SSSCT - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

You are in Sri Sathya Sai Baba > Baba on Himself

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.
“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 Vaishya (the business class), nor a Shudra (the working class); The appellations of Brahmachari (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.
“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.”

- Bhagawan 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 Avatar 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.”

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!”

- Bhagawan 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 Maya (delusion) that hides it from your eyes.”

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 Avatars 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 endeavours 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 Avatar, 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.”

- Bhagwan’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 Avatar (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.”

- Bhagwan’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.”

- Bhagwan’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. Sadhakas (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.

- Bhagawan’s Discourse on 4th March 1962 in Prashaanthi Nilayam
on the occasion of Maha Shivarathri
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!”

- Bhagawan’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.

- Bhagawan'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).”

- Bhagawan’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).”

- Bhagawan’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 Sadhana (spiritual practice).”

- Bhagawan’s Discourse on 30th March 1965 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Reference: "Sathya Sai Speaks", Vol. - V, Chapter - 23. Page: 128-129