There are two aspects of Brahman, namely Sagun (with form)
and Nirgun (without form). Sai with form was non-attachment incarnate.
Sagun worship includes the worship of image, altar, fire,
light, Sun, water and Brahma. But, Guru is better than all these objects of
worship, because we can bring image of our Guru in front of our eyes. It is
important to note that whether it is Sagun worship or Nirgun worship, it has to
be whole-hearted. Though Sagun and Nirgun are one and the same, it is advisable
to start with Sagun worship.
There are several reasons for starting with Sagun bhakti. It
is easy to get associated with Sagun through Sagun worship, as it is easily
possible to develop love and devotion towards Sagun. We can prostrate at the
feet of one whom we can see i.e. Sagun, and develop love for it. We can offer
fruits, flower, apply sandal paste to Sagun. We can talk with those with form
e.g. Sai. As we advance, we get attracted to Nirgun. It is necessary to
understand that frozen ghee and melted ghee are one and the same. Similarly
Sagun and Nirgun worship are one and the same.
In Saileela there are several instances where Baba makes
deliberate attempts so that devotees tend to tilt towards Nirgun. He made
some leave Shirdi, did not allow some to leave, kept some in isolation, and
directed some to read religious books only. He would disallow his darshan for
some. All this was done with a view to bring home importance of Nirgun bhakti.
To show that Nirgun bhakti and Sagun bhakti are same, he allowed Dr. Pandit to
apply sandal paste on his forehead. This was because Dr. Pandit saw his guru
Kaka Puranik in Sai. There are several mentions of Sagun worship in Saileela.
Thus we find that it is necessary for one to start with Sagun worship and
finally reach Nirgun worship.
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