His birthplace / Three
incarnations / Sarvadharma
Symbol / Why I have
come
His birthplace
Sathya Sai Baba
[23-11-1926] is the second of three incarnations of
the Sai Avatâr. The first was Shirdi
Sai Baba, [1835] who left his mortal
body in 1918, after teaching the unity of God and
brotherhood of man His whole life. In particular, He
did this among the Hindu- and Muslim-communities in
Central India, who on their side considered Him as
one of them.
Sathyanarayana Raju,
as Sai Baba was named, was born on November
23, 1926, [at 6:36 hours a.m.] in a small remote
village called Puttaparthi in the South
of India,
approximately 160 km north of Bangalore. There is
now His Âs'ram named
Prasanthi Nilayam, which means: Place of Supreme
Peace. In Whitefield, about 25 km of
Bangalore, Baba also has an Âs'ram where He
regularly stays. This Âs'ram is called Brindavan (after
Vrindâvana, the town of Vrindâvana in the Mathurâ
District of Uttar Pradesh, India, where Krishna
appeared five thousand years ago).
Bhagavân Swami left
His body on April 24, at 7.40 a.m. in
Puttaparthi in the hospital Śrî Sathya Sai Institute
of Higher Medical Sciences, Super Speciality
Hospital, which He had built for the common Indian,
close to His ashram Prasanthi Nilayam.
He came into the world
with all knowledge, wisdom, power and divine love.
Unlike self-realized saints, He did not have to
practice disciplines or austerities to achieve his
divinity. Although Sai Baba only attended school to
the age of thirteen, he has complete mastery of the
scriptures, of all the sciences, arts, languages -
of all fields of study. As a matter of fact, he
knows everything - including the past, present and
future of all of our lives.
The center of
activities there is S'rî Sathya Sai Baba Himself,
who has attracted an enormous number of people,
through His unique, personal presence since His
early youth. He can only be described as the
embodiment of pure, unselfish love, of perfect peace
and bliss, the essence of kindness.
Through Him all noble,
human qualities become visible; He carries and
unites all divine qualities which are
characteristics of the Avatâra.
Sathya Sai Baba is the
Avatâra of this era. Avatâr means: Embodiment
of
God on earth. He has come again as a world
teacher to lead mankind on the right path in this
critical time [Kali Yuga].
Sathya Sai Baba has
millions of followers in India, as well as in many
countries around the world. He has incarnated at
this time to restore truth, righteousness, peace and
love in the world and to transform all our hearts so
that we can experience that we, too, are divine.
For a full account of
Sai Baba's life, see N. Kasturi's Biography entitled
'Sathyam, Sivam
Sundaram' also available as a download and Kasturi's
poem at
this site.
"I have the
task to lead mankind in her development and to
assure all human beings of an existence full of
happiness and joy. I have promised that I shall
rescue all who roam about uselessly, and bring
them back to goodness." - Sathya
Sai Baba
Nature obeys His will.
He has all knowledge. He knows the past, presence
and future of everybody. In His teachings Sai Baba
acknowledges all religions. He emphasizes again and
again that divinity means unity. In his personal
style and expression Bhagavân Baba shows a majestical
grace and at the same time a delightful
cheerfulness.
Among His many
devotees who surround Him, He leads a simple and
humble life, completely devoted to loving
helpfulness. Not restricted to only physical
existence, He works on all levels: the gross matter
and the spiritual nature. He does this in His
physical form as well as in visions, dreams and
inner experiences. As a divine teacher, He leads the
spiritual development of His devotees, He inspires
inwardly and arranges outwardly. He illuminates the
heart, transforms the mind and reveals the biggest
treasure.... the immortal Âtmâ, the divine sparkle in
every human being.
Three
incarnations
Sai Baba says that He
will stay in the present quality as Sathya Sai Baba
within the 21st century and will reach the age of
95. He had predicted to reach the age of 94 or 95
years, but died at the age of 85 years according to
our chronology. But when one divides the number of
his days by the number of days belonging to a lunar
month (17.3) and divides the result with twelve one
counts exactly 94,7 years.
Sathya Sia Baba has
said that He will be reborn as the third and last
incarnation as Prema Sai Baba, who will
finish the avatâra-mission started in the middle of
the 19th century.
"Once Swami pointing to Himself told my mother:
"This fruit will be born in Channapatna region of
Mysore State (now Karnataka)".
Source: Sri Sathya Sai ANANDADAYI - Journey with
Sai, by Karunamba Ramamurthy (kanamma).
From
left to right: Shirdi Sai (1836-1918),
(middle) Prema Sai, (----,----) and Sathya Sai
(1926-2011)
More
about Prema Sai
Sai Baba has two
Âs'rams in the south of India, one in Puttaparthi
and one in Whitefield, where hundred-thousands of
people from all over the world come together to
experience His Love and to receive His blessing.
However, He has not come to this earth to establish
a new religion or sect. On the contrary, he
emphasizes the unity of all religions. About this,
He stresses:
"I have come to
tell you about this Universal Unity, this Inner
Self-principle, this Path of Love. All religions
teach a basic-discipline: to remove the stains of
egoism and the chasing of material satisfaction
out of the soul. Every religion teaches the human
being to fill his mind with the glory of God and
to drive out narrow-minded arrogance. Be convinced
that the one and only God is the indweller of all
hearts; One can worship Him the best through Love.
Develop the inner attitude that people of every
religion from all over the world are One. That is
the message of Love I bring." - Sathya
Sai Baba
As a teacher He leads
the spiritual development of all who turn to Him -
by now, more than hundred million people, worldwide
- and inspires people inwardly as well as outwardly.
He has set up several schools and universities,
where education is given totally for free. Also, He
has built hospitals in several places where
everybody receives free care and medication. One of
the most modern hospitals has been established in
Puttaparthi, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Medical Sciences - Prasanthigram. Also here, every
treatment is completely given free of charge.
The name Sathya Sai
Baba is significant. Sai means: Godly Mother,
Baba: Honored Father, and Sathya: Truth.
His mission: to bring back truth in all hearts,
to regain righteousness all over the world.
"There is only one
religion, the religion of Love. There is only one
caste, the caste of mankind. There is only one
language, the language of the heart. There is only
one God and He is omnipresent." - Sathya
Sai Baba
Sarva-dharma
Symbol
The sarva-dharma
symbol is the symbol of the Sathya Sai Organization.
Sarva: all, Dharma: divine law, is equal to
religion.
The first sarva-dharma
symbol stands for a lotus flower with six leafs,
with in every leaf the symbol for a world religion.
Together these symbols represent all religions in
the world.
The Pillar: the pillar (lotus) in the
middle expresses the path of unity with God, with
the several steps and phases one has to go forward.
The blooming lotus is the heart that blossoms in
love; this results in the flower of
enlightenment.
Hinduism:
(the
AUM/OHM-sign)
Actually sanâthana-dharma = eternal divine
law. God is One, but the wise call Him with various
names (the Gods are many aspects of the one God).
Some names are: Is'vara, Krishna, Râma, etc.,
Paramâtmâ or Brahman. "Listen
to the primeval Pranava AUM resounding in your
heart as well in the heart of the Universe".
Buddhism: (the wheel) The
soul of a religion does not lie in theory or dogmas,
but in the way of living. The Buddhists, even so the
Jains, do not accept the existence of God in a
certain or immediate way. They believe that the
maximum stage a human being can reach is the stage
of the Buddha. He, the Kevalin or Mukta
(the liberated) or the Buddha, the embodiment of
love and wisdom, is divine. "Remember the
Wheel of Cause and Consequence, of Deed and
Destiny and the Wheel of Dharma that rights them
all".
Parseeism: (the fire vessel)
Ahura Mazda (= light): dwells in the heart of human
beings. Fire, wide at the basis and pointed at the
top. In this way, also the differences disappear at
the highest divine level. The devotees of Zoroaster
call their God the most holiest principle in the
universe. Ahura Mazda, the God of truth, wisdom en
enlightenment. (Zoroaster: Founder of the ancient
Persian religion Zoroastrianism. The sacred text
called the Gaathas were revealed to him while
in deep meditation. Ahur Mazda is the name
for the Supreme). "Offer all
bitterness in the sacred Fire and emerge grand,
great and godly".
Islam: (the crescent moon
with star) Islam means literally surrendering. There
is no God than God (and Mohammed is his prophet).
The Muslims call God Allah, the merciful,
the compassionate, the unique Lord of creation. "Be like
the Star which never wavers from the Crescent but
is fixed in steady faith".
Christianity: (the cross) Let
your ego die on the cross. The life of Jesus: 'I am
the messenger of God. I am the son of God. I and the
Father are One'. "Cut the 'I'
feeling clean across and let your ego die on the
Cross, to endow on you Eternity".
Judaism: (the star of David) Hear
Israel: The Lord our Lord is One.
Sai Baba teaches us to
respect our own religion in which we were raised and
honor other religions. Let the various religions
exist, let them bloom and let God's glory be sung in
all languages and varieties. That must be the ideal
goal.
Respect the
differences between the religions and acknowledge
them as valuable as long as they do not extinguish
the flame of unity. You can search for God in
churches and temples as the mystery of all
mysteries, you will find Him at last in the deepest
silence of your own heart.
'If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God'
Bhagavân S'rî
Sathya Sai Baba on Himself - Why I have come
Excerpts from an
address by Sathya Sai Baba to his devotees on his
43rd birthday, November 23, 1968:
"For
the protection of the virtuous, for the
destruction of evil-doers, and for establishing
righteousness on a firm footing, I incarnate from
age to age. When disharmony overwhelms the world,
the Lord will incarnate in human form to establish
the modes of earning peace, and to reeducate the
human community in the paths of peace."
"Spiritual
aspirants prayed and I have come. My main tasks
are fostering of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures) and
fostering of the devotees. Your virtue,
your self-control, your detachment, your faith,
your steadfastness: these are the signs by which
people read of my glory."
"Every step in the career of the Avatar is
pre-determined.
Rama came to feed the roots of truth and
right conduct.
Krishna came to foster peace and love. Now,
all these four are in danger of being dried up.
That is why the present Avatar has come."
"I have come to give you the key of the treasure
of bliss, to teach you how to rap that spring, for
you have forgotten the way to blessedness."
"Bring something into your daily practice as
evidence of your having known the secret of the
higher life from Me. Show that you have greater
brotherliness. Speak with more
seetness and selfcontrol. Bear defeat as well as
victory with calm resignation."
"My acts are the foundations on which I am
building My work, the task for which I have come.
All the miraculous acts which you observe are to
be interpreted so."
"The establishment of righteousness: that is My
aim. The teaching of righteousness, the spread of
righteousness: that is My object. These miracles,
as you call them, are just a means toward that end."
"These yogic powers are just in de nature of the
Avatar - The creation of things with intent to
protect and to give joy is spontaneous and
lasting. Creation, preservation, and dissolution
can be accomplished only by the Almighty - no-one
else."
"Running after external things produces all this
discontent. That type of desire has no end. Once
you have become a slave to the senses, they will
not leave hold until you are dead. It is an
unquenchable thirst. But I call you to Me and even
grant worldly boons so that you may turn Godward.
No Avatar has done this before, going among the
masses, counseling them, guiding them, consoling
them, uplifting them, and directing them among the
path of truth, righteousness, peace and love."
"If you give all and surrender to the Lord, he
will guard you and guide you. The Lord has come
for just this task. He is declaring that he will
do so and that it is the very task that has
brought Him here. I know the agitations of your
heart and its aspirations, but you do not know My
heart. I react to the pain that you undergo, and
to the joy that you feel, for I am in your heart.
I am the dweller in the temple of every heart. Do
not lose contact and company, for it is only when
the coal is in contact with the live embers that
it can also become live ember."
"Cultivate a nearness
with Me in the heart and it will be rewarded. Then
you, too, will acquire a fraction of that supreme
love. This is a great chance. Be confident that
you will all be liberated. Know that you are
saved. Many hesitate to believe that things will
improve, that life will be happy for all and full
of joy, and that the golden age will recur.
Let Me assure you that this divine body has
not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the
crisis that has come upon humanity."
"The Avatar behaves in a human way so that mankind
can feel kinship, but rises into his superhuman
heights so that mankind can aspire to reach the
heights, and through that aspiration actually reach
him. Realizing the Lord within you as the motivator
is the task for which He comes in human form."
"I have come to light the lamp of love in your
hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added
lustre. I have not come to speak on behalf of any
particular dharma (religion), like Hinduism.
I have not come on any mission of publicity for any
sect or creed or cause; nor have I come to collect
followers for any doctrine. I have no plan to
attract disciples or devotees into My fold or any
fold. I have come to tell you of this Universal
unitary faith, this Atmic principle (principle of
the spirit), this path of love." - Bhagavân's
Discourse on 4th July 1968 in Nairobi (Kenya, East
Africa). Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - VIII, Chapter - 22. Page: 118.
"This
Sai
has
come
in
order
to achieve the supreme task of uniting the entire
mankind as one family through the bond of
brotherhood, of affirming and illumining the Atmic
Reality (Reality of the Spirit) of each being, in
order to reveal the divine which is the basis on
which the entire cosmos rests, and of instructing
all to recognise the common divine heritage that
binds man to man, so that man can rid himself of the
animal in him, and rise into the Divine, which is
his goal." - 19th June 1974 in 'Brindavan',
Bangalore. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - XII. Chapter - 38. Page: 229.
The
Message I Bring. "All religions teach one
basic discipline - the removal of the blemish of
egoism from the mind, restraining it from running
after trivial joys. Every religion teaches man to
fill his being with the Glory of God, and evict the
pettiness of conceit. It trains him in methods of
detachment and discrimination so that he may aim
high and attain liberation. Believe that all hearts
are motivated by the one God; that all faiths
glorify Him alone; that all names in all languages,
and all the forms man can conceive denote the same
divine principle; His adoration is best done by
means of love. Cultivate that eka-bhava
(attitude of Oneness) among men of all creeds, all
countries and all continents. That is the message of
love, I bring. That is the message I wish you to
take to heart." - 4th July 1968 in
Nairobi (Kenya, East Africa). Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol. - VIII, Chapter - 22. Page: 118
"I
have
come
to
help
all
to acquire this sattvic (serene) nature. You
might have heard people talk about My miracles, of
My creating this and giving that, of my fulfilling
all your wants, of My curing your illnesses. But
they are not as important as the satva guna (state
of serenity and calmness) I appreciate, promote and
instill. Of course, I confer on you these boons of
health and prosperity, but only so that you might,
with greater enthusiasm and with less interruption,
proceed with spiritual sadhana (pursuit)." - 25th July
1958 in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- I, Chapter - 11. Page:
62-63.
I
have
not
come
to
start
a new cult. "You must have noticed that I do
not speak about Sai in My discourses, nor do I sing
of Sai during the Bhajan with which I usually
conclude My discourses. And you must have wondered
why. Let me tell you the reason. I do not want the
impression to gain ground that I desire this Name
and this Form to be publicised. I have not come to
start a new cult, I do not want people to be misled
on this point. I affirm that this form of Sai
contains within it the forms associated with all the
names that man uses for the adoration of the divine.
So, I teach that no distinction should be made
between the names Râma, Krishna, Is'vara, Sai - for
they are all My names." - on 17th May 1968 in
Mumbai. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol.- VIII. Chapter - 19. Page: 95-96. On the
occasion of the World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai
Seva Organizations. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter - 19. Page: 95-96
Do
not propagate My Name. "I do not have the
slightest intention to utilise the Seva Samithis
(Service Organisations) for propagating My Name. No!
I am content only when spiritual endeavors and
disciplines to elevate and purify man progress
everywhere. It is only through these practices that
My universal reality will be revealed. So, do not
limit Me to the boundaries of any one name and form.
Your
aim should be to see the same God in all the Forms
that are worshipped, to adore Him in all the Names,
nay, to be conscious of His presence as the inner
motivator of every living being, in every particle
of matter. Do not fall into the error of considering
some to be men worthy of reverence and some
unworthy. Sai is in everyone; so, all deserve your
reverence and service. Propagate this truth; that is
the function I assign to the Seva Samithis (Service
Organisations)." - From Bhagawan's
Discourse on the occasion of World Conference of
Shri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, - on 17th May,
1968 in Mumbai. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 96
No
annihilation now, only transformation. "Râma,
Krishna and other Avatârs had to kill one or more
individuals who could be identified as enemies of
the dharmic (righteous) way of life, and thus
restore the practice of virtue. But, now, there is
no one entirely good, and so who deserves the
protection of God? All are tainted by wickedness,
and so who will survive if the Avatâr decides to
destroy the wicked?
Therefore,
I have to correct the buddhi (intellect), by
various means; I have to counsel, help, command,
condemn and stand by as a friend and well-wisher to
all, so that they may give up evil propensities, and
recognising the straight path, tread it and reach
the goal. I have to reveal to the people the worth
of the Vedas, the S'âstras (India's
ancient scriptures) and the other scriptural texts,
which lay down the norms of sacred living." - on 23rd
Nov 1964, in Prashanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - IV, Chapter -
38. Page: 224-225
I
am determined to correct you. "Let me tell
you, it is only those who know the scriptures, that
can understand Me. I am determined to correct you
only after informing you of my credentials. That is
why I announce My Nature by means of miracles - that
is, acts which are beyond human capacity and human
understanding. Not that I am anxious to show off My
powers. The object is to draw you closer to Me, to
cement your hearts to Me. Getting to know Me is also
a part of your destiny." - on 24th Nov 1961
in Prasanthi Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol. - II, Chapter-26. Page: 140-141.
I
only Echo. "If you accept Me and say yes, I
too respond and say "yes, yes, yes!" If you deny Me
and say "no", I also echo "no". Come, examine,
experience and have faith; that is the method of
utilizing Me." - Bhagavân's Discourse
on 23rd Nov 1964, 8 PM, in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - IV, Chapter -
38. Page: 226
Why
should the Lord Himself incarnate? When people
forget the One and run after the world, there can be
no love, no sacrifice and no spirit of detachment
and hence there is a decline in dharma. It is then
that the Lord takes human form and comes among men
to restore their sense of values. You may ask, why
should the Lord Himself incarnate? Why can He not
set about the task of restoring dharma through the
many minor gods He has at His command?
This question was placed before the courtiers by
Akbar himself for, he laughed at the Hindu idea of
the Formless adopting Form, and descending into the
world as an Avatâra to save dharma. Tansen asked for
a week's time to furnish the answer and got it
granted by His Imperial Majesty. A few days later,
when he was in the pleasure boat of the Emperor
sailing across the lake with the royal family,
Tansen cleverly threw overboard a doll made to look
like the Emperor's little son, crying at the same
time, "Oh, the prince has fallen into the water!"
Hearing this, the Emperor jumped into the lake to
rescue his son'!
Tansen then disclosed that it was only a doll and
that the prince was safe. He allayed the anger of
Akbar by explaining that he had perforce to enact
this drama in order to demonstrate the truth of the
Hindu belief that God takes human form to save
Dharma, without commissioning some other entity to
carry out that task. Dharma is the son that God
loves so dearly. Akbar could have ordered the many
personnel he had on board to jump in and rescue his
son; but his affection was so great and the urgency
so acute that the Emperor himself plunged into the
lake to pull out the 'son'.
The decline of Dharma is so acute. The
decline of Dharma is so acute a tragedy; the
intensity of affection that the Lord has for good
men is so great that He Himself comes. The Lord is
Love itself. He comes in human form so that you can
talk to Him, move with Him, serve Him, adore Him,
and achieve oneness with Him, so that you can
recognise your kinship with Him." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 13th Dec 1964 in Venkatagiri, on
the occasion of Prashaanthi Vidwan Mahaasabha. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- IV, Chapter - 45. Page:
262-263.
The
pious
prayed,
and
I
have
come. "The Lord comes as the Avatâra when He is
anxiously awaited by saints and sages. Sadhus (the
pious) prayed, and I have come. My tasks are
primarily two: Veda Rakshana and Bhakta
Rakshana - fostering of the Vedas (ancient
Indian spiritual scriptures) and fostering of bhaktas
(devotees)." - Bhagavân Baba's
Discourse on 25th Jan 1963 in Prashanthi Nilayam.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol.- III, Chapter -
1. Page: 9-10.
Dive
deep, get immersed. "You must dive deep into
the sea to get at the pearls. What good is it to
dabble among the waves near the shore and swear that
the sea has no pearls in it? So also if you aspire
to benefit from the Avatâra, dive deep and
get immersed in Him. Half-heartedness, hesitation,
doubt, cynicism, listening to tales, etc. are all of
no avail.
Unflinching faith - that alone can bring victory.
This is true to any worldly activity, is it not? How
much more true must it be, therefore in the
spiritual field? But if you have already attached
yourselves to a particular Name and Form, do not
change it, do not choose another in its place." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 10th July 1959, Bangalore on the
occasion of Akhanda Bhajan. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol. - I, Chapter - 21. Page: 130-131.
I
have not come for propaganda… "I have not come
for propaganda or publicity or gathering disciples
or devotees. I am yours and you are Mine. Where then
is the need for publicity? I do not give lectures
but 'mixtures' for your mental health and moral
re-invigoration. So take My words as medicine for
your spiritual health." - Bhagavân Baba's
Discourse on 25th June 1960, Gokhale Hall, Chennai.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - I, Chapter -
26. Page: 165.
This
human
body
has
not
come
in vain. "Many hesitate to believe that things
will improve, that everyone will be happy and
joyful, that the Golden Age will ever dawn. Let me
assure you that this Dharma Svarupa (personification
of Righteousness) has not come in vain. It will
succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon
humanity." - Bhagavân Baba's Discourse on 3rd
March 1965, Prashanthi Nilayam. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - V, Chapter - 11. Page:
70.
Who
is
Sai.
I
am
the
embodiment of Love. "I am the embodiment of
Love; Love is My instrument. There is no creature
without Love; the lowest loves itself, at least. And
its self is divine too. So, there are no atheists,
though some might dislike Him or refuse Him, as
malarial patients dislike sweets or diabetic
patients refuse to have anything to do with sweets!
Those who preen themselves as atheists will one day,
when their illness is gone, relish God and revere
Him.
I had to tell you so much about My Truth, for, I
desire that you should contemplate on this and
derive joy therefrom, so that you may be inspired to
observe the disciplines laid down by Me and progress
towards the Goal of Self-realisation, the
Realisation of the Sai that shines in your hearts." - 19th
June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII. Chapter
- 38. Page: 229.
I
am neither man nor God… "I am neither man nor
God nor an astral spirit; I am neither a brahmin
(the priestly class), nor a kshathriya (the
warrior class), nor a vais'ya (the business
class), nor a s'űdra (the working class);
The appellations of brahmacharî (celibate)
or house-holder, or recluse or monk do not describe
Me; I am the Sathya Bodhaka, a Teacher
of Truth, as Sathyam (Truth), Shivam
(Goodness) and Sundaram (Beauty).
Your reality too is Sathyam, Shivam and Sundaram.
Without truth there cannot be goodness; without
goodness, what does beauty avail? The effect of
truth on the mind is goodness; the joy that flows
from goodness is the genuine beauty that artists
love. The three are really one and indivisible.
Experience this truth; this truth as goodness and
this goodness as beauty. That gives the highest
Bliss." - 6th March 1970 in Prashanthi
Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. X, Chapter - 7. Page: 33.
Every
divine
principle
is
manifest
in
this form. "This is a human form in which
every divine entity, every divine principle, that is
to say, all the names and forms ascribed by man to
God, are manifest.... Do not allow doubt to distract
you; if you only install, in the altar of your
heart, steady faith in my divinity, you can win the
vision of my reality. Instead, if you swing like the
pendulum of a clock, one moment towards devotion and
another towards doubt, you can never succeed in
comprehending the truth and win that bliss. You are
very fortunate that you have a chance to experience
the bliss of the vision of the Sarvadaivathwa
swaroopam (the form that is all forms of the
Gods) now, in this life itself." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai on the
occasion of the World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai
Seva Organizations. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter - 19. Page: 99-100.
Supra-worldly
divinity in Human form. "…Let Me draw your
attention to another fact. On previous occasions
when God incarnated on earth, the bliss of
recognising His Divine nature was vouchsafed only
after the Avatâra had left the world, in spite of
plenty of patent evidences of His grace. And the
loyalty and devotion they commanded from men arose
through fear and awe, at their superhuman powers and
skills, or at their imperial and penal authority.
But, ponder a moment on this Sathya Sai
Manifestation; in this age of rampant materialism,
aggressive disbelief and irreverence, what is it
that brings to It the adoration of millions from all
over the world? You will be convinced that the basic
reason for this is the fact that this is the
Supra-worldly Divinity in Human form." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai, on the
occasion of the World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai
Seva Organizations. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter - 19. Page: 100.
You
cannot
understand
the
nature
of
my Reality. "Since at this place those who
have devotion are gathered and people of all nations
have come, I cannot but tell you one fact. World
conferences dedicated to religion or spirituality
have no doubt been held before; also, conferences of
followers of particular faiths. But these have been
held only after the demise of the founders and
divine inspirers. This is the very first time that a
World Conference is held, of persons devoted, while
the incarnation is present before every one, with
the body assumed for the purpose, bearing the name
that is chosen for it by Itself.
I must tell you this fact, because ninety-nine
persons out of hundred among you do not know my
Reality. You have come here drawn by diverse needs,
a taste for spiritual matters, eagerness to develop
the institutions to which you are attached,
admiration or affection, love or reverence or a
spurt of enthusiasm to join others and share with
others your own exultation.
In truth, you cannot understand the nature of my
Reality either today or even after a thousand years
of steady austerity or ardent inquiry even if all
mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short time,
you will become cognizant of the bliss showered by
the divine Principle, which has taken upon itself
this sacred body and this sacred name. Your good
fortune which will grant you this sacred opportunity
that is far superior to what was available to
anchorites, monks, sages, saints and even
personalities embodying facets of divine Glory!" - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai on the
occasion of the World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai
Seva Organizations. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII, Chapter - 19. Page: 98-99.
Do
not get deluded. "Since I move about with you,
eat like you, and talk with you, you are deluded
into the belief that this is but an instance of
common humanity. Be warned against this mistake. I
am also deluding you by my singing with you, talking
with you, and engaging myself in activities with
you. But, any moment, my Divinity may be revealed to
you; you have to be ready, prepared for that moment.
Since divinity is enveloped by humanness you must
endeavor to overcome the mâyâ (delusion)
that hides it from your eyes." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 17th May 1968 in Mumbai on the
occasion of the World Conference of S'rî Sathya Sai
Seva Organizations. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- VIII. Chapter - 19. Page: 99.
My
power is immeasurable… "My power is
immeasurable; My truth is inexplicable,
unfathomable. I am announcing this about Me, for,
the need has arisen. But, what I am giving you now
is only the gift of a 'Visiting Card!' Let Me tell
you that emphatic declarations of the truth by Avatâras
were made so clearly and so unmistakably only by
Krishna. In spite of the declaration, you
will notice in the career of Krishna that He
underwent defeat in His efforts and endeavors on a
few occasions; you must also note that those defeats
too were part of the drama which He had planned and
which He Himself directed. For example, when many
Kings pleaded with Him to avert the war with the Kauravas,
He confessed that His Mission to the Kaurava Court
for ensuring peace had 'failed!' But, He had not
willed that it should succeed! He had decided that
war would be waged! His Mission was intended to
punish the greed and iniquity of the Kauravas and to
condemn them before the whole world.
Now, I must tell you, that during this Sai Avatâr,
there is no place for even such 'drama' with scenes
of failures and defeats! What I will, must take
place; what I plan must succeed. I am Truth; and
Truth has no need to hesitate, or fear, or bend." -
Bhagavân's
Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII, Chapter
- 38. Page: 227-228.
'Willing'
is
superfluous
for
Me…
'Willing'
is superfluous for Me. For, My grace is ever
available to devotees who have steady love and
faith. Since I move freely among them, talking and
singing, even intellectuals are unable to grasp My
Truth, My Power, My Glory, or My real Task as Avatâr
(divine descent). I can solve any problem however
knotty. I am beyond the reach of the most intensive
inquiry and the most meticulous measurement. Only
those who have recognised My Love and experienced
that Love can assert that they have glimpsed My
Reality. For, the Path of Love is the Royal road
that leads mankind to Me." - Bhagavân's Discourse
on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII, Chapter
- 38. Page: 228.
Do
not
attempt
to
know
Me
through… "Do not attempt to know Me through
the external eyes. When you go to a temple and stand
before the image of God, you pray with closed eyes,
don't you? Why? Because you feel that the inner eye
of wisdom alone can reveal Him to you. Therefore, do
not crave from Me trivial material objects; but,
crave for Me, and you would be rewarded. Not that
you should not receive whatever objects I give as
sign of grace out of the fullness of love." - Bhagavân's
Discourse on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore.
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII. Chapter
- 38. Page: 228.
Why
argue over Me? Who exactly is the Baba, you
discuss and debate?! What does it matter to you who
I am? You are concerned about your goal, your ideal,
your experience, your effort, is it not? Why then
worry about My Origin, My Nature, My Mystery, My
Miracle? When you cannot grasp your own basic
reality, why waste time in exploring the essence of
Godhead? As a matter of fact, you can understand Me
only when you have understood yourself, your own
Truth.
The gross can grasp only the gross; its categories
of knowledge can proceed only as far as that. Fish
die when they have to breathe the air above the
water. Children can learn the alphabet only with the
help of boards, slates, pencils and pieces of chalk.
Sâdhakas (spiritual aspirants) going through
the primers of spirituality need symbols, images and
rituals. You cannot discard Name and Form until you
transmute yourself into the Nameless and Formless;
just as the fish needed water and could not come up
into the atmosphere, so long as they did not
transmute themselves into land animals, giving up
their aquatic nature. That is the reason why the
Nameless and Formless has often to assume Name and
Form, and come before humanity with limitations
imposed by its own Will, so that it may be loved,
respected, worshipped, listened to and followed; so
that the purpose of humanity may be fulfilled. - Bhagavân's
Discourse on 4th March 1962 in Prashaanthi Nilayam
on the occasion of Mahâ-S'ivaratri. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - II, Chapter-31. Page:
164-165.
The
chief
characteristic
of
Sathya
Sai
is… "The chief characteristic of Sathya Sai is
equanimity, forbearance, sahana (fortitude).
There are many who are engaged in criticism and
calumny. Many papers publish all types of writings.
Many pamphlets are printed. All kinds of things
happen in the world. My reply to all these is a
smile. Such criticisms and distortions are the
inevitable accomplishments of everything good and
great. Only the fruit laden tree is hit by stones
thrown by greedy people. No one casts a stone on the
tree that bears no fruit!" - Bhagavân's Discourse
on 22nd Nov 1981 in Poornachandra Auditorium,
Prashanthi Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol. - XV, Chapter - 33. Page: 179-180
You
too
have
the
Sai
principle
in you … "It is impossible for anyone to
understand or explain the meaning and significance
of Swami. This is an Incarnation which is beyond
anyone's comprehension. Trying to explain Me would
be as futile as the attempt of a person who does not
know the alphabet to read a scholarly treatise, or
the attempt to pour the ocean into a tiny waterway.
You can at best only prepare yourself to receive and
benefit by the ananda I confer, the bliss I
grant.
You too have the Sai principle in you, but the
difference is a matter of 'wattage'. You have bulbs
of zero watt power and also bulbs of high wattage
giving dazzling light. The same electric current
passes through them no doubt, but, how
incomprehensible must be the 'Supreme' for the
molecule. - Bhagavân's Discourse on 9th Oct 1970
in Prasanthi Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol. - X, Chapter - 28. Page: 170-171.
Even
if
the
entire
world
opposes
Me unitedly… "Embodiments of Love! Even if the
entire world opposes Me unitedly, nothing can affect
Me. My mission is essentially Mine. I am engaged in
doing good. My heart is ever full of benediction. I
have no ego. I do not own anything. This is My
truth. Those who have faith in this, My Truth, will
not hesitate to dedicate themselves to it. Those who
have doubts and defects react with anger and fear.
But the person with no doubt and defect will not
react so. I am aware of this and so I am always in Ananda
(bliss)." - Bhagavân's Discourse on 22nd Nov
1981 in Poornachandra Auditorium, Prasanthi Nilayam. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XV, Chapter - 33. Page:
180.
The
Divine has to reveal Itself. "The Divine is
now denoted by various words that are common
currency in limited human vocabulary. They name
phenomena revealing the Divine as 'miracles',
'magic', 'wonders', etc. Of course, man cannot
contain in his mind more than he can hold. He cannot
express in words the inexpressible. Only those who
have dived deep and contacted the underlying
principle of Love can visualize Divinity with some
clarity. The Divinity that is Me has not been
acquired or earned, nor has it been added or evinced
after the lapse of some years, in the middle of this
life. The Divine has to reveal Itself through these
manifestations, largely shaped and modified by the
nature of the times, the region and the cultural
environment. The signs and wonders that I manifest
are given names that do not convey the purpose or
effect. They can be called chamathkaara
(that which is inexplicable), that lead on to samskaara
(refinement), which in turn urge one on towards paropakaara
(helping others) and finally result in saakshaathkaara
(vision of the divine)." - Bhagavân's Discourse
on 23rd Nov 1976 in Prasanthi Nilayam. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XIII, Chapter - 25.
Page: 164-165.
Few
have
realized
My
purpose
and
significance. "I never exult when I am
extolled, nor cower when I am reviled. Few have
realized My purpose and significance; but I am not
worried. When things that are not in Me are
attributed to Me, why should I worry? When things
that are in Me are mentioned, why should I exult? I
am Ananda, Shaantham, Dhairyam (Bliss,
Equanimity and Courage). Take Me as your Aathma
thathwam (principle of the spirit); you won't
be wrong. Resolve from this day to see only the good
in others, to develop the good in yourselves. That
is the best sâdhana (spiritual practice)." -
Bhagavân's
Discourse on 30th March 1965 in Rajahmundry, Andhra
Pradesh. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - V, Chapter - 23. Page: 128-129
My
power.
Do
not
exaggerate
the
significance of miracles. "You elaborate in
your lectures the unique powers of Sai, the
incidents that are described as 'miracles' in books
written on Me by some persons. But I request you not
to attach importance to these. Do not exaggerate
their significance; the most significant and
important power is, let Me tell you, My prema
(love). I may turn the sky into earth, or earth into
sky; but that is not the sign of Divine might. It is
the prema, the sahana (fortitude)
that are my unique signs. When you attempt to
cultivate and propagate this love and this
fortitude, trouble and travail will clog your steps.
You must welcome them, for without them, the best in
you cannot be drawn out." - From Bhagavân's
Discourse on the occasion of World Conference of Sri
Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, in Mumbai, on 17th
May, 1968. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 98.
The
power of Sai is limitless. "The physical eyes
cannot visualize the Truth. It gives only false and
fogged information. For example, there are many who
observe My actions and start declaring that My
nature is such and such. They are unable to gauge
the sanctity, the majesty and the eternal reality
that is Me. The power of Sai is limitless and
inexhaustible. All forms of 'power' are resident in
this palm." - Bhagavân's Discourse on 19th June
1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore Reference: "Sathya
Sai Speaks", Vol.- XII, Chapter - 38. Page: 226
Always
be
mindful
of
My
true
nature… "People may be very near (physically)
to the Avatâr, but they live out their lives unaware
of their fortune; they exaggerate the role of
miracles, which are as trivial, when compared to My
glory and majesty, as a mosquito is in size and
strength to the elephant upon which it squats.
Therefore, when you speak about these miracles, I
laugh within myself out of pity that you allow
yourself so easily to lose the precious awareness of
my reality..." - Bhagavân's Discourse
on 19th June 1974 in Brindavan, Bangalore. Reference:
"Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - XII, Chapter - 38. Page:
227.
My
Activities You can observe Me and My activities…
"You can observe Me and My activities; note how I
adhere to righteousness, moral order, truth and
universal compassion. That is what I desire you to
learn from Me. Many of you plead for a 'Message'
from Me, to take to the Samithi (Sai centre) of
which you are members. Well, My life is My message.
You will be adhering to My message if you so live
that your lives are evidence of the dispassionate
quiet, the courage, the confidence, the eagerness to
serve those who are in distress, that My life
inspires you with." - From Bhagavân's
Discourse on the occasion of World Conference of Sri
Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, in Mumbai, on 17th
May, 1968. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol.- VIII, Chapter-19. Page: 96-97.
I
need nothing… "I need nothing, however great
or small, in this Universe. At no moment has desire
affected me for any thing or activity. I have come
to give, not to receive. And, what you can offer Me
is just this: pure, unadulterated love. When you
offer Me that, I derive Ananda." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 23rd Nov 1974, Prasanthi
Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - XII, Chapter - 53. Page: 311.
My
activities are not for publicity. "My
activities are not for publicity or propaganda or
even to confer joy on others! They are for
conferring joy primarily on Me! I have no need to
please others and to earn approval or appreciation.
For, I and you are not distinct entities; you are I
and I am you. I am the current that flows into every
bulb and illumines it. Those who see Me as separate
are seeing falsehood. I am in your hearts; you are
in mine. Don't be misled into doubt and distress." -
Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 20th July 1972, Prasanthi
Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - XI, Chapter - 43. Page: 281-282
I
do not need any publicity… "I do not need any
publicity, nor does any other manifestation of the
Lord. What are you daring to publicise? Me? What do
you know about Me, I ask you? You speak one thing
about Me today and another tomorrow. Your faith has
not become unshakable! You praise Me when things go
well and blame Me when things go wrong. You flit
from one refuge to another. And even before your
bhakti (devotion) ripens, you strive to lead
others, you collect donations and subscriptions and
plan mandirs (temples) and sangams (associations);
all this is mere show, which brings spiritual loss,
rather than spiritual gain. When you start publicity
you descend to the level of those who compete in
collecting clientele, decrying others and extolling
themselves. Where money is calculated and garnered,
and exhibited to demonstrate one's achievements, I
will not be present. I come only where sincerity,
faith and surrender are valued." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 15th Oct. 1964, Prasanthi
Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - IV, Chapter - 35. Page: 210
My
activities
and
movements
will
never
be altered… "My activities and movements will
never be altered, whatever one may say about them.
Meanness may prompt people to remark on My dress or
they may talk cynically of My hair, but I shall not
be affected a bit. My discourses, My plans for
Dharmasthaapana (establishment of
righteousness), My movements, I shall not alter in
the least. I have stuck to this determination for
many years now and I am engaged in the task for
which I have come, to inculcate the path of Prasanthi
(supreme peace). I shall not stop, nor retract a
single step… Not even the greatest scientist can
understand Me by means of the categories to which he
is accustomed. I always smile at those who deride
Me, and even those who praise Me. I am always full
of happiness, whatever may happen. Nothing can come
in the way of My Smile. Derision and calumny only
tend to make it grow bigger and more joyful." - Bhagavân
Baba's Discourse on 30th Nov 1965, Prasanthi
Nilayam. Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks",
Vol. - V, Chapter - 42. Page: 234-235.
'Shirdi
Sai, the first incarnation of the Sai Avatâr,
giving Udi'
Baba
singing the Gâyatrî Mantra / Text
Sathyam Shivam
Sundaram
The Life of Bhagavân S'rî Sathya
Sai Baba
written by N. Kasturi.
Interview
with journalist - September 1976
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