He whom God wishes to protect, not a hair on his head can be touched.
Even if the whole world goes against him — he is safe!
What jealousy and spite can do! On one occasion when Gopal Rao was walking through a forest accompanied by Sai, some of the devotees secretly followed them. As the saint and boy were resting under the shade of a tall tree, the men crept toward them stealthily and one threw a large stone at Sai's head. But instead of hitting Sai, the stone struck Gopal Rao.
Seeing his Master suffer because of him, Sai's heart broke and wept tears of blood. He told Gopal Rao, "Master, after all our years together, my staying with you is no good any more. Let me leave this place."
The saint replied, "You cannot leave. From today I have decided to make you my sole heir. One day you will inherit my treasure."
The man who tried to kill Sai became ill and suffered much before he died shortly thereafter. The villagers were surprised at this man's sudden demise and believed that Gopal Rao had punished him for his wicked intent. One of the man's relatives went to the saint seeking forgiveness, and the rest of the devotees began praying in hope of reviving the dead man. Hearing his request, Gopal Rao told the relative, "Why do you ask me to bring him back to life? I am just an ordinary man like yourself. I have no such power. I cannot do such a thing."
Then, pointing to Sai, Gopal Rao added, "Perhaps this Muslim lad can do it."
At a sign from the saint, Sai rose and, picking up some dirt from Gopal Rao's feet, rubbed it on the corpse, which had been brought to them. After a few minutes, the dead man came to life and sat up! All were astonished. From this act of divine power they realized that the boy's relationship with Gopal Rao was unique. As the chief disciple of their Master, the boy was to be honored instead of hated. In celebration of this resurrection, the villagers formed a long procession with Gopal Rao and Sai seated in a palanquin. Hundreds worshiped them both, showering flowers as they were carried through the town.
Gopal Rao had been hinting for a few days that soon he would give up his body, but none took his words seriously.
