What do you think?
Rate this book
Rabda: My Sigh . . . My Sai
Sai Baba in every breath …
Rabda has attempted suicide and chances are that he is going to die. Sai Baba of Shirdi enters the hospital room and awakens the spirit body of Rabda. The two, Master and musician, begin to converse about life, death and everything in between.
Set in the present, Rabda takes the reader to the past, to when the Sai lived in His physical body. The life and philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi are revealed, often in His own words, and questions pertaining to Him and spirituality answered. A powerful spiritual read, Rabda is a journey you really do not want to miss.
Rabda has attempted suicide and chances are that he is going to die. Sai Baba of Shirdi enters the hospital room and awakens the spirit body of Rabda. The two, Master and musician, begin to converse about life, death and everything in between.
Set in the present, Rabda takes the reader to the past, to when the Sai lived in His physical body. The life and philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi are revealed, often in His own words, and questions pertaining to Him and spirituality answered. A powerful spiritual read, Rabda is a journey you really do not want to miss.
- GenresSpirituality
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2014
19 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 27, 2014
There might be many a books on life of Sai baba and many more about his teachings. But this book is not either or both. This is more like a dialogue between Sai and Rabda where Sai is at his casual best and Rabda too is not a star struck devotee but a curious , carefree and yet devoted and faithful companion. The life story moves in a linear format with certain events mentioned randomly in the conversations. Sai talks about his life, first as a novice on the path to meet the One, and later as a guide to others walking the same path. and in between we get to read of all that we have been taught and told in different ways but perhaps have forgotten the reasons and implications.
And yet, the flow of the book was interrupted at times ( many times) by the repetition of certain phrases that Sai uses for Rabda. Certain swear words do not work for me at all, specially not my God saying those. Are we not supposed to have a clean language too ? Also, some concepts of the spiritual growth and journey are beyond my complete grasp. I am glad that the writer at times presented the same ideas in different ways and summarized them in the end so I have some half cooked idea of my own but I will still have to read those chapters again, perhaps when I am mature enough.
The scenes of Sai leaving earth and trying to help every and anyone he could in those last breath too , was touching. The way he spent all his life in making people love God and seek him for the same; and still humans kept going to him for selfish purposes , made me feel so guilty. As I finished the book , I felt tears in my own eyes and that for me , was my love for God , the super power I feel in the very fabric of life around me. In all, I liked the book and would recommend this to all God-loving folks. As for the non-believers, I had a talk with a few close friends and I realized that even they believe in the goodness of humans and loving the creations on Earth. Just that , they focus more on living in the moment and have problems with next birth or the spirit life. Well, they can still like the book for the teachings of Oneness of God ( no religion) , Being good , passing kindness , Living comfortable yet not with too much wastage and never refusing anyone for help you can give easily.
And yet, the flow of the book was interrupted at times ( many times) by the repetition of certain phrases that Sai uses for Rabda. Certain swear words do not work for me at all, specially not my God saying those. Are we not supposed to have a clean language too ? Also, some concepts of the spiritual growth and journey are beyond my complete grasp. I am glad that the writer at times presented the same ideas in different ways and summarized them in the end so I have some half cooked idea of my own but I will still have to read those chapters again, perhaps when I am mature enough.
The scenes of Sai leaving earth and trying to help every and anyone he could in those last breath too , was touching. The way he spent all his life in making people love God and seek him for the same; and still humans kept going to him for selfish purposes , made me feel so guilty. As I finished the book , I felt tears in my own eyes and that for me , was my love for God , the super power I feel in the very fabric of life around me. In all, I liked the book and would recommend this to all God-loving folks. As for the non-believers, I had a talk with a few close friends and I realized that even they believe in the goodness of humans and loving the creations on Earth. Just that , they focus more on living in the moment and have problems with next birth or the spirit life. Well, they can still like the book for the teachings of Oneness of God ( no religion) , Being good , passing kindness , Living comfortable yet not with too much wastage and never refusing anyone for help you can give easily.
May 2, 2021
Rabda came into my hands in 2015 just at the time when I was broken. I used to question Baba and as if to say baba came into my life in the form of Rabda just to talk to me, lead me and guide me. Rabda gave me the strength to believe and trust in life once again. And here I am after 5 years an author of my first book - "The Cup of Your Life" trying to share my experience of life.
December 19, 2024
Finished reading “Rabda – My Sai… My Sigh” by Ruzbeh N. Bharucha. Tears roll down my cheeks as I write this and an upsurge of emotions that cannot be fathomed rise within me choking my very throat. Having read the last sentence of this mysterious book, a compelling urge within made me go to the Puja room (read Mandir) at home, go down to my knees and touch the feet of the small idol of Sai Baba that was gifted nearly a decade ago by a close friend of mine whose wife is a staunch believer of Sai.
The mystery of Sai Baba’s background, his lineage, his religion, his philosophy leaves the finest of spiritual Gurus bewildered even today. The fakir (sufi ascetic) who spent his live in poverty (by choice) preached “the” most powerful sermon ever, i.e. Sab ka Malik Ek – There is only One God.
Ruzbeh, who happens to be the 110th Master for the “Speaking Tree” (TOI), in his book “Rabda”, has unraveled the mystery pertaining to the life and philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Written in a gripping narrative, the depth of the book’s spiritual message can only be assimilated via deep introspection and contemplation. The book deals with karma, divinity and life after death. A powerful, spiritual read, “Rabda” is a journey you really do not want to miss.
The mystery of Sai Baba’s background, his lineage, his religion, his philosophy leaves the finest of spiritual Gurus bewildered even today. The fakir (sufi ascetic) who spent his live in poverty (by choice) preached “the” most powerful sermon ever, i.e. Sab ka Malik Ek – There is only One God.
Ruzbeh, who happens to be the 110th Master for the “Speaking Tree” (TOI), in his book “Rabda”, has unraveled the mystery pertaining to the life and philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Written in a gripping narrative, the depth of the book’s spiritual message can only be assimilated via deep introspection and contemplation. The book deals with karma, divinity and life after death. A powerful, spiritual read, “Rabda” is a journey you really do not want to miss.
November 5, 2021
Too much casual style spoiled its meaning. A hopscotch fiction story.
September 28, 2024
Must for Sai Baba lovers 🙏 jai baba
Read
December 25, 2014It is not often that I go into an experimental phase with respect to reading, though I’d like to count a lot of the reads that I have done this year as experiments to see how my taste has evolved. When I got a chance to review ‘Rabda: My Sai… My Sigh,’ by Ruzbeh N. Bharuch I was not too sure if this book, given the spiritual read it was described to be, would be my cup of tea. I carefully navigated through the first few pages and had multiple false starts before I sat and completed the book in almost one go. While I am not too sure if I will go back to this type of reading, I must say that reading this was an experience in itself.
The premise of the book is a very simple one where a patient Rabda who is very very close to death gets to interact with Baba Sai. Baba Sai looking at this devotee of his from a previous lifetime begins to talk about his life, from the time he got to Shirdi, how he treated his devotees, what he thinks of life, and more. This interaction more or less turns out to be a discourse of sorts and there is definitely a lot of philosophy, spirituality and some common sense in it.
While the writing is pretty much to the point such that a reader is not bogged down by the vocabulary especially considering it is a spiritual read, the use of abusive words that are found in Baba’s speech is something that definitely leaves a bad taste in the reader. It is true that Baba was a man who had a colourful vocabulary and used words at his will especially given his temper. However, the same set of words and same provocations and reactions from Rabda were done to death after a while.
For me, the read was mostly material that I think I would listen to in a discourse/lecture. And the fact that the author Ruzbeh is able to put in a book is impressive. I am sure people who are into spiritual reads will enjoy this book.
The premise of the book is a very simple one where a patient Rabda who is very very close to death gets to interact with Baba Sai. Baba Sai looking at this devotee of his from a previous lifetime begins to talk about his life, from the time he got to Shirdi, how he treated his devotees, what he thinks of life, and more. This interaction more or less turns out to be a discourse of sorts and there is definitely a lot of philosophy, spirituality and some common sense in it.
While the writing is pretty much to the point such that a reader is not bogged down by the vocabulary especially considering it is a spiritual read, the use of abusive words that are found in Baba’s speech is something that definitely leaves a bad taste in the reader. It is true that Baba was a man who had a colourful vocabulary and used words at his will especially given his temper. However, the same set of words and same provocations and reactions from Rabda were done to death after a while.
For me, the read was mostly material that I think I would listen to in a discourse/lecture. And the fact that the author Ruzbeh is able to put in a book is impressive. I am sure people who are into spiritual reads will enjoy this book.
January 11, 2015
The book opens with Caiz, a sufi rockstar who is in coma due to overdose of sleeping pills mixed with Vodka. His friend, his philosopher ,guide,Sai baba takes Caiz’s ether self to His cave and hence the spiritual journey of Caiz begins.
Its insightful to see, a steady spiritual commentary and flow of dialogues between Caiz and his Beloved “Baba Sai.” The timeline flows seamlessly between the ether present and Sai Baba’s life. In spite of the lucid language, the writer gets across the message of spirituality, how to live, morals in the current society, relationship between Guru and disciple. There is not a single moment in which the reader gets bored with the constant dose of spiritual medicine.
The messages, though eternal strikes a chord, remain with you after a long time once you have completed the book. The only disconcerting part which I found (personally) was Sai Baba using swear words. The camaraderie between Caiz and Baba Sai is beautifully portrayed through out the book. One is bonded with them, instantly at their little fights, dialogues, sense of humour & mutual affectation they have for each other. The journey which begins with Caiz’s coma and ends in Baba’s Samadhi leaves the reader with many insights in human nature, religion, prayers and the science behind it.
This line stayed with me :-
1.When you go within and are calm and centred, when you accept your lot calmly, with positive surrender, with the full knowledge that you have given your best and now nothing more can be done, so let the Lord's will be done and accepted gracefully, then the individual is capable of hearing the voice within and that voice will guide you calmly, without favor or anger.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested to learn more about Sai Baba's life. I do hope Ruzbeh Bharucha comes out with a sequel of this book.
Its insightful to see, a steady spiritual commentary and flow of dialogues between Caiz and his Beloved “Baba Sai.” The timeline flows seamlessly between the ether present and Sai Baba’s life. In spite of the lucid language, the writer gets across the message of spirituality, how to live, morals in the current society, relationship between Guru and disciple. There is not a single moment in which the reader gets bored with the constant dose of spiritual medicine.
The messages, though eternal strikes a chord, remain with you after a long time once you have completed the book. The only disconcerting part which I found (personally) was Sai Baba using swear words. The camaraderie between Caiz and Baba Sai is beautifully portrayed through out the book. One is bonded with them, instantly at their little fights, dialogues, sense of humour & mutual affectation they have for each other. The journey which begins with Caiz’s coma and ends in Baba’s Samadhi leaves the reader with many insights in human nature, religion, prayers and the science behind it.
This line stayed with me :-
1.When you go within and are calm and centred, when you accept your lot calmly, with positive surrender, with the full knowledge that you have given your best and now nothing more can be done, so let the Lord's will be done and accepted gracefully, then the individual is capable of hearing the voice within and that voice will guide you calmly, without favor or anger.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested to learn more about Sai Baba's life. I do hope Ruzbeh Bharucha comes out with a sequel of this book.
April 25, 2015
Yet another book from Ruzbeh Barucha..very interesting! Loved it!
December 13, 2015
A good read on Spirituality , written in fiction style and gives basic truths in very practical and sensible way.
March 27, 2017
Rabda - Ruzbeh N Bharucha
A book on Sai Baba written by a devotee as its visible from the cover - I would have never picked it up in the first place given a choice but as my friend sent it to me - had no option but to read it. I just can't live with a book in my collection which is unread by me so I reluctantly picked it up last week and I am totally glad that I did it. Although wont say it turned me an Atheist into a sort of believer but nevertheless a superb one time read with so much about the great spiritual man (that was an eye opener). The book fortunately or unfortunately kept on reminding me of Neale Donald Walsch's trilogy "Conversations with God" which I finished last year and totally loved it. Exactly like that book this too is a great conversation between Rabda on his death bed right after he gulps down a lot of sleeping pills with a bottle of vodka (reason unknown) and enters a comatose state. Baba comes visiting him and takes his spirit for a time travel and shows him that he was none other than his own companion for last couple of his births and reveals a lot of unknown secrets to him plus answers all his queries (mostly readers too) on lots of topics and life's philosophies. It never gets preachy and actually makes up for a very interesting read I should say.
Initially the way writer has sketched Sai Baba's character was a big turn off for me as I could never believe that he will ever use those choices Hindi cuss words (like literally using BC MC on his most loved devotee) but gradually as the story progresses I realized it wasn't actually the cuss words but his love coming out of his mouth in the shape of those words - and it turns out to be hilariously awesome to know or perceive that Sai Baba actually had a fantastic sense of humor. Rabda is a musician in his present birth and as he thinks his life has no purpose, commits suicide (rather attempts) the way Baba enters into his life and their journey from there onward is too good. I had no idea of his history or story as I am no staunch follower but this book clarifies almost all doubts I had on the great man. Whether he was a Muslim or a Hindu, whether he was an incarnation of Jesus, Lord Ram or Hanuman. Who he followed, what he believed, how he lived his life and how he wanted his shrine or temple to be made and left and the reality as it stands now. I was very glad to know just like Neale Donald Walsch even Ruzbeh Bharucha accepts rather claims that the eternal supreme could be a He or a She. Right like Jesus who was crucified and came back to life after three days and like Gurunanak Dev who entered the great sea to take Jal Samadhi and came back unscathed after three days, I was shocked to know that even Sai Baba took his first samadhi and his body was declared dead by British Doctors for three days before his spirit returned and lived for another couple of years before taking the final samadhi and left for his heavenly abode.
The book covers so much about Sai Baba and his philosophies that its very hard not to get shocked for someone ignorant like me who had no idea. Like he used to live in a Masjid namded "Dwarka Mai". He begged for his food till his very last day in Shirdi but only from five houses from the neighborhood which we fixed. He took the food from them as if he had a right on it. The money and stuff that he received from his devotees during a day he claims made him super rich but by the evening he will distribute every penny to the needy and will only keep a couple of coins for his "Chillam" :) that he used to enjoy with Rabda (in his previous birth) as he was always at Baba's service. His connection with mythological figures that he claimed were real is too good too, like he claimed that Lord Ram was a real man and even Lord Hanuman - their connection I will say, you've got to read the book for - its too good to be disclosed here. I am totally reading this book again to grasp more from it. Also, the way he speaks lovingly with Rabda's spirit and takes him to a journey of a life time - he actually answers all the questions we may ourselves have provided we come face to face with a Godly figure like him and I must say that those are some real satisfactory answers clarifying all the doubts one can have on life and our purpose. It is written in such a lighter tone that mostly it kept me grinning from ear to ear to hear the way Baba speaks to Rabda, calls him so many names, like a demented lamp post to a constipated rat and hundreds of other names. On top of that the way he will also call with funny names lovingly making him laugh and forgive his silly mistakes.
I must say, the way it starts (a turn off) to the way it progresses (an eye opener) and the way it ends (I kept asking for more and never wanted it to end) - this will now be one of my favorites on the great man that I never knew almost nothing about. I do not know its historical accuracy and neither should we care as the message it passes is just, great and very relevant in today's time. Now I am more keen on reading The "Fakir Trilogy" from the same writer. Do let me know your views if you have read any of them.
A book on Sai Baba written by a devotee as its visible from the cover - I would have never picked it up in the first place given a choice but as my friend sent it to me - had no option but to read it. I just can't live with a book in my collection which is unread by me so I reluctantly picked it up last week and I am totally glad that I did it. Although wont say it turned me an Atheist into a sort of believer but nevertheless a superb one time read with so much about the great spiritual man (that was an eye opener). The book fortunately or unfortunately kept on reminding me of Neale Donald Walsch's trilogy "Conversations with God" which I finished last year and totally loved it. Exactly like that book this too is a great conversation between Rabda on his death bed right after he gulps down a lot of sleeping pills with a bottle of vodka (reason unknown) and enters a comatose state. Baba comes visiting him and takes his spirit for a time travel and shows him that he was none other than his own companion for last couple of his births and reveals a lot of unknown secrets to him plus answers all his queries (mostly readers too) on lots of topics and life's philosophies. It never gets preachy and actually makes up for a very interesting read I should say.
Initially the way writer has sketched Sai Baba's character was a big turn off for me as I could never believe that he will ever use those choices Hindi cuss words (like literally using BC MC on his most loved devotee) but gradually as the story progresses I realized it wasn't actually the cuss words but his love coming out of his mouth in the shape of those words - and it turns out to be hilariously awesome to know or perceive that Sai Baba actually had a fantastic sense of humor. Rabda is a musician in his present birth and as he thinks his life has no purpose, commits suicide (rather attempts) the way Baba enters into his life and their journey from there onward is too good. I had no idea of his history or story as I am no staunch follower but this book clarifies almost all doubts I had on the great man. Whether he was a Muslim or a Hindu, whether he was an incarnation of Jesus, Lord Ram or Hanuman. Who he followed, what he believed, how he lived his life and how he wanted his shrine or temple to be made and left and the reality as it stands now. I was very glad to know just like Neale Donald Walsch even Ruzbeh Bharucha accepts rather claims that the eternal supreme could be a He or a She. Right like Jesus who was crucified and came back to life after three days and like Gurunanak Dev who entered the great sea to take Jal Samadhi and came back unscathed after three days, I was shocked to know that even Sai Baba took his first samadhi and his body was declared dead by British Doctors for three days before his spirit returned and lived for another couple of years before taking the final samadhi and left for his heavenly abode.
The book covers so much about Sai Baba and his philosophies that its very hard not to get shocked for someone ignorant like me who had no idea. Like he used to live in a Masjid namded "Dwarka Mai". He begged for his food till his very last day in Shirdi but only from five houses from the neighborhood which we fixed. He took the food from them as if he had a right on it. The money and stuff that he received from his devotees during a day he claims made him super rich but by the evening he will distribute every penny to the needy and will only keep a couple of coins for his "Chillam" :) that he used to enjoy with Rabda (in his previous birth) as he was always at Baba's service. His connection with mythological figures that he claimed were real is too good too, like he claimed that Lord Ram was a real man and even Lord Hanuman - their connection I will say, you've got to read the book for - its too good to be disclosed here. I am totally reading this book again to grasp more from it. Also, the way he speaks lovingly with Rabda's spirit and takes him to a journey of a life time - he actually answers all the questions we may ourselves have provided we come face to face with a Godly figure like him and I must say that those are some real satisfactory answers clarifying all the doubts one can have on life and our purpose. It is written in such a lighter tone that mostly it kept me grinning from ear to ear to hear the way Baba speaks to Rabda, calls him so many names, like a demented lamp post to a constipated rat and hundreds of other names. On top of that the way he will also call with funny names lovingly making him laugh and forgive his silly mistakes.
I must say, the way it starts (a turn off) to the way it progresses (an eye opener) and the way it ends (I kept asking for more and never wanted it to end) - this will now be one of my favorites on the great man that I never knew almost nothing about. I do not know its historical accuracy and neither should we care as the message it passes is just, great and very relevant in today's time. Now I am more keen on reading The "Fakir Trilogy" from the same writer. Do let me know your views if you have read any of them.
March 29, 2017
GOD !! in a simplified way. Story of Sai Baba and his disciples with knowledge of everything.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews