The Mystic Saint of Shirdi

The book attempts to unravel the nature of mysticism in the life and teachings of Shirdi Sai in the context of various types of mysticism seen or experienced in religions and Spiritual Masters since the Vedic times. The logic and relevance of Mysticism through ages have been analysed starting from the Vedic rites to the messages of the Upanishads Srimad Bhagavad Gita Yoga Sutras Buddhism Christianity Islam-Sufism Sikkhism Bhakti movements and other religions or spiritual paths. The mystical sayings of the Saint SAI during His earthly sojourn in Shirdi (1854-1918) have been presented or referred to alongwith the “Shirdi Path” which He professed as one of Devotional Love with firm faith patience (Shraddha and Saburi) and complete surrender (Samarpan) to one’s Perfect Master (Sadguru). The spiritual and ethical messages of Gita and Isha Upanishad have been presented as a back-drop to bring their reflection in Sai’s mystical words deeds and teachings on Brahm Maya Bhram Avidya and Self-realisation. Similarly the facets of Sufi mysticism have been analysed and contextualised as a backdrop to appreciate Shirdi Sai’s mystical practices and preachings. The spiritual-psychic powers narrated in Patanjalis ‘Yoga Sutras’ have been discussed in the context of Shirdi Sai’s extraordinary powers of Omniscience Omnipresence and Omnipotence. Sai Mysticism is shown as the melting pot and happy combination of all known mystical paths. This book can serve as a useful document for devotees researches and students of comparative religions metaphysics and spiritualism.