Of late my thoughts have been centered on Sai BABA and his teachings. Just like a satellite goes around the planet so also my mind started going around Satcharita. A thought rose in my mind - How would one explain the greatness of Shirdi Sai BABA to a non-believer? Well, I went into a mental debate, passionately defending Sai BABA being a God, the ultimate, no matter what one might think because I worship him as a god. But I was not satisfied as this answer lacks credibility. A non-believer or a scientifically oriented person wants a rational explanation and does not believe in whims and fantasies of others. Bingo! I thought wait a minute - here I am talking about a Super Human who lived on this planet not so long ago and he possessed all the characteristics which would be classed as being perfect human being and with whom every man can identify himself. I thought perhaps if I could throw light on this man may be He would be extolled as I do and idolize Him as a true Super Hero. Well, with BABA's inspiration let me tell you about my analysis about this much sought after Super Human.

While I was thinking about this I at once remembered 3^rd Chapter of Sai Satcharita where BABA says "I envelope all the creatures, the movable and immovable world. I am the Controller - the wirepuller of the show of this Universe. I am the mother - origin of all beings - the Harmony of three Gunas, the propeller of all senses, the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. " Lord Krishna also has said the same thing in Bagavat Gita. Let us analyze this from the rationalistic view.

Sai BABA was a humanitarian, he did not have to shout slogans or display placards trying to drive his point about the human rights. He simply arranged circumstances to give practical examples to drive his point to people. He once corrected a slandered when He met him at noon near the Lendi, Baba pointed out to him a pig that was eating filth near the fence and said to him - "Behold how, with what relish it is gorging dung. Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit, you are born a man, and if you act like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?" (Chapters 18/19). BABA also advocated non-violence and universal love, He said "Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply."

BABA was peacemaker, one-man army; He achieved what nobody could achieve in this world - Unity between two different religions - namely Hindus and Muslims. He would have won Nobel Prize for Peace. He brought two communities together, who performed their religious activities simultaneously with out bloodshed. Surprisingly, these activities are co-existing even today, 83 years after his demise. He is an egalitarian. He did not show discrimination. Race, color, caste religion, economics did not matter to Him He treated everybody equally. He always practiced what He preached, so He is way beyond comparison.

One could call Sai BABA a Greens activist, as he planted shrubs, trees, and took care of the environment. He showed us about recycling - He used to collect burnt matchsticks and reused them to light tobacco. Well here one gets the example of his simple down to earth personality, He is a commoner, and has a vice (if one calls it that) smoking tobacco. Probably concept of RSPCA started from Him, for He treated all animals with utmost respect, love and care and provided shelter to them in His residence (masjid).

Sai BABA was a social worker, a counselor who saved people with depression from committing suicide Example Mr. Gopal Ambadekar (Chapter 26^th), and provided counseling to Dr Pillay who was suffering with guinea worms. He started rehabilitation services for ailing such as Amir Shakkar who was suffering with Rheumatism, he made him stay at the Chavdi. Baba was a great philanthropist, who distributed money to the poor, and got the temples and mosques repaired at His expense. He had the greatest qualities of a very successful manager/employer He believed in participative management and providing proper wages to the worker. He knew how to keep service providers happy by giving them proper remuneration for their work.

Now let us take Sai BABA's mode of life. Baba knew about the importance of correct balance in diet and believed in moderation of eating. He mixed all the food that He collected from all the houses together and ate it to His hearts content. He believed in exercise. He baffled everyone with his proficiency in Yoga. He exhibited undying love towards people as He empathized and listened to people while they unburdened their problems. He encouraged arts - loved to listen to singing and watched dancing. He encouraged all religious activities and subtly co-ordinated them. He was not materialistic, and did not hoard things. He was a simpleton, had perfect control of His mind and desires. He lacked cravings!

Sai Baba's behaviour could be classed as eccentric as one would find a scientist; for example He would talk to Himself gesturing His hand. He showed that water has energy, by lighting the lamps filled with water instead of oil, when the grocers refused to give Him oil. This He did long before man discovered the use of water in generating hydro energy. Baba was a herbologist He knew the importance of the herbs and their medicinal qualities. BABA was a great doctor. He cured diseases that were beyond the comprehension of qualified and degree holding doctors; for example Bhimaji Patil suffering from TB, Doctor's Nephew who suffered with bone abscesses, Alandi Swamy who had pain in the ear which could not be explained by doctors, the list is unending.

Well let us look at Sai BABA's psychic abilities. He knew past present and future of the people who came to Him. His intuition and extra sensory perception (ESP) skills were very well developed. Living in masjid in Shirdi He knew what transpired in far away places example He saved the life of the boy who fell down into the fire from the lap of the woman who got up to go to her husband (Chapter 7). BABA immediately knew about it and He thrust His hand into the fire to save the boy.

The above mentioned qualities are just a few instances of many such incidents which were experienced by the people who were fortunate to come in contact with Shirdi Sai Baba. Let us think rationally, now is it possible for one person to be able to demonstrate skills beyond comprehension in so many fields? Sai BABA was the Master of all trades! Which is impossible for a normal Human. He is Mr. Cool!

Sai BABA was an enigma, nobody ever knows about his birth and parents, though an intense research has been done. There are speculations and probabilities surrounding his advent on the earth. This baffles science, because it lacks sensible explanation and proof about birth of this man, who is a MEGA STAR.

This alone shows his God like characters - let's see SAI BABA left His mortal body for three days and returned back to His body, just as Jesus was resurrected after three days. What to say about Sai Baba's ability to control the nature. Sai Baba's command was enough to stop the storms threatening to wash away Shirdi, and control the fire without use of water (Chapter 11).

Even today, 83 years after His passing away, anyone thinking earnestly of BABA can still feel His holy presence in life. People experience miracles in their lives even today. Sai BABA is the only Super Human who lives up to His promise. Baba's speech established its efficacy or greatness while He was living in the flesh, but wonder of wonders! It did the same even after His passing away. Baba said - "Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb will give you hope and confidence. Not only Myself but My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly to Me. Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you. You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare. But remember Me always, believe in Me heart and soul and then you will be most benefited" (Chapter 25). These characters alone are sufficient to convince me about Shirdi Sai BABA's God like characters, which no amount of Human perfection can bring about in the common man.