Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a globally revered spiritual teacher and leader. Respected by millions, He is also known as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sai Baba, Swami, Bhagawan, Lord or simply as Baba.
Born on 23rd November 1926 as Sathyanarayana Raju, many recognise Him as a complete incarnation of the Divine. On 20th October 1940, at the age of 14, He made the historic declaration about His ‘Divine Advent and Mission’ to his family and the people in the village. He has since been known as Sathya Sai Baba, and the world at large began to awaken to His divine advent.
Seven years later in 1947, he wrote a letter to his brother explaining:
“I have a task: 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.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba emphasised that all human beings are divine and that the goal and purpose of this life is to realise this. He said by practising spirituality and leading a love-filled and selfless life filled with good values, man can reach the pinnacle of His own divinity and come to the realisation that all are divine and united. He declared This formula for humans to lead a meaningful life is summarised in following the universal human values of: truth (sathya), right conduct (dharma), peace (shanthi), love (prema) and non-violence (ahimsa).
He has inspired millions through humanitarian work, leading by example and His motto of ‘Love All, Serve All’. His timeless and universal teachings have attracted seekers from all walks of life, faiths, cultures and nationalities, inspiring them to lead constructive, value-driven and fulfilling lives.
What is His message? Love All
In Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Discourse (speech) on 4th July 1968 in Nairobi, Kenya, He stated:
“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/soul), this path of love.”
What is His mission? Serve All
Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s words ‘my life is my message’ have motivated devotees, followers and interested observers to help and serve others regardless of their race, creed, nationality or colour.
“Embodients of the Divine Atma! You have to recognise that life is meant for selfless service and not to be lived for selfish purposes. Only through such service can the oneness of mankind be experienced. Unselfish service is the sheet-anchor of Karma Yoga (Divine dedication through Action). The basis of Yoga is disciplining the mind and the body through disinterested service.”
(Sathya Sai Speaks; Vol 20, Ch 26: 19 November 1987)
His belief that service should be provided for those worse off than ourselves and/or those neglected by society has crystallised through successful programmes in Medicare, Sociocare, Aquacare and Educare.