again Sain Haji Mohd Waris openly said Bhau Lilaram “munhinjo yaar ahey” meaning he is my buddy or dear friend.
It was either in Karachi or Goth that Sainji very rarely spoke about the day of Guru’s sacrifices. One day Sainji related this: “Bacho one day amongst Guru Nanak lineage a 10 or 12 years old boy was sitting on the roof with his legs dangling from the mangh (roof vent in older days. Sainji pressed this child Guru’s feet Sainji and said there was practically no bones but just flesh. Sainji further said: “This child Guru is very fast on the spiritual journey.” I cannot recall the name but seems like Sainji was speaking of young son of Guru Tegh Bahdur Sahib because this child had asked his father to give the great sacrifice which was the need of that time to save Hindus being forced to become Muslims during Mughal king Aurangzeb and we all the rest of story. How amazing!!
Well, then it’s Guru Har Kishan for Sain never said his being Teg Bahudur’s son. That was MY guess. Kushwant Singh’s book of history of Sikhs indicates that name of Guru Nanak’s Murshid was HUSSAIN SHAH. Had KUSHWANT BEEN WRONG SIKHS would have lynched him!
Here is a joke I heard at Sai goth. Remember, Mahram a compounder with Dr Nachaldas? Well he had never seen a train so asked someone about it and this man told him to go to Setharja station, buy a ticket and on the platform, you will see a very dark object with smoke coming out of it, which you ride on. Mehram reached the platform and after buying a ticket there he saw a huge SHEEDI (i.e. a negro in sindhi) who was smoking a cigarette with smoke coming from him. So, Mehram jumped upon him holding him tight. The sheedi said “what the hell you are doing?” Upon this Mehram took out his ticket and said I am not riding without ticket.
Mehram once went to Hyderabad with OUR SAINBARA when Sainji was going to Rani bagh town in a jeep but the jeep was full. But Mehram insisted that they take him also so Sainji asked to sit on the bonnet of the jeep. Mahram used to wear only god (wraparound below the waist) and a shirt with no underwear. As the jeep raced a bit due to strong wind his god (like a dhoti worn around the waist) flew away and he was naked and begged Sainji to stop the jeep. Sainji asked the driver to keep driving for some more time. SAINJI HAD GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR!!
Bhagwan, surely not personal but vision or dreams are for us, but the Saints meet one. At Sain Paryal Shah mela attendance at Jhok Sharif confirmed both by Dada Kripaldas and Dada Mulchand so many times Dada Mulchand used to tell me that Kripaldas has said this and that about us. Also, Dada replies that for them both worlds are real. One day Dada Mulchand told me he saw Hazrat Ali and Lord Krishna at Shirdhi in India. Sainji told Bhau Asoomal about a lot of past things even regarding Badshapir Dastagir and never in the open. Rarely, He openly spoke about Adi Khandul and some of her experiences. It depended on his mood or better word to describe his attitude is: MAUJ. Further imagine Sains reach to even comment on this Guru or that Guru being fast on the spiritual path meaning He knew how far they were on the path!
How many of you know OUR SAINJI said Sain Din Mohammad had received Naam direct from Hazrat Ali in a vision. Only because of Sainji’s presence hardly anyone paid attention to him otherwise he was a major saint himself. Sainji told us he used to meditate whole night standing with his hair tied to a long screw fixed in wall. If he felt sick, Sainji took care of him with massage of badam (almond) oil. One only saw him meditating and barely raising his head. A Mujahid or fighter of the first order. Sainbaba said according to Sufis the first person created was the Holy Prophet Sahib (PBUH) though first one sent on earth was Adam. Many Sufi saints have revealed this but only in poetry. I will just quote two. First, in the very first sur (poem) of Raag Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai clearly says the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is cause of creation. Then, even in Dargah Jhok Sharif last sur recited in all melas is called sur Jakhro in which they very clearly say the Holy Prophet PBUH) was born from special earth i.e. Miti in sindhi. All the others came later. Many Punjabi saints have said so again in their poetry. About the time of death irrespective of Dams (breaths) or year of life all Muslims and most others believe duration is fixed. Regarding Saint’s, it is different and leave at their own time and they can give extensions to others with permission from Lord.
Now regarding themselves I will share 4 things 2 from OUR SAINBABA HIMSELF. First, Sainji in the tape tells us how the angel of death sought permission from OUR SAINJI’s GURU one night. Also, on tape, Sain baba said there was a Saint near their goth a bit mast (not in his senses) and when the saint passed away there was a dispute between his disciples both Muslims and Hindus. The Muslims wanted to bury him and Hindus wanting to cremate him, so they kept fighting. Upon this the Saint just got up and said ok I will now die later! The third example is when Sain Sadiq Shah used to say that a Saints life was like a walking stick, which he can throw away whenever they wish. Here I remember OUR SAINJI saying for Saints death was like shifting from one world to another. Lastly, I clearly remember going to mela of HADI SAIN Guru of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib and he disclosed to one or two of His close murids His intention to pass away that very night as He wanted to go away on His Gurus day. People noticed lot of activity of His murids going to Him repeatedly. Anyway, after the mela we asked BUDHUMAL (Shamloos dad) what was this all about and he told us the whole story how murids had cried and begged SHMWS not to leave them. So Sainji changed His mind but at the same time told them He would not be informing them next time. Sain Sahib then passed away in December 1970 i.e. probably between one n two years after the first incident and this time not during mela but in Karachi in Dr Colonel Shah’ s clinic around 3 pm.
Sainji replied to all letters before emails and at Dargah they were dictated to either ‘master’ or Bhau Asoomal or Kikkoo in Karachi and he also rarely refused invitations either for tea or lunch. At one lunch in Hyderabad in particular Sainji was invited by Nawab of Tajpur but lived in Hirabad area near Mira girls school established by Sadhu Vaswani, which is still there. Now the back ground of this Tajpur Nawab family was that their forefather was like an enemy to Sainji’s Guru. Things had gone so far that he had even planned to murder Sainji’s Guru. Why? Well, there came a time when no direct descendant was alive and left to be a gadi nashin (sit on the seat of previous Murshid) of Dargah Jhok Sharif, so Sain Sadiq Shah had selected Sain Abdul Sattar whose sister was married to last gadi nashin of Jhok. Finally, Sainji’s Guru became the Gadi nashin. As I said Sainji never refused. He remembered this past history so what Sainji did was He quietly told Ama to prepare something, hide it and carry it along so that He would eat only nuts while the other murids could have lunch made at Nawab. THAT WAS SAINS LOVE FOR HIS GURU THOUGH 100 YEARS HAD PASSED. By the way, Lila (Sajnis sister) took her Naam there in my presence she had come from Mirpurkhas.
Dada Lakhoomal’s first meeting was thanks to one Berani person or bradri (extended family). When Sain Sadiq Shah saw Dada Lakhoomal (my great grandfather) his first words said to that person was: you have brought me a very straight stick i.e. he is a true and good- hearted man. The story is that at their village quite a few murids had come. Now Sain Sadiq Shah was very particular like OUR OWN BARA SAIN and SAIN HAJI MOHD WARIS SAHIB (SHMW) too that fukrah (murids that visit Dargah) get proper meals and bed etc. We saw Sain Irshad Ali (Sain Oshak Ali’s father) carrying meals on his shoulders for fukrah. I reached Jhok around 7 p.m. and always saw SHMWS supervising cooking degs (huge pots used for cooking) opposite our rooms. Sain Sadiq Shah was seeing nangar (where meals are served) when He noticed some ants in the flour either rice or bajra and He got very upset and was about to scold his men when Dada stepped in and said, “it’s nothing we will take it back and clean in a short while and be back.” So, he did. Sain saw and looked very pleased and stared deeply at Dada and smiled. He said, “you have covered for somebody else and I will always cover for your family.” The favorite phrase is as long as your family gives respect and regards to Saints they will have ALLAH PULLAH at later stage. I still remember Sain HMWS Sahib saying that I am also giving you people as SADIQ had given to Lakhoomal perhaps you all know the Holy PROPHET SAHIB (PBUH) HIMSELF emphasized about this quality. He said When GOD covers everyone’s sins who are we to disclose and thus bring public humiliation upon any one. The Holy Prophet Sahib (PBUH) was apparently very strict about it.
You all remember Sainji’s famous words. “YA KAR AUR ALLAHJI YA KAR PRIEN PACHAR INHAN BINHI KHAN DHSR QADIR KENH KHE NA KARE” i.e. either you meditate or at least speak about your Guru since I am lousy to do meditation at least I can try towards 2nd option.
Sainji and Bhau Asoomal went to Jhok Sharif Dargah along with a person from Berani village. His name was Noora Mangsi. After 3 days stay, Bhau asked for leave from Sainji. Sainji told him to stay couple of days more. Upon this Noora begged to leave as he had some work back home. Sainji told Noora that he could go but Dewan (Asoomal) is not coming with you since he will first visit 1st Asman (sky or heaven level) then 2nd Asman and finally 3rd Asman only then he will return!! When Noora left Bhau told Sain: Sain what is this? At least take me to 4th where Hazrat Ali holds His court because on the 3rd level it’s Lord Jesus Christ and I have no real attachment for him. Sainji just smiled but did not commit more. Now this was told to me by Bhau himself, so heaven is no big deal for them. The Saints are absorbed in God and heaven is very small favor from them.
A few days was Sain Haji Mohd monthly day, so I remembered this. On one of our visit to Jhok Sharif it was His murshids urs and He used to feel very happy when more people came. I after just 2 rounds in one direction felt breathless and said to Sain Sahib that if anyone So, one morning He said come I will take you to old grave yard of my ancestors it was about 2 miles far n we left in 2 cars about 9/10 persons it was on a small mound n there were about 12 Mazars pointing to one which was little larger than rest He said this great grandfather was a great saint n has promised whoever will hold his breath taking 7 rounds clockwise n 7 anti-clockwise will go to heaven. I said if anyone held their breath that long he must already be a great yogi and I am not. Sainji looked at me smiled and said don’t worry you go and finish your rounds while breathing and the sage will send you to heaven. See, how generous this Sain Sahib was.
This is about a letter, Bhau was at Sainji’s thala (compound) and it was Sainji’s routine to reply to letters around noon because Master Shah Bux (who wrote the letters dictated to him) had to teach at school in mornings. Now Bhau was available and Sainji had received a letter from Dadi Dhani seeking his blessings. Invariably Sainji would ask has Dada Lachmandas left drinking and told NO. So, then Sain would always write back that God will give barkat (generally means financial success) to her sons. What had displeased Sainji about Dadas drinking because drinking by itself could not be the reason as Baba & Bhau Lilaram and quite a few others also use to drink. Why even Bhau Asoomal had beer when Baba invited high officials and Bhau Gagu too had beer off and on. I have received some answers but only Sain knows if it was that answer but seems convincing. Dada Manghamal (Koshis daddy) told me it was because Dada Lachmandas had secretly carried his whisky bottle to Sain goth and would drink in Adi’s house at nite thinking Sainji would not know. Perhaps this was sole reason or more only Sainji knew.
I think this one letter came from a murid in Bhopal India asking Sainji to please send DHAGA (sacred thread) for her buffalo to give more milk! Sainji laughed and said see how well she is following my teachings. But, you all will be surprised because Sainji yet sent her DHAGA (thread). Then, a lady from India wrote a letter that her neighbor was all the time fighting with her hence Sainji pray that the neighbor should DIE. For an instance, Sainji felt upset and said to us “look she thinks I have nothing else to do but give BUD DUAS (bad dua or prayer) TO PEOPLE however he just wrote back to ask for God to give your neighbor for SAMJH (understanding.
Then, Sainji asked Bhau to write that God will give barkat to Sugna (Dadi Dhani’s son) and blessings in general. Bhau was used to writing Sainji’s letters. You will notice how all Sainji’s letters begin and end but always before dispatching letters Sainji would ask the writer to read over what Sainji had dictated and some time He got them corrected. It was the same this time and Bhau had overblessed sending blessings left and right and centre because Dadi Dhani being a puphi (aunt) so when Sainji heard the letter HIS EXACT WORDS were: “Kon ghatyo athai bacho” i.e. in short, you have really gone overboard and blessed so much. Bhau felt a bit embarrassed and asked Sainji if he should tear the letter and write a second one? You know what Sainbaba said: “No, now that you have blessed them so shall it be”!!!! Sugna’s rise started after that particular letter. He became a multi-millionaire.
Grandfather was one of the 1st to recognise Him hence advised Baba accordingly. I can disclose now one day OUR SAINJI told Bhau (Asoomal) “your grand father would have risen higher had he refused to go to Sain Paryal Shah.” Although, grandfather’s Murshid Sain Abdul Sattar gave him permission as it would have been impolite to refuse. Sain Paryal Shah who had asked for grandfather’s hand but as you can see final choice was my grandfather’s!
Being immature, I thought if your Guru asked for your life one should not hesitate. So, in mind I used to think if my SAINBABA asked me to jump from a high building, if I turned back and looked at HIM I would be a kafir (non-believer) and would feel satisfied with this.
Sainji came to Karachi a few months later and during normal rehan (His conversation to us about things) and not at all looking at me said “BACHO SIR TE VIYO KANE KAN MEIN WHO KUCH BIYO THA GHURAN! Meaning the head is gone in just balancing the two sides of balance but the Guru is demanding something more. In the tape, you will find this. So, someone asked: what more can one give? SAINJI replied: constant remembrance and dedication. He further added that giving up life is only a onetime simple act. This is in tune with DIE BEFORE YOU DIE a very famous saying of all Saints. It implies giving up your bad desires and Ego, meditating etc. Saints want total faith!!
Let us start first in general. I would remark that Saints face changes when they get up after long meditations and this will usually be noticed by those who have spent some time with them. Here in Karachi, many noticed the glow on Our Bara Sains face around 6 am when Pushpa used to rush and pluck a flower and give it to Sainji. Same on 2 occasions in Jhok Sharif which even some ladies saw this. Also, Nimma and Sajni were there. This happened during Riazat approximately at midnight as soon as riazat was over Sain HMWS was in the verandah when God knows what happened but suddenly he took a yaktara (single string instrument) from the hands of one of the singers in the group and started singing and dancing. He was totally lost and literally had a glow or shine on his face. It took everyone by surprise that I still cannot forget that moment!
This also reminds me reading in Dr Rochaldas book during his journey to Vaishnu Devi in high mountains, Dr Sahib sees VISHNU BHAGWAN asking for his head to which the Doctor bows but suddenly his Guru Sain Qutubshah appears and tells Bhagwan this child is still needed here so Dr. Sahib was spared.
Once Bhau (Dewan Asoomal, my elder brother) told me OUR SAINBABA told him there is a stage in spiritual journey where you must get your head cut by NAATH (another name for Lord Shiva), Sainji though did not use word ‘Shiva.’ Must add that SAINBABA told Bhau few are able to cross NAATH barrier and only a very kamil (perfect or very advanced spiritually) Murshid can help here. Here it would not be out of place to mention that at Sainji’s thala (compound) we often heard OUR SAINBABA’s body being broken in many, many parts but HE would later come out hale and hearty. Ama Marvi said the same thing also for Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib as he too had achieved a very high state in spirituality and often confirmed by BARA SAINJI.
Apparently, it’s a very advanced stage in spiritual journey where you are asked to get your head cut like a goat by Naath. Now we Hindus call Shiv Maharaj as ‘Bhole Naath’ and we Hindus also regard him as lord of death. In spirituality Sainji repeatedly said “DIE BEFORE YOU DEATH” meaning what is use of human birth if you have not died while living or sacrificed yourself for God….
When Swami Vivekananda was studying law at the University College, London, a white professor, whose last name was Peters, disliked him intensely. One day, Mr. Peters was having lunch at the dining room when Vivekananda came along with his tray and sat next to the professor. The professor said, “Mr. Vivekananda, you do not understand. A pig and a bird do not sit together to eat.” Vivekanandji looked at him, as a parent would at a rude child and calmly replied, “You do not worry professor. I’ll fly away,” and he went and sat at another table. Mr. Peters, reddened with rage, decided to take revenge. The next day in Class he posed the following question: “Mr. Vivekananda, if you were walking down the street and found a package, and within was a bag of wisdom and another bag with money, which one would you take?”
Without hesitating, Vivekanandji responded, “The one with the money, of course.” Mr. Peters, smiling sarcastically said, “I, in your place, would have taken the wisdom.”
Swami Vivekananda shrugged and responded, “Each one takes what he doesn’t have.” Mr. Peters, by this time was extremely angry. So, great was his anger that he wrote on Swami Vivekananda’s exam sheet the word “idiot” and gave it to Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda took the exam sheet and sat down at his desk trying very hard to remain calm while he contemplated his next move. A few minutes later, Swami Vivekananda got up, went to the professor, and told him in a dignified polite tone, “Mr. Peters, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the grade.”
Vivekananda was in the beginning an atheist and a brilliant debater. When anyone said so and so is he would go to his 1st question, which would be: “Have you seen God?” So, nobody could convince him. But, one day someone brought him to Ramakrishna. Here too he asked the same question and you know, what came next?
Ramakrishna replied, “Not only I have seen God, but I can even show you.” Having said so Ramakrishna kept his hand on Vivekananda’s head and immediately he became unconscious for quite long time. When conscious he was a changed person and had no more questions!
Like our Sainji, Sri Ramakrishna’s focus was always spirituality or khayal. He said don’t waste time chasing wealth you will get whatever you are destined to get. Of course, you can carry on with your normal activities but don’t make collecting wealth as your goal.
My association with Sainji was very limited and it’s only when this house was built in 1955 that Sainji came and stayed in summer and winter that things changed. Besides we were studying in collage still.
I said about Bara Sain getting upset. This was told to me by Ama and the year I guess must have been after partition probably 1950 or 51. Sainji had gone to Mela of Sain Sadiq Shah. It happened just after returning from raag when all were sitting in Bari. After a while Bhagat Ram Chand of Mirpurkhas asked Sainji to perform a miracle as Hindus were facing lot of problems i.e. evacuee property etc. and on this suddenly Sain Baba’s face changed. Ama said there was so much dahshat (anger/wildness) no one dared to sit and one by one they bowed to Him and left the room. Then, after quite some time they peeped in to see how Sain felt and slowly began to come in.
Sain Baba explained to them that firstly His mind was still with Mamati Saints i.e. Saints not living like Sain Shah Shaheed, Datapir and others. We all know they are there at the time of Sama raag. Secondly, one should only ask for dua as ‘karamat kehar jo ghar ahe’ i.e. karamat or miracle performing is disliked by the Lord. Many many years later, Ama said once in Jhok Sharif mela just after the Raag, Ama was sitting near Sainji and He asked Ama who she was? Ama just kept quiet but later questioned Sain that if He didn’t recognize her here how will He recognize in the next life? Sainbaba just smiled at her and said perhaps it was not Me that was asking at that moment!! He also added that how can I not recognize YOU. That was Our Great Sain Baba!
SAINBABA was also clear that your means should be honest, like HE had particularly asked Dada Rupchand Kripalani never to take a bribe and we all saw even on a very high post as deputy director for imports he remained poor. We saw his very small flat above Kailash parbat in Colaba. He did not possess a car and when Shamloo was getting married he had to request Hiroo Advani and some other disciples for 2/3 cars.
Quoting from Radhaswami literature, a disciple wrote Swami Sawansingh that he was desperate to come to Dera (main gathering area) but was too ill to travel. Swamiji wrote back he must wait for 2 months as his illness due to bad karmas but Lord had been kind to have this reduced from 1/2yrs to 2 months only. Another time one of his disciples was on death bed and suffering for some time, a relative approached Sawansingh. HE replied its fine let him clear his bad karmas in this world only. Maharaj Sawansingh did not give Naam to the blind saying their karma was too heavy and the Guru often fall ill after initiations!
Even a great Saint like Ramakrishna had to bear pain from cancer on his arm due to clearance of very bad karmas of one of his loving disciples. For these reasons SAINJI stopped giving Naam in their last couple of years to outsiders.
The nature of Saints naturally comes from nature (God) i.e. LOVE.
Someone asked Shah Qalandar Datapir (real name Sufi Fakir Fazal ullah Shah of Dargah Jhok Sharif) what is God? His answer GOD IS LOVE.
I had gone in morning to Dargah of Saint Abdul Qadir Gilani (dargah in Karachi) as it was his 40 Urs sharif (death anniversary). Sitting there I reflected Our BARA SAIN who was precise and very selective and always ended His letters as SUFI AL QADRI. He could have chosen to end as JALALANI which was his ‘baloch’ cast but never, why? As He never forgot THE HEAD and BENEFACTOR. You all must have heard SAINJI’s tape where in meditation He saw pigs rushing towards Him. He called upon Datapir and pigs changed their direction but did not stop. Thereafter Sainji call BADSHAHPIR (Sufi saint of the Chishti order in India) and the pigs stopped after he started reciting the GREAT SAINTS name!
Another thing to notice SAINJI invariably ended His letters DUAGU. HE is asking God for blessings for everyone.
One more thing I recall throughout the whole day SAINBABA would say ‘YA ILLAHI KHAIR” meaning Oh God peace and blessings for all. Once again, He was seeking peace and blessings for whole of humanity. Really, we did not pay attention and took these things for granted. Not once did I hear Gila (speaking ill) of anyone from HIS lips, the most Sainji would say “BACHO ZAMANE JA MANHOON AHIN” or child these are worldly people.
One or two days just before His operation, Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib came to meet Sainji in morning. Sainji was lying on charpai exactly where you see the long sofa next to the window in Ramesh hall, and Sain HMWS was sitting near Sainji’s serandhi (head end) tying a taweez (prayer amulet) on HIS arm. I was standing perandhi (foot end of bed) side right next to bathroom door. Suddenly, SAINJI looked at me sort of sending a message for there was too much love in His eyes. My 6th sense told me Sainji was going and my tears came.
Next evening operation took place and Sainji was not well and spent the whole night very restless. Now comes the part befooling us all. Sainbaba was totally well around 10 am in morning. Gave Bhau a chance to force me to go to Datapir mela, along with SAIN HMWS sahib as Ama was coming there from Berani. Early morning about 5 a.m. someone came from BERANI to give us the bad news. Hence, we left immediately for Jalalani around 6 p.m., saw SAINBABA. Many, many people finally lowered HIM in the ground approx. 8 p.m.
Seeing BARA SAIN BABA was like great saint of Hyderabad has said about his Murshid Shah Qalandar Datapir in the opening line of his kalam, which Bhau use to sing in old days and that One line is. DEKHAT HI MAN PAT AYA.!! MURSHID DA DEEDAR IS EQUAL TO 100 CRORES OF HAJ Seeing your Murshid is equivalent to 100 crore times doing Haj in Muslims or Teerth in Hindus). By SULTAN BAHU
More of Sainji’s Rehan
On Page 89 letter no 14 sindhi book Sainbaba says HAYA IS ROOT AND YAQUEEN IS FRUIT, what exactly haya would mean here is it just respect should be more than that?
Mama, Bhabhi (Dadi Lachmi, Bhagwan’s Mother) says that in that sentence Sain means haya is like nethai (or thinking less of yourself) since the root is also low in the ground or no ego. Bhagwan, Dadi’ s meaning seems good at least makes some sense.
Remember in Gulabrai’s tape he says he asked SAINJI how to increase yakeen (faith) and Gulabrai says Sainji replying that too is not in murids hands. Hence, when I read letter 14 and came across this para wanted to know what Haya meant exactly all the same HIS REMBERANCE will surely help.
It is said, someone told SAINBABA Lord Krishna said world appeared like size of THALI or a plate. Our Master replied no, it appears like a bajar ka dana (seed of bajra or barley) or even less. So, we can’t even imagine about the universe but for Saints there is no limit as they reside in GOD THE CREATER HIMSELF.
SAINJI’S words: “SUFI UT VIYO JITE MARD NAKO JOI”. i.e. Sufi’s have gone where no man or woman has GONE. One day in Bhau’s hall
Bhau Gagu told Sainji that scientists were planning to go to moon and later even the sun. Sainbaba smiled and said moon yes but the Sun never. This was early 1960. Man, reached the moon in 1964.
These are three best advices from OUR SAINBABA
1 Jin wisryo naam tin pat vinjhai panhji. (Those who forget their Naam also have lost self-respect)
2 Sayo karyo.ie put your best effort at Naam.
3 Ya kar oar Allah ji ya kar pirieen pachae. Meaning either meditate or praise your beloved Murshid.
So we must follow what suits us.
Of all three naturally NAAM IS BEST. Having said all this, He would look at us and ask. “POI KAHRI SALAH AHE” (so, what is your advice?) WITH SUCH UNFORGETABLE LOVE.
Krishna and Arjuna
Once Krishna and Arjuna were walking towards a village. Arjuna was pestering Krishna, asking him why Karna should be considered an unparalleled Donor & not him?
Krishna, turned two mountains into gold. Then said, “Arjuna, distribute these two gold mountains among villagers, but you must donate every bit of it “. Arjuna went into the village, and proclaimed he was going to donate gold to every villager, and asked them to gather near the mountain. The villagers sang his praises and Arjuna walked towards the mountains with pride.
For two days and two nights Arjuna shoveled gold from the mountain and donated to each villager. The mountains did not diminish in the slightest. Most villagers came back and stood in queue within minutes. Now Arjuna was exhausted, but not ready to let go of his Ego, told Krishna he couldn’t go on any longer without rest. Then Krishna called Karna and told him to donate every bit of the two gold mountains. Karna called the villagers and said “Those two Gold mountains are yours. ” and walked away. Arjuna sat dumbfounded. Why hadn’t this thought occurred to him? Krishna smiled mischievously and told him “Arjuna, subconsciously, you were attracted to the gold, you regretfully gave it away to each villager, giving them what you thought was a generous amount. Thus, the size of your donation to each villager depended only on your imagination. Karna holds no such reservations. Look at him walking away after giving away a fortune, he doesn’t expect people to sing his praises, he doesn’t even care if people talk good or bad about him behind his back. That is the sign of a man already on the path of enlightenment”.
A beautiful story about the Flute of Krishna
Krishna always holds a flute in his hand, but there is a great story behind it. Everyday Krishna would go in the garden and say to all the plants, “I love you”. The plants were very happy and responded back and said “Krishna, we love You, too”. One- day Krishna rushed quickly into the garden very alarmed. He went to the bamboo plant and the bamboo plant asked, “Krishna, what´s wrong with you?” Krishna said, “I have something to ask you, but it is very difficult”. The bamboo said, “Tell me: if I can, I will give it to you”. So, Krishna said “I need your life. I need to cut you”. The bamboo thought for a while and then said “You don´t have any other choice. You don’t have any other way?” Krishna said, “No, no other way”. And it said “OK, I surrender to you”.
So, Krishna cut the bamboo, made holes in it, and each time, while he was doing that, the bamboo was crying with pain. At last, Krishna made a beautiful flute out of it. And this flute was with Krishna all the time. 24 hours a day, it was with Krishna. Even the Gopi’s were jealous of the flute.
They said, “Look, Krishna is our Lord, but yet we get to spend only some time with him. He wakes up with you, He sleeps with you, all the time you are with him”. So, one day they asked the bamboo, “Tell us the secret of it. What secret do you have, that the Lord treasures you so much?” And the bamboo said “The secret is that I´m empty inside. And the Lord does whatever he wants with me, whenever he wants with me and however he wants with me”.
So, this is complete surrender: where God can do whatever, He wants with you, whenever He wants, as He wants. And for that you don’t need to be scared, you know, you have just to give yourself. And who is yourself in reality? It’s just Him!
Allow the Lord to sculpt you.
About that flute, as I said, Sainbaba used to say it’s so melodious that many murids get stuck there only kamil (experienced and highly spiritual) Guru pulls them up!
More of Sainji’s Rehan
Reading SAINJI’S book one sees this phrase repeatedly. YA KAR AUR ALLAHJI YA PIREEN PACHAR. There are no short cuts. All Saints have put in very great effort then naturally came Grace of Murshid. Not one single Saint without hard work, what will happen to us?
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) requested God to remove just one name out of His 100 and God said NO, that name? QUAHAR. After which God gave many concessions but said name will remain. Among those concessions one was He will no more punish those with bad thoughts till one acts on them but will reward one even for entertaining good thoughts even if one fails to put them in action. This is Mercy.
But notice no getting away from bad karmas only one key: NAAM, NAAM. Of course, Guru could help but rarely. We read in many cases Guru’s having taken that burden upon themselves. Two examples come to my mind Sri Ramakrishna discloses his cancer due to bad karmas of a disciple. Second example, Guru Tegbahadur Sahib sacrificing His life to save Hindus from Aurangzeb.
Remember, whenever Sainbaba combed his beard He would not let a single hair fall on ground and we would carefully collect them. When asked why? Sainji responded these are tinkas (individual reeds of a broom) which is meant for cleaning the Chaunth (part of tomb) of my Murshid Sain.
On couple of occasions we personally saw Sain HMWS Sahib literally cleaning the chaunth of Roza of Shah Shaheed Sahib during riazat time in melas. See the humbleness of Saints.
Remember Sainbaba saying while sitting among people one should think all others are better than himself.
This was to teach us humility’ The way of Great Souls.
Some of you remember there used to be two twin brothers at Dargah Jhok Shareef and few could tell the difference between them. I remember Sainji in a joke told them to marry just one woman as she would not know the difference. You know what happened some years later? Well, one twin died but a 3rd brother who did not look the same at all joined the 2nd twin who was living and they married just one lady!
Sainbaba always used to stay with Dada Bhutani before this incident. You see, Dada was an intellectual, evolved and very liberal in his thinking and yet how this happened is beyond me. It was a routine that Dada would accompany Sainji to Jhok shareef bara mela and from their Sainji every year came to Karachi and stayed at Dada’s house. In fact, even Dadi Rani and their family met Sainbaba at their house. Besides Sainji was fond of Dada’s wife and everyone called her mummy and although her name was Kisi, Sainji used to call her the same. Kishinchand also did some spiritual meharbani and she would even tell Mithi Dadi (Rani) where Hiroo was when abroad. Sometimes when Mithi Dadi would worry about not receiving a letter from Hiroo, Mummy would tell them not to worry it will come in couple of days. One amazing incident was when Mummy would criticize Shabaz Qalandar or not thinking highly of Him. One night she saw a vision where Sainji flies her with Himself reaching a place. Naturally, it must have been Sewan Sharif (Shabaz Qalandar Dargah) and landing right in front of Shabaz Qalander Sahib and introducing mummy to Him and telling mummy Here is the person you have negative feelings of and to desist doing so in future. So, imagine Sainji’s RAAZ (blessing)on mummy and yet you will see how things change! On one mela after khatma (last day Raag) God knows what came in Dada Bhutani’s mind but let us call it destiny. Dada went and invited Sain Rakhyal Shah. My God Mithi Dadi told me Sainji was badly hurt and as a result Sainji that year did not go to Karachi after Hyderabad. He returned to goth but in the usual way stopping in Berani and from there to Nawab shah and finally as a normal routine Mithi Dadi said the rest of murids of Karachi begged a lot asking Sainji to come and stay in their homes but Sainji just went back saying He will come to Karachi from next year. After that Sainbaba used to stay every year at Mithi Dadi’s house. It’s like Lila losing Chanesar (akin to Romeo & Juliet) as in the famous sindhi story put in most beautiful poetic form by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in his rasala also regularly recited at all our melas in raag samma. Now, Dada Bhutani’s family completely lost faith in Our Sainbaba and took Naam from Sain Rakhyal Shah a second time. Why? Dadi said during Rakhyal Shah’s stay at their house, Rakhyal Shah displayed some minor miracle. I didn’t ask what that miracle was but that impressed their family so much that they changed completely for good. As for Dada, I have no idea if he regretted it or not, but he obviously retained his own faith which is evident from the fact he spent one full year with Sainji after partition in Pakistan i.e. 1952/1953. Out of those two years, I think he was with us in Hyderabad for a couple of months then more than one month in Berani. He spent whole nights in meditation, had extra order control over his mind and I have never seen another person like him. In Hyderabad, he was sitting with Sainji in our house me sitting 6/7 feet from both.
Gadi Nashin (Dargah’s Chief) from Tajjal Sharif (affiliated Dargah of Dargah Jhok Shareef like ours) related to Sain Ali Akbar Shah (son of SHMW of Dargah Jhok Shareef) that when he was a boy he was with our Sainji in Sain’s bari at Dargah Sharif one evening when he saw the skies light up brightly. He says the light came down and went inside the Roza. He says he thinks our Sainji may have gone in also. But, he lost consciousness. When he awoke, people including Sainji were trying to get him awake. Anyway, he pleaded with our Sain to tell them what was going on. Sainji declined saying he should talk about something else. Finally, he says he touched Sainji’s feet at which Sainji said something like you are from my Murshids place (Assume our Sainji’s Murshid Hazrat Sain Abdul Sattar have a connection with Thardarni Sain at Tajjal?) and you shouldn’t be touching my feet. Sain reluctantly told him it was Shabaz Qalander visiting Hazrat Sain Shah Shaheed Badshah in the Roza for something.
His whole point was that people say there have been only 2 ½ Qalandars but what about Shah Shaheed Badshah?
What is there to talk of Sainji! You know once what Dada Mulchand said to Bhau Asoomal once?
He said “Lal (affectionate name for Asoomal) what is this? often it seems to me I am creating worlds and destroying and again creating others.” This path is mysterious only travelers tell us their experiences.
Once Sain baba was sitting in khayal (meditation) at Jhok Sharif. Adi Lachi (Sainji’s companion), Nanga (Sainji’s companion/valet), Bhau Gagumal and a few more people saw suddenly a cobra passing by Sainji. At once they wanted to kill the snake with sticks but Sainji stopped them and later told them it was a fakir of the Dargah. He also said many birds you see flying here but some of them are past saints so not to kill anything and no one will harm you. Forgot to add that when Sainji said above words HE began the sentence with following words and I quote “BACHO JE WESAH KARYO!” meaning IF YOU BELIEVE me what I have said is true.
Sain Ali Gulab (one of Sainji’s sons) once told me “Kishin, as children we use to play at chowkandi (where related saints are buried, not the main roza), which was at ground level and often Saints in those Mazars would give us darshans and bless us!
Once Sainbaba had asked Dadi Rani if she had a Guru? She said: Yes, Guru Grannth Sahib is my Guru. Sainbaba had a nice laugh and told her you need a living Guru and one must find one no matter how long it takes. Of, course it did not take Mithi Dadi long as next day she took Naam from Sainji. We all know she became Sainji’s most favorite murid. Wish you had seen their love for each other. Its beyond your comprehension. Few things I might know but they can’t be shared. I personally feel Radha swamis are carrying forward Guru Nanaks path.
Many a times our Sainji said Guru Nanak was a SUFI.
As God has no one religion, even Sufis keep no difference and see how many Hindus come to our dargahs. Love has no religion and God is pure Love.
At Sainji’s feet we will all meet at our dear parted souls Ama, Baba and Bhau. Who will we recognize in the highest heavens?
Naturally, Nimma too and I know how much she loved Sain Lutuf Ali, so she too will be there.
Do you know in our family, whenever someone was to die Ama would tell in advance how Dada Kripaldas (my grandfather) had come to accompany that soul?
And in Babas case, she said both Dada Kripaldas and Sainbaba were there.
In the downstairs hall, Sain baba assured Ama that He would come as well as Dada Kripaldas. Furthermore, she would be informed about her going away 10/15 days in advance. Lastly, Sainji assured her there will be no sakrat (pain at the time of death) in her case and she would pass away peacefully.
Something happened, and I told Nimma that Ama will be leaving us within 2 weeks and she passed away 10 days later.
So, for a true disciple the highest heaven lies at feet of his GURU.
Only Great Sufis who dived deep realized the absolute truth.
So, they always say, dive deep and there you will find God.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (Sufi saint and poet of Sindh) has clearly pointed the way look what he has said. He says it’s very good that you pray or say namaz and keep fast or roza and go for haj or teerth etc. These all being outside activities but adds that it’s something else which will lead you to God.
Now, obviously he is referring to NAAM.
So, crux is sit in meditation with Naam as given by your Guru and there is no other way but to find God inside yourself.
One day in Bhau’s hall we were sitting with Sainji. HE asked us after death your body is burnt, right? (we only Hindus were there.) The soul which has departed is pure so then who is accountable and punished if a person has committed serious sins? We were quiet and Sainji said its ego. The ego still goes with you after death.
Many, many times Sainji would say believe me I cannot even move from one room to another. He did only what God wanted.
Look at the beauty in two-line verse which we hear every year at mela Sama raag in morning.
“Surat bhaen ne shaikh khe, Ahe mana miroyi, Haq haqeeqat thi sabit jadhin” meaning don’t think of your Murshid as an ordinary person as you will see absolute TRUTH VIA HIM ONLY.
Same with what Sainji said and luckily i was sitting right there. The exact sindhi words Sainji used are 1 Groom or Ghot in sindhi compared to Naam. 2.Janch for baraat which is Urdu, He compared to Murshids face or ‘surat. ’But, understand, Surat very important as it stops the mind from wandering. Primarily its Naam for that is how we remember God.
Guru Nanik Sahib has explained many things very well.
I read in a book where Guru Nanik the great saint says God is in everyone, but you must find Him inside yourselves and for this God has manifested Himself in some people so that they can guide others. These are great master’s here to help us.
Once while sitting with OUR SAINBABA, a disciple said he finds it difficult to keep surat (Murshids’ face in front of him while meditating), Sainji replied not to bother the main thing is NAAM so just sit in khyal.
Further Sainji said NAAM is The Groom and surat is like baraat. So Sainji gave full importance to Naam. That is an important thing to remember as most of us struggle to keep the surat in front of us.
Mithi Dadi (Dr. Rani of Mumbai) and Baba (Diwan Siroomal my father) are just 2 examples who Sainji loved a lot not naming others. And, surprisingly Sainbaba on his first visit after Baba’s passing away used the same words. Said he lives on inside me. Only now I get the true meaning.
This is by Rumi. The words with it are extra ordinary I have never come across.
Further it would be nice to think they are being said to each one of us by OUR SAINBABA.
IF I HOLD YOU IN MY HEART, YOU WILL WITHER.
NO BUT I WL MAKE PLACE FOR YOU IN MY SOUL, SO YOU WL BE MY LOVE IN LIVES BEYOND THIS LIFE.
One day someone asked OUR SAINJI what can we offer God?
Sainji said only humbleness n love n His remembrance because that is what He has created us.
Since I remember it now, thought to post right now but I may have written this before.
1. All humans born will not remember their past janams. Imagine chaos if we did.
2.all born will be content to carry on living no matter what conditions are there. Notice even a cockroach does not want to die, generally even very old not ready to go.
3 This one is very important. Saints will not perform miracles for then Satan cannot misguide or mislead.
Rita, I believe this version appropriate as against Muslim version that best angel disobeyed God hence turned into Satan, to me it sounds most illogical! How could anyone has dared to disobey Lord that too at time of creation.
OUR SAINBABA used to say that most persons you see may look like humans but inside they are animals. These are words I heard in person.
Did it remind you of 2 lines in our own Sama Dargah raag?
“Jeseen piya jio te Riroh inhia rah te.” Meaning as long as you are alive to keep crawling on the PATH.
When Bhau Gagumal took out Sainji’s movie in the garden and then showed Sainbaba eating jelly in the hall wall on a white bed sheet He must have asked at least twice: Is that me? We all said yes! It seems Sainji had never used a mirror!!
I heard when first cigarettes were sold, one person was smoking one. Sainji called him over and told him to wrap a piece of light cloth over it and smoke a few puffs. Then asked him to see the cloth which had dark brown patches showing up hence asked him not to. Sainbaba did smoke but a hookah and I personally noticed he would take few puffs and ask people around Him to pass to Sain Ali Gul (one of his sons) who was always on thala with Sainji specially in evenings.
Sainbaba would use neem ka dantan (small branch of a tree growing commonly there) and no toothbrush or paste in earlier days. Sain would be chewing on it for 20 or more minutes. Seems new benefits of neem tree are being described about it on tv now.
This one is in Sainji’s tape as well. When Bhau Gagumal recorded Sainji’s Rehan on Grundig spool tape recorder and replayed to Sainji, Sainbaba remarked “So, now my voice can continue to be heard forever?” Bhau replied yes, to which Sainji said MAAR (translated to wow)!!
This was in Bhau’s hall.
Sainji was very active otherwise and required minimal if any support even when he way over a 100years in age. Sainji took a bath but not very often but when He did it was thorough. He kept Himself very clean. Sainbaba was not careless about anything. He was always well groomed, nails trimmed etc. When letters came He would be keen to reply immediately.
That Bara Sainbaba video where he is bathing himself. I was present at that time the bath was given exactly where we leave our shoes while entering roza at small gate. Notice seeing Sainbaba full of God given energy the way He is rubbing His beard. Sainji was 115 or more at that time.
Two days ago, Sain Oshak Ali told me he had heard that a pir (religious person) of Gambat town either gadinashin or his cousin has been coming to Dargah every 2nd month regularly. This time Sain learnt that the he comes in middle of the night and quietly leaves after spending a few hours. This time, Sain said he went quietly and he heard the pir was admonishing his disciples that they were facing problems because they had not been coming to Our Sainbaba’s dargah. He told them that he had received mehrbani (blessings) from Our Sainbaba who was helping his disciples as well. Pir also told them have you not noticed that in my own room Our Sainbaba’s photo was much larger than his own grandfather who was a well-known fakir. After this Sain Oshak Ali Sahib met the pir and asked to come and have tea and this pir said he would like to 1st spend more time in the Dargah and then come for tea. Sain said the pir remained in dargah for full 3 hrs. and then had tea and left.
One day Lalchand (Gulab husband of Hira’s Nana) came to Berani and started speaking about Jhok Sharif past saints. You know Bhau and me listened to him till morning. Never seen anyone like him the way he narrated, Bhau not 50% compared to this man. He said he knows so much that a story on his left shoulder tells him to tell mine 1st and the right one says no me first. His love for Dargah Jhok and particularly Sain Shah Shaheed was extra ordinary. I felt as he had been there at shahadat (death) time and honestly seeing his love I felt this gentleman deserves Shahadat and he did become a SHAHEED (Death in defense of his faith).
All murids must have faith. Faith very important as we know what happened to Dada Bhutani’s family. Only Dada Butani retained his faith. Dada Bhutani was with Sainji in 1952 at Hyderabad and once told me he had seen many, many saints. He even spent 2 weeks with great Saint Raman Maharishi of south India; he said the more he saw the more he realized OUR SAINBABA’s greatness. Dada himself was a realized soul, a principal of DJ College in Karachi, too. He was well read, and he would see a book in my hand and immediately tell me for example that the best book of Khalil Gibran was the ‘Prophet’ and not the one I was reading. He lived with us and it’s difficult to even describe him. So, consider your selves as SPECIAL for being murids of Sainji and naturally GREAT DARGAH JHOK SHARIF THE FOUNTAIN HEAD OF SPIRITUALITY AT ITS ZENTH.
I don’t remember the name but one of Sainji’s murid, who was sitting in meditation was disturbed by officials of Mir’s (rulers) of Khairpur, which was a state then. This fakir said mirs would no longer be rulers anymore, so he was brought before Sainji. Sainji also asked him to withdraw his words but he totally refused and eventually Mir’s lost their rule. Imagine the power Sainji’s murid!
Among Sainji’s many murids, those who would become great saints like Jasso Sadh a marecha (considered low caste.) In Bozdar his mela attracts 100’s and Mai Khandul, then Manik fakir and of course Sain Din Mohd. On the other hand, who can understand these things; those were Sainbaba’s very early days. Let me give you one example: one day in Bhau’s hall, Sainji called Sain Din Mohd and told him in their native language (Nanga his personal valet and Nihchaldas could understand) that Sain Imdad Ali’s status has been raised to that of a prophet. CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THAT!!! These things are beyond our understanding. If Sain Imdad Ali could be one of the Holy Prophet’s (PUH) close associates, then WHO WAS SAINBABA??
I forgot to mention Dadi Dhani who we could all notice was always with ZIKR. On her death bed towards the end 2 persons confirmed her voice change to SAINBABA’s voice. One was Nirmala her daughter and second was Sarla Advani. Dadi Dhani was much loved by Our Sainji and blessed by Dada Kripaldas.
I feel sorry what has recently happened to Ramesh.
Yesterday or the other day, this topic came out near Sain Oshak Ali Sahib; he told me something which I will not write here but tell you in person.
One day a disciple asked Our SAINBABA whether what we do is it all destiny or effort and here is the tricky answer given by Him. He said: Beta, two persons were shut in a small room with no light. Now, one believed in destiny and the other in effort. After some time, both felt hungry. The one believing in effort asked the other one saying let us search around but he refused saying if he was destined to get food he will get it anyway. The other one then got up searching in pitch darkness and finally found a chab (container) containing some roti so he brought it down and asked the other to share the roti. Having finished eating he said: see my effort helped in locating food so you still do not believe in effort? The other one replied: I was lying down, yet I got my share by fate! Completing this story Sainbaba did not comment further at all.
Our Sainbaba’s murshid had turned away Sain Rakhyal Shah asking him to become like an ant since he had the pride of being a ‘sayed’ (descendant of the Holy Prophet [PBUH]). And this not once but 2/3 times, only then he gave him Naam.
I read this in Sain Rochaldas book. As you know Dr K. Rochaldas was disciple of great saint Sain Qutub Shah his dargah is in Hyderabad. There came a stage where Sain Qutub Shah told Dr Sahib he had to be handed over to a higher authority. He gave him 2/3 names. One being that of Guru Nanak Sahib!! Dr Sahib chose Guru Nanik Sahib. Again, shows Divinity is ONE.
I will also relate 2 incidents where it clearly shows divinity is one. Dada Mulchand’s father was a great worshiper of Sri Krishna and a highly- advanced soul and he regularly attended court of Lord Krishna. There was also Diwan Hassamal a co-disciple of Dada Mulchand and an equally advanced person. This was told to me by Dada Mulchand himself.
On one occasion while Dada’s dad was coming out of the court of Sri Krishna he met Diwan Hassamal going inside. So, he asked him where was he going? Diwan replied: to the court of Hazrat Ali. Dada’s dad was shocked. Upon this Diwan Hassamal told him don’t you understand that DIVINITY IS ONE AS GOD IS ONE.
hen Pir Pagara (leader of spiritual/political family in Sindh) came to Berani and wanted zikr from Sainji, he very shrewdly avoided him by asking Pagara to recite salwat (Ya Allah, Ya Mohammad, Ya Ali).
You know at one-time Baba asked Him if we should convert to Islam. He very strictly said: “No! What for?” Just sit in meditation with Zikr. At later date, out of great love for Baba, He once told him to help the poor who come to you for different work and that shall be considered as your Ibadat (prayer).
For Guru Nanak Sahib, He would say that the Guru was a Sufi and Meera bai also. He praised them and add “Meera te dukh ghano bithal ho” (There was a lot of pain on Meera who suffered).
This is also interesting. Sainji once remarked a balak guru (child) from Guru Nanak lineage was sitting in my mangh (hawadan) with dangling his legs down. “Bacho (called us this meaning my children) I touched his foot and it was all flesh with no bones at all). I checked later, and I believe it. Sainji must have been talking about Guru Harkrishin (eight of ten Guru’s of the Sikh faith) who Sainji referred as child Guru. Further Sainji remarked that this child Guru is on a very fast spiritual path! ONLY SAINJI could PASS THIS REMARK. THAT GURU MUST Have PASSED AWAY 200 YRS EARLIER.
On one of my visits I went to Dada’s (Bhutani)flat on 3rd floor and it was like climbing 5 floors. The building had no elevator. As I entered I saw Dada he was going to washroom and seeing me he asked Guli, that was eldest daughter and who had chosen not to marry to serve her father, to tell me what transpired about a week ago. Dadi Guli looked at him but hesitant to tell me. On this, Dada remarked that it was all right saying “he is our own” and proceeded to bathroom. Dadi said a week back the bell rang and when I opened the door a Fakir entered, took off his torn shirt and said, ‘please mend it for me’, so saying that he went inside Dada’s room. After some time, he came out and taking his shirt from me he walked out and sort of disappeared. Then Dada came out and asked Guli “did you recognize the Fakir” so I said no. Then Dada disclosed He was none other than Hazrat Badshah Pir Dastagir. So, completing story she said what was discussed only Dada knows. Naturally, when I met Dada, He looked very happy but beyond saying see Data Sahib is so kind to me he said nothing more.
These are 3 episodes of Sainbaba’s early days of which 2 were published in the sindhi book after He left this world. The 3rd the elders felt should not be written about. Why, you can judge when I post the incident but here is another small one.
Sainji went to the shrine of the well- known saint and poet in Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. There he sat for 10 days and fasted every day. A person promised to bring Him a meal once a day, but he did not eat it saying He did not feel the need. On last or 10th day, an elderly person with a white beard brought Him the meal and He completed His fast and came straight to His Murshid at Jhok Sharif and told His guru about the whole incident. Upon this, His murshid asked him whether he recognized the elderly gentleman. Sainji replied in the negative. Thereupon his murshid informed him that the person was Hazrat Bhitai himself and he has blessed you a lot.
The purity of a great saint story. Sri Ramakrishna of Calcutta regularly ate a fruit from a neighbor’s garden with the owner’s permission. One day he had same fruit but vomited immediately. Upon checking, the disciples found that the garden had been sold to a new person whose permission had not been obtained. Even otherwise whenever he visited someone who was dishonest, He would not be able to digest the meal and vomit. Here it would be appropriate to quote my own Sainbaba who often said first in sindhi followed by translation, “jahri safafai Soofi a tahri sij na ho” meaning the purity of a true Sufi Saint exceeds that of the sun.
During the Sufi mela in Dubai – when our Sainji was giving a discourse on spirituality- Uttam Wadhwani from Mumbai – said that His aunty wanted to take naam zikr from our Bada Sainji Hazrat Nasir Fakir R.A. – about 50 years back— but she being a staunch Hindu and a devotee of lord Krishna – was having many doubts as to how to take Naam from a Muslim Fakir. However- when she went to sleep that night – she had a very vivid dream in which she saw a pendant/photo-frame- with Our Sainji on one side and the pendant was moving and Lord Krishna on the other side – both smiling and changing constantly – with lord Krishna and our Sainji appearing to her at the same time— this put her mind to rest and she was convinced that there was no difference between Shri Krishna and the Muslim Pir fakir our Sainji — so she took Naam from our Guru— Sufism is a very balanced and wholistic faith — we just have to have faith in our Guruji.
Memories about Sain Lutuf Ali
Memory with Colonel Shah
Once Sain Lutuf ALI took an appointment from Dr Col Shah, who was his physician, but the Doctor made us wait quite some time. Sain asked me to go and see him probably not wanting to barge in. Dr said 2 or 3 more minutes but again a good 10 or 15 minutes passed. Now, Sain was upset. I tried pacifying Him. Sainbaba respected him and he always gave him a chair and most of all the Dr was a Syed. Now, Sain Baba showed a glimpse of Sains ‘jalalat’ He said: so, what if he is a Syed and now asked Alisher (his valet) to go and check. Ali Sher being a villager with no inhibitions just walked in and told the doctor that Sain was getting angry, so doctor said take Sain to adjoining examination room and within 1minute doctor came and right away fell on Sain’s feet asking forgiveness. All Sainji’s anger evaporated and instead He blessed him heartily.
Memory about our Sain talking about Sain Lutuf Ali
I probably heard from Bhau and from some more old disciples that Sainji was meditating and He saw Sain Lutuf Ali’s body lying on floor with blood all around at the same time as a lion with his paws full of blood nearby. Sainji’s hair stood up then suddenly, the lion appeared in human form of Shabaz Qalander himself telling Sain “Sahib meine usko Ishq ke chambe lagaen hain.” Sain was pleased thanked and him and while narrating this episode He remarked that is the reason that Sain Lutuf Ali will always be a little ‘jalali.’ On a couple of occasions, Sain Lutuf Ali himself claimed He was Shabaz. Once Mahram (his valet servant) was planning to visit Dargah Sewan Sharif. Sain Lutuf Ali himself told why go so far when he was already siting with Him
Again, this is from Bara Sain Himself. He said Sain Lutuf Ali was very fast in spiritual progress and would have long gone in wilderness but it’s only because of me that you find him here. Perhaps you have heard that Sainji’s Guru used to tell his other disciples that Our Sain was so fast that He progresses in his journey after sitting in meditation just 3 hours what others do in 6 months. That was our Sain.
Memory
Before telling you 1st story let me give u all a general picture at Sainji’s thala at Goth. Sain Lutuf Ali kept a very low profile between say 1951/1958 one rarely saw him on thala. In fact, it was Sain Ali Gul who along with Adi & Nanga & Nachaldas who were there in evenings. Sain Lutuf Ali was a bit reclusive we would see him arriving on a horse always dismounting at main door where a helper would take away his horse and tie it somewhere on extreme left corner near bathroom. Sain himself rarely came on thala and instead went to his house. Personally, I believe if Sain Imdad (his elder son) had lived and not killed in 1958 Sain Lutuf Ali would have made him the Gadee Nashin. He was that kind of fakir.
Bhagwan’s memory
I have many, many memories of Sain Lutuf Ali. One of the earliest is in 1971 when we gone to the Dargah before my leaving for the US. I had not mentioned much to anyone except my parents and Mira. The India-Pakistan war was winding down. While I was at the Dargah Jalalani Sharif I had decided to ask Sain for his blessings. Sain got up from the ‘thala’ where everyone was sitting and went to the room to the small room to the left near where the tea is made. I walked in touched his feet and stayed quiet for a minute. He looked at me with a lot of love and said, “bacho, muklain ayo aheen?” meaning have you come to say goodbye? I folded my hands and again touched his feet not really surprised that he already knew somehow. He said, “Sadaeen sarna hujo” which, he used to say often and blessed me. To me it meant may you always stay well or prosper.
Memory about Sain Irshad Ali
Let me share with you about Sain Irshad Ali Sahib. He was one of most lovely persons I have ever met. I would even say he was ‘likal’ (hidden) Fakir very simple and no ego and so very loving. Hamesha dil ko himat dete the (Used to give us courage). I had the chance of spending quite a lot of time with him. We used to go for shopping together. He purchased almost all clothes for his children from bori bazar footpaths and very cheap Rs. 8 apiece. Even the toys were never expensive. He loved and respected Bhau a lot and many a times they would be watching tv serials like Ramayana etc. together but quietly he would close his eyes and meditate.
His driver Mohd Khan told me 2 of his miracles.
Once one of his buffalo gave birth to a male which would be useless. When they informed Sain who was sitting a little far, he told them they were blind and to go and see again properly. They came back and said it was female hence good for milk when grown.
There was a tree which had become dead and needed to be removed. It was somewhere near Sufi Manzil and all the men sitting there could not take it out. Finally, Sain told them to stand away he just took it in his arms and saying ‘YAALI’ pulled it out!
I was just a witness to another incident as we were returning from Bombay. During packing we had lots of luggage and Sain asked us to wrap and bind strongly his drums/ Baja (harmonium). He added that the customs people will make us open that parcel. When we landed in Karachi a full protocol had been arranged hence the custom officer cleared us with due respect. However, just near exit door an assistant collector who was observing from a distance seeing so many pieces stopped us. We explained who Sain was, but he said just open one pack and you got it. He pointed at that particular one with the drums/harmonium and we all started laughing. Anyway, when he saw what was in it he realized and asked Sainji for forgiveness. Sainji just smiled back….
Memories of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib
Today, being Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahibs monthly ‘dihara’(day) it is befitting to speak in general about Him. Sain was no ordinary saint. Ama often told him openly that he was reincarnation of one of Jhok past saints and Sain only smiled back! He never slept the whole night and Moulabux who spent his whole life singing kalams the full night used to tell me that Sain very often spent nights at old Mirapur which 1/2 km. on the opposite side of the main road is about where their ancestors are buried. Sain Himself took about 7/8 of us there for special blessings. There he pointed at one of the Mazars (graves)saying this saint has promised anybody who took 7 sidha (clockwise) and 7 ulta (anti-clockwise) pheras (circles) around his mazar will never see the fire of hell but with ONE condition: he must hold breath while taking pheras. After taking 3/4 sidha pheras I stopped became breathless I told Sain this was a joke because whoever could do it must already be an advanced yogi. Sain smiled back at me and said ok not to worry, take the pheras while breathing and my great. great grandfather will keep his promise.
A few days ago, was SHMW monthly day so I remembered this. On one of our visit to Jhok Sharif, it was His murshids urs (anniversary) and He used to feel very happy when more people came. So, one morning He said come I will take you to the old grave yard of my ancestors. It was about 2 miles far and we left in 2 cars with about 9/10 persons. It was on a small mound and there were about 12 mazars (tombs/graves) and pointing to one, which was a little larger than rest, He said this great grandfather was a great saint. This saint has promised whoever will hold his breath while taking 7 rounds clockwise and 7 anti- clockwise will go to heaven. After just 2 rounds in one direction I felt breathless and told Sain Sahib that if anyone held breath that long he must already be a great yogi! I am not. Sainji looked at me, smiled and said “don’t worry you go and finish your rounds while breathing and THE SAGE will send you to heaven. See how generous this Sain Sahib was.
Sain HMWS being a true saint always treated murids like his children even while asking them to perform small tasks. He said so very politely and with love. Naturally they responded without any hesitation. I saw him embarrassing Dhol Fakir after singing very nice kalams with his sweet voice. Why? Saints have no ego. Same went for Our Great Sain. Just asking a murid to bring him hookah from Sain Ali Gul sitting nearby would bring joy to us. You will have noticed the same while reading about Swami Ramakrishna and many other great saints. Sultan Bahu was not wrong in saying: Just DEEDAR (seeing)OF MURSHID was equal to 100 haj’s (pilgrimages).
You know Nimma went to Jhok Sharif with me and we met Sain Sahib. He himself took Nimma inside to meet Mummy (his wife). You know what He said “Saut (cousin) You made Kikoo (Gagoomal’s second wife) your daughter but today I want you to meet My daughter in law.” That is LOVE.
He was very kind to us and fulfilled our many wishes. For example, Nimma was taking Meera for her admission test to Saint Joseph Convent so she went for blessings to Sain at Mama Gehimal’s house at 2 B Queens Road. Sain said, yes it can happen but on one condition. If she gets admission, we must cook kababs for him. Nimma told us when she went to school unbelievably Mother Teresa, the principal, was literally pacing the verandah as if waiting for them. And then there was NO TEST. They made her fill a form and gave her admission at once!
About Sain HMWS, Moula bux told me at one time he wanted to leave the world completely and go away to jungles or a desert, so he asked OUR GREAT BARA SAINJI. He told him absolutely not! SAINJI SAID SUFI’S Have to TAKE CARE OF NANG (family)and NANGAR (fukrah or disciples). We all witnessed the rush of disciples later!!
I wish Sain HMWS was there during Nimma’s illness He was too kind and generous and surely helped us. But suppose we all must go. I liked what Bhagwan wrote about all of us on a train journey and getting off at our station while new people climb on.
Wish to record just 4 Meharbanis of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib among many others.
1. His introduction of Nimma to Mummy (SHMW wife) on our first visit to Jhok Sharif after our marriage.
2. Mira’s admission to St Joseph Convent School. You know that was a minor miracle.
3. Calling me from Hyderabad saying no appendix operation for me even after 3 doctors said yes.
4.Telling Ama in absolute terms: Kishin will not die before becoming Nana and a Dada. That too when I was not even married.
HAVE YOU SEEN A GREATER Saint?
It is true that when SHMWS wanted to go away to the jungle, Our Bara Sainji told him not to, saying you must look after naang (murids) and nangar (place for murid’s).
Once on a visit to Dargah Jhok Sharif not mela time, I was sitting on thala of Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib. When Moulabux (Sain HMWS companion/valet) was passing by, I called him over and requested him to tell me something about SHMWS since he had spent so many years in his duty. He told me 2 small things.
1.He told me he and Sain go after dinner often to old Mirapur village, which is about 2 kilometers from Dargah and where ancestors of Sain Shah Shaheed are buried. There while Moulabux sang the whole nite, Sain meditated and both returned around 5 a.m.
2.He said he went nearly every evening to ROZA and on one such visit he met Sain Abdul Sattar’s elder brother and gadinashin (whoever sits on the seat as Dargah’s chief). Moulabux said Sain Abdul Sattar too went to roza quite often and would sit for some time there. Once they both were returning from Roza and he said Sain Abdul Sattar told him “I know you are very fond of my brother and you are very lucky as my brother has reached very high stage in his spiritual path” and added “believe me, Moulabux ADA (brother) has reached the stage where even my hands cannot touch his feet.”
That was the great Saint Sain Haji Mohd Waris Ji even being complimented by the then gadi nashin himself.
About SHMWS last evening, I was speaking with Dadi Lachmi and we discussed his generosities and REACH as true Saint who enjoys the power of GOD Almighty.
Repeatedly this line from SAMA raag at Dargah haunts my mind “AKHAR ANDHA SADBA JIN HIT NA DITHO HOO DEH.”
THEY WILL BE CALLED BLIND WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THOSE HIGHER REGIONS BEFORE DEATH!
Let me tell you a story about Sain Sadiq Shah which Bhau Asoomal told me.
There was a blind murid and his name was Pessumal. For some good act, Sain Sadiq Shah was very pleased with him and told him to ask one wish. Pessumal being a sindhi, said Sain if you are so pleased then grant me following wish.
He said he wanted to SEE his grandson in a jhoola in the lap of his mother with a golden wati (feeding utensil) in his mouth having milk. His was granted his wish. Again, we see power reached by high spiritual saints.
By the way Sain Sadiq Shah was head Khalifa of Hazrat Shah Qalander Datapir and murshid of our great grandfather Lakhoomal.
Bhagwan: My memory
I used to go to SHMW a lot in medical college; he always advised me to serve the poor well and not give water injections as local doctors were doing. I used to say yes, of course. People would come and tell stories about doctors doing bad things to the poor. He always looked at me after these stories and tell me the same thing.
One time we went to see him in the old Gehimal flat in the small corner room he sued to sleep in; we sat for a little while. I think there were four of us and I believe Mama Lalchand was one of them but not sure. We each got up to say goodbye and touch his feet and leave. I was last. This time he held my hand and asked me to stay behind. When others left, he looked straight at me and said, “Do you remember my advice about the poor?” I said yes of course I will never forget. He put his hand on my head, gave me a hug, which he never had before and said good now you can go.
That was the last time I saw him alive; within two days he went to the hospital and died.
I have never forgotten his advice and I hope he is pleased with me.
SHMW also asked me when I was in medical college to take Mummy, his wife, for doctor appointments. Some of you know she had health issues. She did purdah from most people but even though I was an adult she treated me as her son and gave me so many blessings for taking her to doctors. She and SHMW had so much trust in me.
Fast forward by 10 years: In Dec 1970 SHMW came to Karachi as his asthma became worse so he was admitted in Naveed clinic on Frere road. Regretfully, Dr. Colonel Shah who was a heart specialist and an excellent physician had gone to Islamabad. He was also the owner of this hospital. That night proved to be very bad as Sainji’s heart was getting overloaded and another heart specialist was called, but to no avail as his health grew worse and he passed away around 2 pm December 1970. He was straight away taken to Dargah Jhok Sharif. Sain left instructions to bury him after a whole night of kalam singing. You all know how fond of kalams he was. In the morning, he was being buried where his Dargah is in chowkandi Sharif at the feet of his father and Guru. Next, somehow his mazar (grave/tomb) would just not close as the last brick would not set properly and fall off each time. It was getting hot and our feet burnt as there is no tree in chowkandi compound. Just then, arrived our Sain Lutuf Ali Sahib accompanied by Dr Nachaldas, Miskeen fakir and Dr Ghulam Qadir. As soon as they had darshan (viewed his face) of SHMW, the mazar was able to be completed. (Bhagwan comments: I was there and we all wondered why the mazar was not being able to be closed?) We always wondered if Our Sain had come for his ‘amanat’ but only God knows.
Story
Well there was a dispute was between an older murid and his nephew who was a disciple of Sain HMWS. The murid was not giving his nephew and his brother their due share, so the nephew requested Sain for help and Sain in turned to Bhau Lalchand for help. Finally, Bhau managed to convince the murid for ‘faisla’(decision) in presence of Sain Himself because Kaka (Uncle)Khushaldas was friendly with the family. The meeting took place at 21/22 queens road in our gali (small street) in a guest house rented by us mainly for Sainji’s. Finally, faisla (decision) decided in front of Sain with Kaka and Bhau helping. Now comes the interesting part. The older murid agreed and gave perhaps 50/60 percent only reluctantly and before begging Sains leave asked Sain to bless him since he was planning to migrate to Bombay for good. Sain blessed him heartily. Now Bhau was watching all this and after everyone left Bhau started complaining what and why all this especially when he had not been fair in the whole deal. Sain would just keep smiling. Bhau was furious by now. Bhau was much experienced to know when Sainji’s blessed in different ways mostly ‘halu chalu’ like “Allah sabh khair kando” etc. Finally, Sain had to give in and you know what He said. He said, “What else could I do when the older murid was settling his score of previous janam !!!” Later the older murid’s family became disciples of Jogi Baba who stayed in their house in Colaba and today they are very close to Sain Oshak Ali Sahib. See how the wheels of fortune turn!!
Yes, even SHMW’s wife was generous with her blessings. Once she was being treated at a hospital located on Shaheed e Millat Road by Doctor Yasin, a physician married to a parsi lady Doc Dinar Talati a child specialist. They were not getting a child
although married for long time. They had adopted a girl child. One day came she along her husband’s visit to Mummy and there seeing Mummy surrounded by many murids praising her, Dinar also asked for blessings. Dinar got a girl within 12 months!
Now let me tell you what Sain Haji Mohd Waris Sahib told Ama one day. He said when you will go to heaven you will be given Mubarak’s (congratulations) for having produced a son like him (Lalchand).!!!!! Sain HMWS was also very fond of Bhau. About Lilaram (Auntie Sati’s deceased husband and Manoo’s father), Ama once had a dream about him and asked me to confirm if her dream about Bhau Lilaram. It was true Sain told me. I used to keep ill especially due acute asthma and dysentery etc. so Ama took me to Jhok Sharif for dua from Sain HMWS. It was morning when Sain Sahib came out from his house. His face was red or pinkish and at precisely that moment Ama requested Sain regarding my health. Do you know what he said about me? He said he (referring to me) will become a nana (maternal grandfather) Dada (paternal grandfather) and then die. Satisfied, he just moved and passed us! So, whenever Ama told me that she would go before me I assured her this will not happen. Then when Meera and Sachal became parents, I told her the guarantee part is over and the rest is up to God. Who can speak like that!!!
How many Saints have these kinds of authority from God??
Before I share 1 or 2 stories about Sain HMWS would like to say I regret not spending more time with him though we (i.e. Ama, Dada Sobhrajmal, Dadi Lachmi, Nimma and me) used to go together for Datapir Sain’s mela and spend 5 or 6 days attending Sain’s Murshids day too. We rarely left Dargah and stayed in the Bari and later in rooms built by Dada Sobhrajmal which were closer to bathrooms and hence convenient. So, I did not go much to be in company of Sain HMWS Sahib.
Now one day I got lot of pain in my stomach and went to see Doc Col Shah. He said it looks you have an appendix problem but for confirmation sent me to his son Naveed Shah who was a surgeon. Doc Naveed said yes and wanted me to take his appointment immediately for next day surgery, but I am always scared about surgery and hence asked him to wait for couple of days. Now comes the interesting part. Same nite I get a call from who else but Saint Sain HMWS and asked me what the doc said. Probably Bhau had informed him since they were both in Hyderabad. Sain said not to worry, no surgery for you!
Hearing this from Sain himself the next day I went to doc Syed Shaukat Ali. Well, he felt the same but said better go and see a surgeon and he referred me to a well-known doc Aman Ullah who after thoroughly examining asked me 2 questions: 1) did I get fever and 2) do I feel like vomiting. I said No to both. He examined me a 2nd time and came to conclude that it was not the appendix but my whole intestine had inflammation due to dysentery, so he gave me Flagyl tablets for 10 days and asked me after a break for 7 days to repeat the dose for another 7/8 days. No appendix problem till today. See, I am getting blessings sitting at home! As I have said He was very generous!!!
Before I write about a Karachi episode let me say just like OUR BARA SAIN I rarely saw Sain HMWS a bit upset. So, one time at Dargah Jhok Sharif, some thieves cut and robbed the silver plate on roza of Shah Shaheed’s door. Well, now Sain HMWS wanted it to be redone before the coming big mela which was about 4 or 5 months away. So Sain asked Bhau and Jethanand to get it fixed before mela. As usual karigar (repair people) were delaying and only 45 days remained. That is when for the first time Sain was very upset and told both Bhau and Jetha: what did they care! Job was done in the next 15 days. See what did it matter to Sain Shah Shaheed Sahib but NO it mattered to His true lover!
This was in Karachi when Sain HMWS was leaving for Dargah so Nimma, Meera and me went to 2b Mama Gehi’s house. Nimma gave a 5 rupee note to Meera. She was very young and don’t think she remembers it. Anyway, when she did give it to Sain everyone went silent and were looking at us. Then, Sainji realized something was up. However, without a word but a bit relaxed Sain took the note signed it and gave back the note to Meera. And then they left by car after which we inquired what was wrong. That is when they told us just a few minutes earlier when ladies had given nazrana (money offering) to Sain he had gotten very upset and tore away all the notes given to him because he had on previous occasions told everyone not to give him this on every visit as he had to come often to Karachi due to Mummy’s (his wife’s) sickness. See his love for an innocent child!! Don’t ask where that note is either has given away by Meera or lying in one of 100 small pouches in her cupboard.
About Sain Paryal Imam
Temporarily have forgotten Datapir Sahib’s story and instead sharing one about a visit paid by Sain Paryal Imam of dargah Tando Saindad.
Once he came to attend mela now in middle of Sama Raag against normal tradition he got up and left seeming bit ruffled. Our Dada Kripaldas too left with Sain. Later when everyone asked Dada what happened he told them Sain told him Raag Sain Paryal Shah was requested that he was honored to give some ‘faiz’ to fukrah by none other than Sain Shah Shaheed and Datapir. He looked around saw some 500/700, people and decided to do it. Suddenly His own murshid Sain Sakhi Mir Murtaz appeared and stopped him and pointing in direction of OUR SAINS GURU and said: why not him reserve your treasure for your own murids. Hence, he could not sit any more. This episode has been confirmed in the book written by Dada Mulchand himself!!
About Ram & Lalchand Lakhwani
Lastly, I must pay tribute to our Ram far for his tireless and selfless services to this dargah the way he helped Adi Milu after she got a bullet in her spine in a great tragedy that took place. God how much he spent on her treatment and sleeping nights at the hospital. On the benches of Agha khan hospital. I am sure God will never leave him and his whole family with lots of blessings. Amen
About Bhau one day you know what Sain Bara told Ama. Lal is the truest person in your whole house!! See how much Bhau served all dargahs whole year-round repairs were carried out at various dargahs. A raaza (worker) named Mahmood was constantly shuffled to different dargahs Sains tomb. Also, Bhau would leave Karachi and reach goth in mornings. God knows how many trips he made. Sainji was very fond of him as Bhau went there very often and always stayed a week or so and when alone Sainji would tell him new things like Qazi Sahib (Sufi saint in Pakistan) taking 13th janam (re-birth). Hazrat Qazi Sahib was a co-disciple of Sain Sadiq Shah. Both saints of very high order and murids of Shah Qalandar Datapir. Obviously, Sain would not say these in public and only share with a few others. Since Bhau loved me like a son he would share sometime but one or two other stories cannot be shared.
Memories of Dada Mulchand
Dada Mulchand was in Karachi so Bhau and me went to him quite regularly. One day he asked if I was free and would drive him to Mai Baba at her dargah in federal B area, which was quite far. Once there, he told me he had been sent by Hazrat Badshapir Dastagir to ask why she was so sad? While retiring from fakiri she got her husband married, leaving behind her 2 sons with him. Last evening, she had received a telegram from him that 1 of her sons had died. Though renouncing all she was after all a mother and do you know what message Dada gave her? He told her Baba has said to remove a small photo of her son from her pocket near her heart and she will feel better. She immediately did so, and we just came back!
Another memory.
The year was 1962 when I went to India for treatment of fear I had developed due to the air crash I was involved in. I stayed with Mithi Dadi (Rani) and our relationship grew. I was there for 2 months and Bhau had asked me to visit Dada Mulchand to get well. In those days, less than a dozen people came to his house in Sion called Mira mansion. He was very open with them but as the number of people grew he would not talk much. In 1962, believe me whenever someone entered he would immediately ask them why they looked sad and in the next breath he would speak about his problem and console them and said he will pray to Data Dastagir for them and everything would be ok. On most visits, there was one corner reserved for prayers and quite a few pictures on a wall including Data Sahib two pictures and one of Sri Ramakrishna, one of Dewan Hassamal his mentor and senior co disciple etc. He asked me one day to tell him which of two was Data Sahibs picture. He then simply stared, and he smiled and pointed at one but added that too was not 100 percent correct. You must have read the gospel of Ramakrishna where he says the photo of Christ is incorrect and that neither Christ was this fair nor had a pointed nose.
Dada Mulchand was great devotee of Sri Krishna. He was so advanced he use to go His durbar (meetings). One day while coming down stairs of his durbar he was surprised to find Dewan Hassamal (senior co-disciple of Dada) going up the same stairs. He was shocked at that and asked him what he was doing there. On this, Dewan Hassamal replied he was there to attend the court of Hazrat Ali. He then told Dada you still don’t understand that divinity is ONE. This Dada said was told to him by Dewan himself.
Now the 2nd story about Dada. He said “Kishin, I went to Shridhi ke Sainbaba and sat down opposite one of his statues.” You all have seen Sain Babas picture of that particular pose. Then Dada continued that while watching the statue he would see Sri Krishna and next moment Hazrat Ali looking at me. He said what do u think? I just kept quiet what could have I said! These are true experiences of saints only!!
Would like to tell you few things of living style of this true saint which are also like many other saints. He lived a very simple life in his small flat. His own room was barely 10 by 10 ft. At nite would go with 2/3 disciples covering people sleeping on footpaths with either chadors or blankets depending on the season. He would quietly send money to widows and later loved feeding the poor. Few will match his truthfulness in relationship to visits to Pakistan only for his dargah. When visas became difficult after 1971 war, he was repeatedly refused. Everyone suggested that if he did not show the purpose of visit. Instead, he should state: meeting relatives. He refused directly saying he would not lie at any cost and mind you the Sitlanis were his close relatives and he always stayed with them in Karachi. But, he said that since that was not the true reason for going to Pakistan he did not budge. Eventually, Sain Alan Shah Sahib came to Bombay though he was paralyzed.
There is one (my favorite) mandir which speaks volumes of love between a Guru and Chela (disciple). He bought his food for the poor from one dhaba (roadside eatery) near Sion mandir on two conditions: no adulteration and reasonable profit. That Dhabawala is a millionaire now.
Finally, a small story. One good day I went to Dada Mulchand in the morning around 11 am. I rang the doorbell and Dadi Guli his daughter opened the door. Dada was washing his face on a basin in the corridor. At once he said you know what happened very recently? He then looked at Dadi Guli asking her to narrate the rest. She was very reluctant but Dada said “he paihinja ahin” meaning tell him as they are close to us and went inside his room. So Dadi told me that just a couple of days ago, someone rang the doorbell. I opened the door and saw a Fakir who gave me his torn shirt asking me to mend it. I went inside Dada’s room to do it. She said you know who the Fakir was? He was no other than Data Dastagir Sahib Himself. What he said was go inside and ask Dada. Of course, when I went in Dada just gave me a wide smile.
About Dadi Rani
Today I will share about Mithi Dadi. She was an angel even more than a saint she was Sain Babas Deewani (passionate about Him). That is why Sain loved her the most. I spent a lot of time at their home and normally they went to bed around 10pm but if the discussions were about Sain she would send ustadji (Hiru)to sleep due to his health but would continue to sit no matter what time it was. Same for Karachi. When Bhau came at nite from his defense home, she would just not allow him to go but to continue discussion regarding Sain Baba and as we all know he knew lots! At Bombay, I saw someone speaking about Sainji and exaggerating. After the person left I asked her could she believe all that? She would smile and tell me, but she was speaking about my Sain and I don’t care if true or not. She was too wise not to have known the truth.
She 1st came to Karachi in 1956 at 16B. Do you know Sain Baba went personally to receive her at old Karachi airport? After that all came regularly to Pakistan. Whenever Sain asked her to come to Pakistan she would immediately come but being very responsible hand over her patients to some other doc and reach at her earliest. Sain loved her so much that we saw His tears rolling while saying good bye to her Once from Berani. Sainji sent very special letters to her, which have never been printed and very selected persons have seen them. I was promised to be shown by Sarla and Ustadji Hiru when coming to Karachi but as luck would have it they forgot them in Bombay!
She was a saint and you may think lots of Sain’s sitting in khayal (meditation) are more advanced but she was higher on the spiritual scale in this field. You need Murshids ‘raaz’ (faith/trust/consent/grace). Sain said this openly and even Guru Nanak says what Arti will we perform when the whole universe or Gagan is revolving around him.
Poem
“Fark Hota hai khuda aur Fakir me.
Fark hota hai kismat aur Lakir me,
Agar kuch Chaho Aur na Mile,
To samaj Lena ki kuch aur Accha Likha hai Takdir me.
(There is a difference between a saint and God. There is a difference between destiny and a line drawn. If you want something and do not get it then understand something different is written in your destiny)
SOME DUTIES OF A MUREED TO HIS MURSHID:
1. One should have firm faith, belief, and a firm conviction that his Murshid is the greatest of the spiritual beings of the era and that there is no one better qualified than his Murshid to guide him. If he regards another more perfect than his own Murshid, the bond of love is weakened between them and the word of the Murshid will have no effect on the mureed.
2. A mureed must not oppose or contradict the Murshid.
3. One must remain obedient to the Murshid in all aspects.
4. One should not undertake any spiritual duty without the approval of the murshid.
5. One should not raise one’s voice in front of the Murshid as this is a sign of bad conduct.
6. The mureed must not conceal from the Murshid any of his spiritual experiences, dreams, and any gifts that God has bestowed upon him.
7. The mureed must not feel at any moment in time that the master is indebted to him because of his devotion but rather he must understand that he owes everything to his Murshid.
8. A mureed must consider the Murshid to be present with him always.
Memory about Lalchand (different from Asoomal or Lalchand Lakhwani Asoomal)
Bhagwan, here many think the poet Iqbal was a Sufi reflected by what he meant when he wrote following verse.
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke. Khuda bande se puche ke teri raza kya hai.” On palmistry, this Lalchand was true diwana of Jhok Sharif but of Sain Shah Shaheed in particular. When I saw his hand, I got a feeling that he was destined to be a Shaheed himself. He did get killed in Tando Alahyar in one factory where he had gone to collect money for Seth Basumal. To date his body has not been found. He was Nana of Gulab of Houston.
Lalchand was a treasure house of information on Dargah Jhoksharif. Once he visited Berani and we listened to him the full nite and still not wanting to sleep because there was no match for his style of narration.
Sain Shah Qalander was never a gadinashin (appointed head of a dargah) because his eldest brother was. So, one day he left Jhok Sharif and after a few days he settled in a village and started his meditation. How? By sitting on thick lakri (stick) put across on top of a water well and riding on it like on horse. He meditated for a full 10 years. In case of sleep, he would fall in the well. He only returned to the Dargah when his elder brother died and the next gadinashin, his nephew was young, and murids requested of course. Once there, all murids flocked and produced great saints like Sainji, Sadiq Shah, Qazi Sahib, Sain Dalpatram and many others. By the way for many, many years his day was like other Saints day at Jhok Sharif. It was Our Great Sainji who told us about his greatness and now it’s the small Mela.
Memory about Nimma
Once I had a pretty big fight with my wife Nimma. Ama could hear but didn’t interfere. Next morning, she called me alone and said that Sain Lutuf Ali appeared to her and seemed annoyed with you because of Nimma and warned me for the future. I never disclosed to Nimma less I become egoist. But see how much Sain loved her!
Once Hotu Bhagat came to our house and said wanted to talk alone with Nimma. Once he left I asked Nimma what is this about? She reluctantly disclosed he had been specially sent by then Late. Sain Lutuf Ali to not tell about her dreams to anyone or she will not see anything in future and she never did tell others.
Neelam
The only experience that I remember very clearly is that when I bought my first house here. I really wished that my Sain would come visit my house. That same night I saw in my dream that I have looked out the window and I see a white car in my driveway and I see Suresh standing and on the other side was Sain Oshak Ali standing. And then my eyes opened.
What I have noticed all these years is that Sain Baba is listening to us. No matter where we are. I have witnessed so many miracles with myself that it is beyond belief. Sometimes I am amazed myself about how I even got out of a problem. Unbelievable. Really, we all are very lucky to belong to Jalalani Sharif Dargah and have such a kamil murshid. Jitna shukrana karein woh kum hai.
Sharing a story:
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes:
1. The best doctors should carry his coffin …
2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery …
3. His hands should be let loose, so they hang outside the coffin for all to see!!
One of his generals who was surprised by these unusual requests asked Alexander to explain.
Here is what Alexander the Great had to say:
1. “I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal .”
2. “I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth, will stay on earth.”
3. I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is: TIME.
We do not take to our grave any material wealth. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is LIMITED. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.
When we give someone our time, we give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life!
The best present that you can give to your family and friends is your TIME.
Poem
Vekh (look) Fareeda Mitti (dirt) khulli (Qabar or grave); Mitti Uttay Mitti Duhlli (Laash);
Miti Hassay (laughs), Miti Rovay, (insan); Antt Miti da Mitti Hovay;
Naa kar Bandiya Meri Meri (mine); Na ay teri na ay Meri;
Chaar Dina da Mela Dunya (world); Phir Miti di ban gai Dheri;
Na kar eithay hera pheri; na Miti naal na dhoka kar tu;
To V miti, O V mitti. Zaat paat di gal na kar tu, Zaat v mitti, tu v mitti, Zaat sirf Khuda di ochi, Baqi sub kuchh mitti, mitti.
(BABA BULE SHAH)
Sai Oshak Ali message today:
Kin sumhi nindon kayon (Some slept all night)
Kin parchayo Allah (Some remembered God)
Raat jo safar pooro thiyo (Night’s journey ended)
Sija khanyo saah (And the sun took a breath)
Epilogue
Hope you have understood and learnt something about our Sainji, his descendants and other Saints through these conversations. When many of us relating these memories are gone from this life, we hope you will form your own memories and share them. Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Sufi Al Qadri, Gadi Nashin of Dargah Jalalani Sharif represents Hazrat Sain Nasir Mohammed Fakir Sufi Al Qadri and He always listens to your experiences in confidence if you feel your dreams or experiences are too private to share publicly.
God bless all of us and may Hazrat Sain Oshak Ali Sahib Sufi Al Qadri watch over us like our Sainji watched over all his children.
February 2018.
February 2018.