We are especially grateful to Ms. Charlene Leslie-Chaden for her timely and kind permission to use information from her book A Compendium of Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba (A compendium of TSSB).

The web site www.sathyasai.org.com was also a great source of help.

We are grateful to Mr. Dwarika Nath Maharaj(B.A.,M.Ed.) who put everything aside like a true devotee and graciously proof read this manuscript in preparation for publication. Bhagwan Baba worked through all the many people who helped in this publication. May he bless them eternally.

We thank Bhagwan Baba for allowing us this opportunity to serve by way of this publication.

Jai Sai Ram

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FOREWORD

“One need not drink the whole ocean to taste it, a drop will give the taste,” says Baba.

This booklet has been compiled to whet the appetite by giving a taste of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The material presented in it has been carefully selected with a view to introducing Bhagwan Baba to the reader who has just heard of Baba. Even serious and seasoned devotees of Baba upon reading this booklet, will have their faith strengthened. Many books are available which attempt to answer the question “who is Sai Baba?” However, this booklet is intended to provoke the reader to further inquiry. Ultimately, each individual discovers Baba in his own time.

A glimpse of Baba’s life is shown through His major tangible Works, His Mission, His Miracles, His Teachings and a sample of His ornate speeches. Most of what you will be reading will be His exact words even about Himself when he made divine declarations. Subtler than His major works and even more significant is His transformation of the minds and hearts of His devotees through Love. Bhagwan Baba says “Love is My form” and truly we come to realize this as we learn about Him through our experiences both direct and indirect. “Love is My greatest Miracle,” He says, “My Love for you is that of a thousand mothers”. This can be experienced and understood in Prasanthi Nilayam as He walks in darshan lines talking, consoling ,commanding and condemning as he guides us, through His infinite Love and Compassion.

The section on prophecies may cause eyebrows to be raised but these are all well documented and have been thoroughly investigated by professionals who in their turn were skeptics and “doubting Thomases.”

New devotees or people who have just heard about Bhagwan Baba will on reading this booklet have a clearer perspective of this divine phenomenon. All references have also been included so that the reader can now avail himself of the pertinent source books to get the context of all quotations. Bhagwan Baba has given discourses on every spiritual subject over time so that the range of information is vast to say the least. The discerning reader will be delighted to learn of the range of available literature concerning Bhagwan Baba and about what He has said. Baba Himself has said in Jnana Vahini “ Knowledge is acquired by uninterrupted inquiry”.

In service, with humility & love.

Gita Seepersad.

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SATHYA SAI BABA — a short history —

Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in South India, on November 23, 1926. As a child, he demonstrated exemplary qualities of compassion, generosity, and wisdom, which clearly distinguished him from the other children of his village.

On May 23rd, 1940, at the age of 14, he declared to his family and to the people of his village that he would henceforth be known as Sai Baba and that his mission was to bring about the spiritual regeneration of humanity by demonstrating and teaching the highest principles of truth, righteous conduct, peace, and divine love.

His mission was further amplified in a letter he wrote to his brother in May 25th, 1947. “I have a task,” he said, “To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of bliss. I have a vow: To lead all who stray away from the straight path again into goodness and save them. I am attached to a work that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.”

Sai Baba’s ashram, built by his devotees close to the village where he was born, was inaugurated on November 23, 1950. It is called Prasanthi Nilayam (the Abode of Divine Peace). It has been the gathering place of millions of spiritual pilgrims of various faiths from all over the world. Every day, Sai Baba graciously walks among them to guide, comfort, console, and uplift them.

The small temple dedicated in 1950 has grown into a spiritual oasis of unprecedented magnitude. The temple and the darshan area in front of it, which is completely covered by a beautiful roof, together encompass an area that is over 10,000 square yards. During the period 14 -23 November 1995, the celebrations of the 70th birthday of Sathya Sai Baba took place in Prasanthi Nilayam. More than one million people, including the President and Prime Minister of India, assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam to pay homage to Sathya Sai Baba during the 70th birthday celebrations.

He teaches by example. He says ‘ First be, then do, then tell’.

His greatest miracle is Love. He is able to radiate Love to tens of thousands at the same time morning and evening without fail in the physical form, over the last sixty one years, without even one day off. No one has ever seen Sai Baba sleeping .

He advises that “Service to man is service to God”. “Hands that help are holier than lips that pray”. He advocates ‘free education, free drinking water and free medical facilities for all”. He is doing this by example of His massive water project, His many hospitals and many educational institutions from primary to University level are all free of charge. Some of his works are listed later on for your information.

“Religion is three-quarters character. ‘No person can claim to be religious if he merely observes the sacraments and rules, and fails to be upright and compassionate. He performs many Miracles on a daily basis including healing the incurable, raising the dead on numerous occasions, materializing vibuthi (sacred ash) and many articles of gold, silver, diamonds and other precious metals. He is known not only to materialize objects but to dissolve them as well. Only God is capable of this act of creating and dissolving. All this He does without any fanfare or attempt to advertise, in other words, without ego. ‘Man without ego is equal to God’, He says. You will read more about His Miracles and what Baba Himself has to say about them later on in this booklet.

His greatest Gift is Liberation itself. Every moment of the life of this Avatar is spent trying to teach mankind how to achieve this Gift. In brief He has given the Nine point Code of Conduct, and the Ten fold Principles of Life as a guide.

The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organization has been formed to assist man in this noble and supreme task of attaining Moksha or Liberation.

“The main objective of the Sathya Sai Organization — which you must always keep before you — is to help man recognize the divinity that is inherent in him.”

“ So, your duty is to emphasize the One, to experience the One in all you do or speak. Do not give any importance to differences of religion or sect or status or color. Have the feeling of one-ness permeate every act of yours. Only those who do so have a place in this Organization; the rest can withdraw.” Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Speaks IX, 35, 187-188.

There is not a single sector of social life which has not benefited from His healing touch. He finds time to perform marriages, name babies, perform the thread ceremony, reform and spiritualise education, provide food and medical relief and organise aid during calamities. His concern for humanity and human virtues gets translated into everyday action. On special occasions he clothes and sumptuously feeds the hungry. At all time, even in the midst of His heavy, hectic schedule, He speaks with great love to everyone making them immeasurably happy. His work is stupendous in conception, timely and steady in its realisation, and victorious in its results. “This Avatar will not fail in its Mission,” He says for “everything happens by My will.” Here are some of His sayings (may be repeated later) which will give you a glimpse of His teachings.

“ Truth is what I preach

Dharma is what I practise

Prema is my form

Shanti is my nature”.

“Love All, Serve All”.

“Help Ever, Hurt Never”.

“ There is only one caste - the caste of Humanity.

There is only one religion - the religion of Love.

There is only one language - the language of the Heart.

There is only one God - He is Omnipresent.

There is only one law - the law of Dharma.”

“Politics without principles, education without character, science without humanity, and commerce without morality are not only useless but positively dangerous.”

“Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, let the glory of God be sung in all the languages, in a variety of tunes, that should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognise them as valid as far as they do not extinguish the flame of Unity.”

“If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.

When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world”.

“So, your duty is to emphasize the One, to experience the One in all you do or speak. Do not give any importance to differences of religion or sect or status or color. Have the feeling of one-ness permeate every act of yours. Only those who do so, have a place in this Organization; the rest can withdraw”.

Sathya Sai Speaks IX, 35, 187-188.

He urges people who are interested in making spiritual progress to become vegetarian.

He materialises Vibuthi very often as a cure to a particular ailment or assistance to devotees on the spiritual path.

He has raised the dead on many occasions. These have been accurately documented. The first documented case was that of Dr. Walter Cowan. His wife later built the entire hostel for the Whitefield College as an offering to Baba. She was given a robe by Baba and eventually placed it on the wall of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Marabella which incidentally was the first Sai Centre in the West Indies.

Another documented case was that of Radha Krishna. On one of his visits to Baba’s Ashram in Prasanthi Nilayam he passed away. His family members had tremendous faith in Baba and waited for His decision. On the third day following his death when his body was already in an advanced state of decomposition Baba went into the room where the body was kept and came out with Radha Krishna alive. Needless to say Radha Krishna was free from all disease and enjoyed good health until he passed on.

He has given us the five values of Sathya (truth), Dharma (Right conduct), Shanti (peace), Prema (love) and Ahimsa (non-injury) as guides. However His teachings are captured in several series, namely “Sathya Sai Speaks,” the “Vahini Series” and “Summer Showers” as you will see later on in this booklet. Also through the journal ‘Sanathan Sarathi’ (Eternal Charioteer), which was started in 1958, Swami’s divine discourses are providing enlightenment and eliminating ignorance.

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SATHYA SAI BABA - HIS WORKS

Sathya Sai Baba is a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world to turn God-ward and to lead more purposeful and moral lives. His timeless and universal teachings, along with the manner in which he leads his own life, are attracting seekers of Truth from all the religions of the world. Yet, he is not seeking to start a new religion. Nor does he wish to direct followers to any particular religion. Rather, he urges us to continue to follow the religion of our choice and/or upbringing.

Sathya Sai Baba publicly declared his mission on 2oth October, 1940, at the age of 14. Since then, he has daily exhibited in practical and concrete terms the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. He has often stated, “My life is my message.” Each day, hundreds of pilgrims make their way to the tiny hamlet in southern India where Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram (spiritual headquarters) is located. They come not only from India but from virtually every country of the world. Over the years, followers have organized to foster the construction of a variety of buildings and facilities to house and otherwise accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors. The name of Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram is Prasanthi Nilayam, which means “abode of the highest peace”.

Sathya Sai Baba interacts with all people on a heart-to-heart basis. There are no intermediaries between himself and those who yearn for knowledge and experience of God. Every day for more than 60 years, Sathya Sai Baba has walked among and talked with the spiritual pilgrims who gather around him in increasing numbers. He offers solace and inspiration to all sincere seekers of truth. One of the injunctions in the Nine point Code of Conduct is to do (seva) selfless service to humanity. By example He has done extensive work on Education, Health Care and Water Supply to villages free for all. Sathya Sai Baba has given His life, selflessly and magnanimously, to the service of mankind. Some aspects of these three projects are listed for your information.

EDUCATION

Sathya Sai Baba places great importance on proper education for young people. Parents and community leaders are urged to concern themselves with the informal as well as the formal experiences to which their children and young adults are exposed.

He has established a model education system, which includes primary schools, secondary schools, and an accredited university with three campuses, (Puttaparthi, Whitefield, and Anantapur).

Undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees are offered. No fees are charged to students, and admission is open to all, regardless of race, religion, or economic condition.

In addition to emphasizing the pursuit of academic excellence, Sathya Sai Baba’s system of “integral education” is designed to foster self-discipline and pro-social conduct. Students are required to take courses on morality and spirituality and to devote several hours each week to some form of community service. Sathya Sai Baba says that “the end of education is character.”

“ The nations progress and good name are dependent on the behavior of the students. Students are the foundation of the nation, hence their conduct should be exemplary.”

Baba has said that “the present education system does very little for the purification, the enrichment and the spiritual unfoldment of man. It has merely brought society to the brink of disaster. Education must help to weaken all narrow loyalties and strengthen the aspiration for establishing a world, peaceful and prosperous ; it must promote in the individual consciousness ,unity and tolerance and equality. Education without character, science without humanity, commerce without morality are useless and dangerous.”

Girls and boys are kept in separate schools without compromise.

Baba has said much about education. Some quotations are listed hereunder.

“ Any system of education that does not help…. to discriminate between right and wrong, that does not instill the fear of sin and the love of God, that does not train you in the codes of humility and reverence, that does not widen the horizons of your wonder, nor encourage you to worship fully, nor serve your skills and attainments to the progress of your family, village, community, country language and nation stands condemned. The corruption and cruelty that are rampant can be traced to this grave defect. As science and technology advance, humility and love should also develop to the same extent; otherwise, man becomes a menace to man.” A compendium of TSSB p 163

“ Who are responsible for this? In the home, the parents are responsible, in schools and colleges, the teachers and outside, the Governments which have failed to provide a proper system of education and the administrators who have not recognized their obligation to train young people on right lines. The responsibility thus rests on all of them and not on any single agency. In the homes, the parents should teach the children to cultivate good qualities and noble ideals. Bookish knowledge alone is not enough. It is superficial and not practical. Students need also general knowledge and common sense.

Teachers! Inspire your students by your example. Give no room for anger, jealousy or hatred within you. Teach the children the three P’s: Purity, Patience, Perseverance. Armed with these three qualities, they can protect the nation better than any army or atom bombs. When Truth and Righteousness are protected, the nation will be secure. Truth is God. This is true for all countries, everywhere, without regard to nationality or creed. Both Truth and Righteousness transcend barriers of space and time Right education leads to refinement of conduct. With refinement of behavior, one’s life gets sublimated. Good intellect alone can lead to happiness which is the source of peace. Proper education brings about association with good people. The company of the good is peace itself. Good education redeems one’s life and ensures liberation as a consequence.” A Compendium of TSSB p 165-166..

“The end of education is character, and the end of knowledge is love”.

—Sathya Sai Baba, in Sathya Sai Speaks IX, Chap. 43, 219 (old edition).

“Education must teach a person what life is and its goal. It must purify the heart and clarify the vision. It must prevent pollution of the heart and hands by habits injurious to the individuals, the society and the nation. It must promote virtues and raise the moral and spiritual standards of the educated.

There is an ancient maxim that says education imparts humility; humility ensures credibility; credibility brings wealth; wealth induces charity; charity confers peace and joy, here and here-after”.

“Education must include the education of the mind of man, of his impulse to hoard, to fight to defame. It is not merely the acquisition of certain skills, by which the materials found in nature can be reshaped into utility products; it is not merely the acquisition of information, about laws of nature”.

“Education should serve to teach you two things: What is life and how you should live. Life is not mere existence. It must be lived for a purpose, an ideal. A life without ideals is utterly worthless. Only character and humility can lend meaning to life. Students should strive to develop these qualities”.

“If you cannot use education to be near the feet of the Lord, what is the purpose of this knowledge? You must have God in your heart and recognise all living beings as equal. You must make every effort to overcome the four obstacles, namely lust, anger, attachment and greed”.

“Do not tarnish the spotlessly clean minds of children by creating distinctions between one child and the rest. Impart instruction equally, sympathetically, and with equal care to all. Select stories from the scriptures of all religions in order to interest children in the values of good life. Speak to them of the moral heroes of the lands, the saints of all faiths and all climes”.

“True education consists of sanctifying everything you utter and every action and thought of yours”.

SATHYA SAI SPRITUAL EDUCATION

Education, or Sai Spiritual Education, is one of the three wings of the Sai Organization (the other two being Devotion and Service). It is sometimes called Education in Human Values, the primary values being divine love, truth, peace, duty (dharma), and nonviolence.

“ Spiritual education for children (Bal Vikas) can serve children of all faiths. Do not talk about the differences in religions in the beginning; stress the obvious similarities. Bring to the pupils the common good advice about human conduct that is contained in the scriptures of all religions”.

—Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Speaks IX, Chap. 1, 10; X, Chap. 22, 107; X,

Chap. 33, 210 (old edition).

“ Spiritual education is not a separate and distinct discipline. It is part and parcel of all types and levels of education”. Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Speaks IX, Chap. 50, 257 (old edition).

“Children are precious treasures; our task is to rear them to become devoted servants of God”.

Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Speaks II, Chap. 34, 293 (old edition).

The whole world has been looking for an effective way to inspire and educate the children of this generation in order to reverse the present trend of violence, crime, substance abuse and apathy. In this regard the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Program, a curriculum for character development was introduced.

Sathya Sai Education in Human Values, is a multi-cultural, multi-faith, self-development Program designed for children and young people all over the world. It is a simple educational tool designed to help develop positive values in the young so that children and young adults become fit for life, and not just for earning a ‘good’ living.

The Program is rapidly spreading in popularity and has been developed and culturally adapted for use in numerous countries, across all continents around the world.

Over 175 countries now use the Sathya Sai Spritual Education in Human Values Program at a local (Center level) if not national level.

Another program for “ integrating Human Values in Education “ has been introduced by the Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Trust. This program attempts to fuse the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values with the existing School programs. The success of this program far exceeded all human expectations .Teachers are trained by members of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation , and they in turn train the students. This program is commonly referred to as EHV or “Education in Human Values”

The EHV program has received a favourable response from UNESCO, whose Director General in 1985, Mr. Frederico Mayor, gave the Program recognition, and wished it success in furthering the cause for world peace through education. In September of this year 2000, UNESCO is participating in the World Conference for Education in Human Values (EHV) in Prasanthi Nilayam in the presence of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. UNESCO is doing this with the hope of instituting Sai Baba’s EHV program throughout the world.

How does the Sathya Sai Spiritual Education Program work?

In today’s multi-cultural and multi-racial society, with its changing social norms and expectations, it can be difficult for a young person to know what is right.

The Program is therefore designed to help young people to be in touch with their own feelings and nurture awareness with the qualities within themselves which form good character and behaviour.

It is not the purpose of the Program to dictate the actions of the individual, but rather, to offer them a secure base from which they may arrive at their own informed decisions.

The Program seeks to draw out the basic human values of right conduct, peace, truth, love and non-violence, which are inherent in the fundamental make up of the human personality. It is these eternal core values which raise man above the level of the animal kingdom and are indeed shared and recognized world wide. Learning takes place through lesson plans based on practical, meaningful and fun activities using the five components of:

· Stories – about life, identity & relationships;

· Quotations, poems and prayers;

· Songs and music;

· Silent sitting – exercises leading to inner calm and peace;

· Activites e.g. drama, discussion, games,

role play, community service, etc.

In working through the lessons that comprise these components, the importance of the triple partnership for education becomes apparent: teachers will inspire children in their schools, if they are value conscious adults; parents’ example affects the conduct of their children; and children when reaching a certain age need self-discipline to balance their generally natural exuberance.

SATHYA SAI BABA AND HEALTH CARE

Health is an essential requisite for man; it is the very root of all endeavor in the four fields of human achievement: dharma, wealth, desire, and liberation. – Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba has built an ultra-modern 300-bed hospital close to the university and ashram. Highly specialized operations, including open-heart operations and kidney transplants, are performed routinely. There is absolutely no charge to the patient for professional or hospital expenses. Motivated by the desire to serve humanity, doctors, nurses, and workers in the hospital render extraordinary, compassionate, and loving care to all patients.

In addition He has established other Hospitals in other parts of India where the services are free of charge and available to all . Presently another hospital is being constructed in Whitefield, Bangalore.

SRI SATHYA SAI INSTITUTE OF HIGHER MEDICAL SCIENCES

Prasanthi Nilayam Tel: 91-8555-87388

Anantapur Dist. Fax: 90-8555-87544

Andhra Pradesh 515134, INDIA

The Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, which opened on 22 November 1991, the day before Swami’s birthday, provides heart, kidney, and eye surgery. The hospital is entirely free to all patients. Nothing is ever charged for operations, doctors, nurses, room, or board. It is located in Puttaparthi, close to the Sri Sathya Airport.

Swami’s words on the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences:

“When any educational or medical institution is established, the sole aim is to make a business of it. There are few who are ready to set up institutions to provide free facilities for the poor. Therefore, from the start we decided to set up a hundred-crore hospital near Prashanti Nilayam. Even as higher education is free here, ‘higher medicine’ also will be free. People spend some lakhs to get heart surgery done in the U.S. What is the plight of the poor? Who looks after them? If they go to the cities, they will not get even basic medicine. Recognizing this fact, we have launched this big hospital project. Whether it is heart bypass operation, a kidney transplant, a lung operation, brain surgery or eye surgery, everything will be done free. This has been decided upon from the very start of the project. The hospital will be opened on November 22, 1991."

Declaration on establishing the Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,23 November 1990.

“Puttaparthi has become the cynosure of all eyes in the world. Above all, you should enquire why a highly sophisticated and most modern hospital, which should be located in a well-developed metropolis, has been set up in this rural area. The wealthy can go anywhere and get medical relief with their abundant resources. But the rural poor cannot go far from their villages for treatment. It is for the sake of such poor folk that this hospital has been established. This is a gigantic project. It is intended to benefit people for a thousand years. This hospital has been set up to provide relief to villagers suffering from ailments. No distinction is made, however, between villages and cities. Diseases do not afflict only villagers. Sickness makes no territorial distinctions. Likewise, there will be no differentiation in providing relief. Our intention is to provide relief to all who come, without any charges whatsoever”.

SRI SATHYA SAI DRINKING WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

“Avatars are engaged in selfless service (seva); that is why Avatars happen. Offering service to mankind pleases Avatars … I am active and busy twenty-four hours a day … I have never craved a minute’s rest or sleep or relief.” –Sathya Sai Baba, in Sathya Sai Speaks X, Chap. 19, 123,; VII, Chap. 59, 350; VI, Chap. 58, 288 ( old edition)

This page will highlight Sathya Sai Baba’s project, begun in 1994, which brought water to more than 700 villages in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh (where Prashanti Nilayam is located). This project was directed by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and carried out by Larsen & Toubro Limited, with the collaboration of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The project cost over U.S. $63 million, which was donated to the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust without any kind of solicitation.

For the moment, here are some statistics on the project.

Project Highlights

No.of villages covered 750

Population covered 900,000

Design population 1,250,000

Project cost US $63 million

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SATHYA SAI BABA – HIS MESSAGE

Sathya Sai Baba encourages us to recognize who we are. We are not these physical bodies. We are the eternal spirit that temporarily occupies these minds and bodies. We can appreciate and become who we really are by turning inward with faith in God and in intense yearning to know Him. Our conscience is a reflection of the eternal spirit. Sathya Sai Baba tells us that our conscience is our master. When we follow our conscience, our thoughts, words, and deeds will be noble and consistent. Spirituality is having the courage and the determination to follow our conscience in all things and at all times. In doing so, we recognize that we are all united in God. We are bound together by divine love.

“I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have come to tell you of this universal, unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of love, this duty of love, this obligation to love. Every religion teaches man to fill his being with the glory of God and to evict the pettiness of conceit. It trains him in the methods of unattachment and discernment, so that he may aim high and attain spiritual liberation. Believe that all hearts are motivated by the one and only God; that all faiths glorify the one and only God; that all names in all languages and all forms man can conceive denote the one and only God. His adoration is best done by means of love. Cultivate that attitude of oneness between men of all creeds and all countries. That is the message of love I bring. That is the message I wish you to take to heart.”-SSS Vol. VI - p. 185

“Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, and let the glory of God be sung in all the languages and in a variety of tunes. That should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognize them as valid as long as they do not extinguish the flame of unity.”

SATHYA SAI BABA—THE ESSENCE OF HIS TEACHINGS

At the age of 14, Sathya Sai Baba declared to his parents that he had come to this world with a mission to re-establish the principle of Righteousness, to motivate love for God and service to fellow man. Since then, he has consistently called on all mankind to “Love All, Serve All” and has repeatedly asserted that the essence of all scriptures is “Help Ever, Hurt Never!”

Through his speeches and writings, Sathya Sai Baba has offered a veritable ocean of knowledge and guidance on all aspects of spiritual, religious, and value-oriented living. He has often repeated that it is not necessary to drink the whole ocean to know its taste, that it is not necessary to read all scriptures to live a life of joy, peace, and love. It is enough to put into practice one aspect of spiritual teaching.

A few drops of the ocean of Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, an attempt to encapsulate its essence, follows. Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba while placing the Sai movement throughout the world on a firm footing with established Universal Principles such as those shown below has also proclaimed as a guiding light for a devotee’s spiritual and personal development - the Nine Point Code of Conduct and the Ten Principles.

Universal Principles

· Belief in GOD- for there is only ONE GOD for all mankind - though He may be called by many names.

· Follow sincerely their respective religions and live their daily lives in consonance with the teachings of good behavior and morality.

· Respect all other religions – for no religion advocates the negative and lower qualities of man.

· Perform selfless service to the poor, the sick, and the needy without thought of reward or fame.

· Cultivate in their lives the values of truth, divine love, right conduct, peace, and non violence and promote these values among all.

· Be patriotic and respect the laws of the country in which they live.

Nine point code of Conduct

· Daily meditation and prayer.

· Devotional singing/prayers with family members once a week.

· Participation in educational programs (Bal Vikas) conducted by the Organisation for children.

· Attendance at least once per month at group devotional programs conducted by the Centre.

· Participation in community service and other programs of the Organisation.

· Regular study of Sai literature.

· Putting into practice the principle of ‘Ceiling of Desires’ and utilize any savings thereby generated for the service of mankind.

· Speak softly and lovingly with everyone.

· Avoid talking ill of others especially in their absence.

Ten Principles

· Treat as sacred the land in which you were born. Have patriotism to your nation- but do not criticise other nations or put others down. Not even in your thoughts or dreams.

· Respect all religions equally.

· Recognise the Brotherhood of man — treat all as brothers — Love all.

· Keep your house and surroundings clean - for this will promote hygiene and health and help you.

· Practice charity - but do not encourage beggars by giving money. Provide food, clothing, shelter and help them in other ways (do not encourage laziness).

· Never give or take a bribe - never give in to corruption.

· Curb envy and jealousy, expand your vision and outlook, treat all equally regardless of caste or creed.

· Try and do as much as possible by yourself. You may be wealthy and have servants, your servants can help, but service to society must be done by yourself.

· Have and cultivate’ Love for God and Fear of Sin - Have hatred for Sin’.

· Never go against the Law of the land - follow these diligently - both in word and in the spirit. Be an exemplary citizen.

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Experience me — Do Not try to understand me —

“ 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 provide you this chance, is greater than what was available for anchorites, monks, sages, saints and even personalities embodying facets of Divine Glory”!

A Compendium of TSSB p446

“There was no one to know who I am until I created the World at My pleasure, with one Word! Immediately, mountains rose up; oceans, seas, land and watersheds, sun, moon, and the desert sand sprang out of nowhere to prove My existence. Came all forms of being, men, beasts and birds—flying, speaking, hearing. All powers were bestowed on them under My orders. The first place was granted to mankind and My knowledge was placed in man’s mind”. Loving God p372

“Each new day should be celebrated to remind everyone of their divine nature and of the unity of their existence. God is the embodiment of time. Everything is found in God, time is the very soul of God. Your real focus must be only toward God. When you know God, you know everything. Unfortunately today, many of you have forgotten the Creator and are focused on that which is created. Only if you can really understand the Creator then you can understand the creation in the fullness of all of its aspects”. A Compendium of TSSB p99

“See in me, yourself, for I see Myself in you. You are My life, My breath, My soul, You are all My forms. When I love you, I love Myself. I separated Myself from Myself and became all this so that I may be Myself. I wanted to be Myself, that is, Anandaswarupa, Premaswarupa (embodiments of limitless Divine Love and limitless Divine Bliss). That is what I am and I wanted to be that. How can I be Anandaswarupa and Premaswarupa? And give Anand and give Prema? And to whom am I to give Anand and to whom am I to give Prema? So I did this. I separated Myself from Myself and became all this.”

A Compendium of TSSB p500

“I have resolved to enfold the people of the world in the fostering care of Universal Love. . . . . . . . For the world is my mansion and the continents are the halls therein. I have come to inscribe a golden chapter in the history of humanity, wherein falsehood will fail, truth will triumph, and virtue will reign. Character will confer power then, not knowledge or inventive skill, nor wealth. Wisdom will be enthroned in the councils of the nations. Do not be misled. It is not my purpose to strike men dumb by the display of miraculous might. I have come to confer the boon of blessedness, the benediction of bliss, as the reward for genuine spiritual endeavor, and to lead mankind to Liberty, Light and Love”. My Baba and I. p138

“Love is My distinctive mark, not the creation of material objects or of health and happiness, by sheer exercise of will.

You might consider what you call miracles as the most direct sign of divinity, but the Love that welcomes you all, that blesses all, that makes Me run to the presence of the seekers, the suffering and the distressed in distant lands or wherever they are, that is the real sign. It is that which declares that I am Sai Baba.

Prema is My task, My Mission, My breath.” Baba Sathya Sai part 11 p 148

“You can understand me only if you understand yourself, your own Basic Truth.

You must see, hear, study, observe, experience, reflect; then only you can understand Me.

You will learn that I am Prema itself; that I give only one thing, Ananda, through that Prema. My task is to distribute solace, courage and santhi. That is to say, My characteristics are the ancient authentic ones; only the Manifested Form is new.”SSS Vol 11 p 152

“Sarva roopa dharam, saantham

Sarva naama dharam, sivam

Sat – chit – ananda roopam, adwaitam

Sathyam Sivam Sundaram.

I am all forms ascribed to the Almighty: I am the Embodiment of Perfect Peace. I am known by all the names through which the Almighty is addressed and adored by man. I am the Embodiment of Goodness : I am Being – Awareness - Bliss, Atma, the one without a Second, Truth, Goodness, Beauty.” Digest p 70.

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YOUR REALITY

“Every man seeks to achieve unalloyed happiness (Ananda) through some means or other and engages himself in ceaseless efforts for this purpose. But pure happiness eludes him because he does not know its real nature and where to find it. Ananda cannot be found in the phenomenal world, or in material objects like houses, wealth and vehicles, or got from kith and kin. When the Bliss he is seeking is his own true nature , what is the use in seeking it elsewhere ? True happiness consists in realizing one’s Reality.

Your Reality is the Atma (God viewed as the particular), a wave of the Paramatma (God viewed as the Universal). The one object of this human existence is to visualize that Reality, that Atma, that relationship between the Wave and the Sea. All other activities are trivial; you share them with birds and beasts; but, this is the unique privilege of Man. He has clambered through all the levels of animality, all the steps in the ladder of evolution in order to inherit this high destiny. If his years between birth and death are frittered away in seeking food, shelter, comfort and pleasure as animals do, man is condemning himself to a further life sentence.” A Compendium of TSSB p445

“The yearning for God should be nourished. Qualities such as back-biting, spreading scandal and searching for the faults in others are not human but demonic. People should cultivate good thoughts, good words, good hearts and good conduct. This is the way to God. That man is redeemed who follows this path.” A Compendium of TSSB p394

“Recognize the Divinity that is manifested in the Cosmos. All things in Nature observe their laws with undeviating regularity. The sun and the moon, the seasons observe their respective laws. Man alone violates the laws of his being. Animals obey their instincts and have their seasons for regulating their lives. Man is the exception. He needs to be taught the rules of right living (Dharma). He has to cultivate morality and integrity. There is only one way by which this can be done. It is by the spiritual path. Without spirituality, man cannot discover the light within him.” A Compendium of TSSB. p394

“Never stray from the path of right, whatever the trouble or temptation. Do not loosen the grip; do not turn back. Do not allow faith to be upset. If you attach importance to riches or children or fame or fortune, you are thereby announcing that you are devoted, not to God, but to riches, children, and the rest. If you are devoted to God, how should you manifest that devotion? Let me tell you how. By manifesting divine qualities, divine virtues, divine love, divine strength. Become Sai; be Sai.” A Compendium of TSSB p394

“I will not ask you to give up your critical faculty; evaluate, discriminate, experience, and analyze your experience. Then, if you are convinced, accept. Devotion, Action and Knowledge are three doors to the same Hall. Some come this way, some that, but all enter the same Hall. The knowledgeable man (jnani) sees everything as the Divine Substance; the devoted man (bhakta) sees everything as the divine play (leela) of God; the man who acts intelligently and without attachment to the result of his actions (karmayogi), sees everything as service of the Lord. It is all a question of aptitude and taste, as well as the stage of development of reason and emotion… When the grace of the Lord is won.

Wisdom will prevail and the delusion of separateness will be recognized to be powerless.

How can this Wisdom be won? By a slow, systematic process, eliminating all limiting factors: greed, lust, pride, envy, hate, and all that snaky brood of possessive instincts and impulses; by the educative influence of Dharma, the body of rules laid down by the experience of living; by study, rumination, and practice; by analysis of the experiences of the waking, dreaming, and sleeping stages; by learning to be a witness of all this passing show without getting involved in its tangles; by overcoming all trends that divide and differentiate.

In a flash of insight, I recognize the effort which is required of us in the ascent from the ordinary mind to the over-mind. It is as Baba has told us, ‘You take one step toward me, I will take one hundred toward you.’ When we make the effort to remove the sheaths which seem to separate us from Him, He will step forward to meet us, hold out his hands, and say, “I will take that.” A Compendium of TSSB p394-395

“Strive –that is your duty. Yearn—that is your task. Struggle –that is your assignment. If only you do these sincerely and steadily, God cannot keep back for long the reward of realization.” A Compendium of TSSB p395

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UNITY OF FAITH

“All faiths are inter-related and mutually indebted to each other for the principles they teach, and the disciplines they recommended. The Vedic Religion was the first in time; Buddhism which appeared about 2,500 years ago, was its son; Christianity, which was influenced much by the Orient was its grandson. And Islam, which has the Prophets of Christianity as its base was like the great-grandson. All have Love as the fundamental discipline of the mind, in order to chasten it and merge man with the Divine”. SSS VOL VII B Chap 15 p 113.

“ There is only one caste - the caste of Humanity.

There is only one religion - the religion of Love.

There is only one language - the language of the Heart.

There is only one God - He is Omnipresent.

There is only one law - the law of Dharma”.

“ Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, let the glory of God be sung in all the languages, in a variety of tunes that should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognise them as valid as far as they do not extinguish the flame of Unity.”

“Listen to the primeval Pranava AUM resounding in your heart as well as in the heart of the Universe”.

“Offer all bitterness in the sacred Fire and emerge grand, great and godly”.

“Remember the Wheel of Cause and Consequence, of Deed and Destiny and the Wheel of Dharma that rights them all”.

“Cut the ‘I’ feeling clean across and let your ego die on the Cross, to endow on you Eternity”.

“Be like the Star which never wavers from the Crescent but is fixed in steady faith.”

“Names may be different, but the Almighty Providence is denoted as Absolute and Eternal. The terminology may be different, but the concept is not. Bhagwan is referred to as Allah and prayer may be called Namaz, pundits may be known as Khajis and scholars may be hailed as mullahs. The Vedas may be in the form of the Holy Koran ,but the undercurrent of energizing power in all cases is Love; Love towards all beings. The founders always had in view the Unity of all life and the progressive march of man towards Divinity.”

“It is sad that instead of uniting mankind in a common endeavor, Religion has become a system of walled enclosures, guarded by fate and fanaticism. So, each religion is an armed camp, sunk in self- aggrandizement, trying to wean others into itself and prevent defections from its ranks. Religion, therefore, is being condemned as the root cause of chaos and conflict. In spite of great progress in many other areas of life, religious animosity is aflame even today in many parts of the world. It has to be emphasized that religion is not the root cause of the state of affairs. The factious and fanatic hatred are due to the unruly ego that is given free play. Religion strives to destroy just this vicious tendency; so, it has to be supported and not condemned. What has to be condemned is the narrow, perverted attitude of hating those who do not agree with ‘us’ or hold different opinions of the mysterious force that animates the Universe.”

“The motive behind the formation and propagation of all these different faiths is the same. The founders and propagators were all persons filled with Love and Wisdom. Their goal, their target, their purpose and their aim were all the same. No one had a design to divide, disturb or destroy. They attempted to do good, see good and be good.” A Compendium of TSSB p459

“It is because the doctrine of human unity based on the spiritual oneness of all beings , is not propagated in the right manner that we have today many divisions leading to many conflicts.

Creeds, ritual, religion and different theologies are all derived from man’s yearning for the vast Reality beyond - and flow in the thousand different forms, fertilizing many fields, calming many communities, refreshing tired people and, at last , carrying people to the ocean of Bliss.”

“The mysteries of creation are marvellous. When two persons meet at any time or place, the differences between them are patent. Their forms and manners differ. They differ in their cleverness and intelligence. Their opinions also vary. Without understanding what underlies these differences, the materialist thinker emphasizes the differences. Today, a growing number of intellectuals, ignoring the unity that underlies the diversity, propagate the cult of differences. The good persons who realize the unity behind the apparent diversity are dwindling in numbers from day to day. This is highly unfortunate.”

“Man’s foremost task is to recognise the unity that underlies the multiplicity. If one enquires into the matter with a pure and unselfish mind, one will see what is common to all beings. Birth and death are common to all men. Hunger and thirst are experienced by every person. These are truths that apply to all persons, whether they are destitutes or millionaires, whether they are scholars or ignorant men.” A Compendium of TSSB p601

“Forbearance is a potent instrument. Dharmaraja (the eldest of the Pandavas) was able to score many victories with the weapon of forbearance. Forbearance is not a sign of weakness or cowardice. No other weapon has the power of forbearance. It should not be used only as an individual instrument. It has to be experienced collectively also. That is the reason why the scripture has commended collective forbearance at the very outset of the spiritual quest. What is its inner meaning? ‘Let us live and move in harmony. Let us grow together. Let us cherish the wisdom that we have acquired together. Let us live in complete harmony without any misunderstanding.’ Therefore, do not have any misunderstanding amongst you. All of you should live in amity as the children of one mother.” A Compendium of TSSB p600

“Unity is vital for all, wherever they are and whatever their country, religion or sex. Love should be the unifying force…..Teachers! Promote the sense of human unity among all people, without regard to race, religion or caste.”

A Compendium of TSSB p600

“When individuals change, society will change. And when society changes, the whole world will change. The welfare of the individual is bound up with the welfare of society as a whole. Unity is the secret of social progress, and service to society is the means to promote it. Everyone, therefore, should devote himself to such service in a spirit of dedication. One who does not dedicate himself to such work is like a rusting machine. Concern for one’s own welfare and prosperity should not blind one to one’s social obligations or spiritual destiny….A society in which the individuals are concerned only about material welfare will not be able to achieve harmony and peace.” A Compendium of TSSB p602

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THE SAI ORGANIZATION

The inspiration of Sathya Sai Baba’s example and message of unselfish love and service has resulted in the establishment of over 1,700 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 175 countries throughout the world. This number is ever increasing.

The Sathya Sai Baba Centers constitute a genuine spiritual movement. We are moving away from body consciousness and selfishness to God consciousness and selflessness. We are moving away from a world in which force maintains order, away from a world in which selfish goals are the foundation of human interactions and institutions. We are moving toward a world where acknowledgement of and love for God results in the harmonious and loving interaction of all members of the holy human family. Love is the fuel for our spiritual movement. The quality and constancy of our love determines the speed and duration of our journey.

The members of Sathya Sai Centers are united by a common bond - -love of God – and a common goal – spiritual growth. Center activities include the study of the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba and the sacred literature of all religions, group devotional singing, spiritual meditation, and selfless service to the community, society, the world, and the environment. The membership includes people from all walks of life and the Center programs are compatible with all the major religions. There is never a fee for membership in a Sathya Sai Baba Center, and members are never required to purchase books or materials. Donations are never solicited. Books are sold all over the world through the Organisation at cost price.

“When an organization has started, it has to lay down for itself certain rules and regulations. But our rules are of a different nature altogether. Our rules emphasize that members must first put into daily practice what they stand for. Whatever you desire others to do , you must first put into daily practice sincerely and with steadfastness.

The organization must be such that members find them congenial places to deepen their spiritual discipline (Sadhana), to cultivate their virtues, to overcome their ego, by contact with workers who are free from the least trace of that deadly poison”. Sathya Sai Baba Sathya Sai Speaks VI, 7, 35-36.

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WORLD REGIONS OF THE SAI ORGANIZATION

Region 0: India

Region 1: United States

Region 2: Latin America & Puerto Rico

Region 3: Europe North. Austria, Belgium, Belo Russia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.

Region 4: Europe South. Bosnia & Herzegovenia, Croatia, Italy, France, Greece, Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Rep. of Yugoslavia.

Region 5: UK & Ireland

Region 6: New Zealand, Fiji, & Pacific Islands

Region 7: Australia & Papua New Guinea

Region 8: Far East. Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia.

Region 9: Far East II

Region 10: Far East III. China PRC, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan ROC.

Region 11: Canada

Region 12: West Indies

Region 13: Africa I

Region 14: Africa II

Region 15: Sri Lanka

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VEGETARIANISM

“Today, let it be anyone, whether one deems himself a devotee or not, he should give up meat eating. Why? Meat eating promotes only animal qualities. It has been well said that the food one consumes determines one’s thoughts. By eating the flesh of various animals, the qualities of these animals are imbibed. How sinful is it to feed on animals, which are sustained by the same five elements as human beings! This leads to demonic tendencies, besides committing the sin of inflicting cruelty on animals. Hence, those who genuinely seek to become devotees of God have to give up non-vegetarian food. Calling themselves Sai devotees or devotees of Rama and Krishna, they fatten on chickens. How can they be deemed Sai devotees? How can God accept such a person as a devotee? Therefore, whether they are devotees in India or outside, they should give up from this instant meat eating… those who aspire to become true devotees of God have to give up meat, liquor and smoking.” A Compendium of TSSB p609.

“It is a fact that plants also have life like animals. But animals are endowed with mind, and nervous systems too while the plants do not possess the same. The animals cry and weep when they are being killed. It is not the case with plants; as such, equating killing of animals and destruction of plants is faulty logic. Further, killing the animals and eating their flesh leads to the creeping or dissemination of the animal qualities and behavior into the man (meaning that man acquires beastly qualities by eating animal flesh). Thus follows our acquiring beastly qualities- Tamasic nature-of the buffaloes or the sheep. Hence, meat eating should be discarded. Food conditions the nature of the mind. Mind guides the thinking. Thinking results in action. Action leads to commensurate or matching results and effects. This chain of action between the food we eat and the result of our action highlights the fact that meat eating leads to beastly action and the concomitant evil effects.” A Compendium of TSSB p609.

“Meat is all right for those who concentrate on the body and want to have strength, but for spiritual aspirants it is not good.” A Compendium of TSSB p609.

“There should be some regulations with regard to food. Many doctors emphasize the value of proteins and recommend meat, eggs, etc. Proteins in this form build the body but do considerable harm to the mind. Doctors are primarily concerned with the gross, physical body. They pay little attention to the subtle form of the mental makeup. Most of the diseases that are prevalent in the world today are related to the mind. Mental illnesses seem to outnumber physical ailments. The Vedas have declared that the mind is the cause of bondage or liberation. This means that the mind has to be used properly and turned godward. Equally, the mind is responsible for health or sickness. In this context, food is all important. Proteins are present in milk, curds and vegetables as well as in meat. If, in the matter of diet, the doctors give the right prescription, diseases can be averted.” A Compendium of TSSB p609.

“Research has revealed that non-vegetarians and alcoholics are more prone to heart ailments than vegetarians. If the vegetarian food consumed is balanced and wholesome, it should contain liberal amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E, which are available in vegetables like carrots, etc. The presence of these vitamins prevent heart ailments in large measure. Every effort should be made to keep the human body healthy. Health is wealth. The acquisition of wealth cannot be enjoyed by a person with poor health. Health is more important because it gives physical and mental strength.” A Compendium of TSSB p609.

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VIBHUTI – ASH

“Vibhuti is the most precious object in a truly spiritual sense… (it represents the burning of desires that agitate the mind and cause confusion.) When there is no desire to warp the mind, love will be true and full. What greater offering can you give to God to glorify Him than the ash signifying your triumph over desire? Ash or vibhuti is the ultimate condition of things; it cannot undergo any further change….. It should inspire you to give up desire and offer to God the ashes of destruction of tantalizing desires as the most valuable of all the articles you have earned. Ash cannot fade as do flowers in a day or two; it does not dry and disappear; it will not lose its color as leaves do in just a few hours; it does not rot as fruits after a few days. Ash is ash forever and ever. So burn your vile tendencies, your vices, your bad habits. Worship God, rendering yourself pure in thought, word and deed.” A Compendium of TSSB p612

“What I materialize is a manifestation of divinity with a potent significance as well as symbolism. It is symbolic of the cosmic, immortal and infinite nature of all forms of God, Atma or the spirit – that is what is left when everything worldly, transient and changeable has burnt away. I have spoken to you of the imperative of desireless life. After Siva has burnt the God of desire