Sri Sathya Sai Baba, born Sathyanarayana Raju on November 23, 1926 in Puttaparthi, India, became one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the 20th century.
His life was marked by miracles, healings, and a profound spiritual message that has touched millions of lives around the world. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has left an enduring legacy of love, compassion, and selfless service. His teachings continue to inspire millions of people to live a life of purpose and spirituality.
Through his message of unity and love, he invites us to see the divine in every being and to serve humanity with all our hearts.
Shirdi, the origin
“I am Sai Baba of Shirdi who has returned again. Earlier, I was mainly engaged in preparing food. Now I have come to feed you with food that will strengthen, nourish and purify you! Meditate on the Paramatman (eternal Soul) as the Guru!
If you consider the Paramatman as the Guru and perform the Sadhana (spiritual path) with unwavering love, the Lord Himself will appear before you and give you Upadesa just like a Guru. Or, He may bless you as a result of the Sadhana, you may find a sadguru (true guru).
It is not a sign of a sadguru to give Upadesa (instruction) to anyone who approaches him with praise, without considering the past and future; without finding out the capacity and impediments of the disciple, and his possibility of receiving it.”Know that I am Sai in reality,
Give up your worldly relationships,
Give up your efforts to hold Me,
Worldly attachments no longer bind Me.
No one, however great, can hold Me.
(Telugu poem)Declaration of Avatarhood – 20th October 1940
Recognizing the innate divinity in each person
“God takes human form when the inherent holiness in man is stifled, when the moral code and spiritual discipline laid down by the experience of the seekers of God are neglected, when man stoops to the level of the beast from which he had risen and becomes a menace to his fellow men.”
Sathya Sai Baba – Divine Discourse of 19 August 1965
“For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of the wicked and for the establishment of righteousness on a firm basis, I incarnate from age to age. Whenever disharmony (ashanti) overwhelms the world, the Lord incarnates in human form in order to institute the ways for attaining supreme spiritual peace (Prashanti) and to re-educate humanity anew in the paths of peace. At present, rivalry and discord have robbed the family, the school, society, religions, cities, and the state of peace and unity.
The advent of the Lord is also eagerly awaited by saints and sages. The spiritual aspirants (sadhus) have prayed, and I have come. My main duties are to promote the knowledge of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures) and to encourage the devotees. Your virtue, your self-control, your detachment, your faith, your steadfastness—these are the signs through which the world comes to know of My glory. You can claim to be devotees only when you have placed yourself completely and fully in My hands, without any trace of ego. You can enjoy bliss through the experience conferred upon you by the Avatar. The Avatar behaves in a human manner so that humanity may feel affinity, but He rises to His superhuman heights so that humanity may aspire to attain them, and through such aspiration actually attain Him.”Sathya Sai Baba – Divine Discourse of 23rd November 1968
“Recognising the Lord within you as the Motivator is the task for which He comes in human form.”
Sathya Sai Baba – Divine Discourse of 23rd November 1968
Parallelism between the teachings of Jesus and Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Unconditional Love and Compassion
Jesus: Jesus taught that unconditional love is the greatest commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). His life was an example of love and compassion toward all, especially the marginalized and needy.
Sathya Sai Baba: Sai Baba also preached unconditional love. “Love all, serve all” is one of his best-known mottos. He emphasized the importance of compassion and selfless service to humanity.Selfless Service
Jesus: Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, showing that serving others is an act of humility and love (John 13:14-15). He taught that the greatest among us is the one who serves others (Matthew 23:11).
Sathya Sai Baba: Sai Baba taught that “Service to man is service to God” (Manava Seva is Madhava Seva). He established numerous service projects including free hospitals and schools, promoting the idea that true service is that which is done without expecting rewards.Human Values Education
Jesus: Jesus taught fundamental values such as truth, peace, justice and love. His parables and sermons were filled with moral lessons that guided his followers towards virtuous living.
Sathya Sai Baba: Sai Baba promoted Human Values Education, emphasizing the importance of truth (Sathya), righteousness (Dharma), peace (Shanti), love (Prema) and non-violence (Ahimsa). He believed that education should form both character and mind.Unity of All Religions
Jesus: Jesus preached a message of love and salvation for all humanity, regardless of race, gender or social status. His message of love and redemption is universal.
Sathya Sai Baba: Sai Baba taught that all religions are different paths that lead to the same God. He promoted unity and harmony among the various religions, and festivals of all religious traditions are celebrated at his ashram.
Selected Quotes
Sathya Sai Baba’s words continue to inspire millions of people around the world. His quotes are a source of wisdom and spiritual guidance, offering profound insights into love, service and the purpose of life.
“Love all, serve all.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Help always, hurt never.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Help always, hurt never.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Human life is precious, don’t waste a moment on trivial things.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Education is for life, not just for earning a living.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Selfless service is the highest expression of love.” – Sathya Sai Baba
“Manava Seva is Madhava Seva” (Service to man is service to God). – Sathya Sai Baba