athya Sai Baba (1926-2011) was an Indian spiritual leader who was considered by his followers to be a reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, a saint who lived in the 19th century. Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India. He began to exhibit miraculous powers at a young age, and soon attracted a large following of devotees. Sai Baba taught a message of love, compassion, and service to others. He also performed many miracles, including materializing objects out of thin air and healing the sick. Sai Baba died in 2011 at the age of 84. He is still revered by millions of followers around the world.
Early Life
Sathya Sai Baba was born on November 23, 1926, in Puttaparthi, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India. His parents were Pedda Venkappa Raju and Eashwaramma. Sai Baba’s birth was surrounded by miraculous events. According to his followers, a bright light appeared in the sky at the time of his birth, and a shower of flowers fell on the village. Sai Baba himself said that he was born to fulfill a divine mission.
Miracles
Sai Baba was said to have performed many miracles during his lifetime. He was known to materialize objects out of thin air, such as jewelry, watches, and fruits. He also healed the sick and performed other miracles, such as levitation. Sai Baba’s followers believed that these miracles were proof of his divinity.
Teachings
Sai Baba taught a message of love, compassion, and service to others. He said that the purpose of life was to achieve God-realization. He also taught that one should live a simple and honest life, and that one should always be kind and compassionate to others.
Devotees
Sai Baba attracted a large following of devotees from all over the world. His devotees came from all walks of life, and included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths. Sai Baba’s devotees believed that he was a divine incarnation, and that he was here to help humanity.
Criticism
Sai Baba was also criticized by some people. Some people accused him of being a fraud, and of using his miracles to deceive people. Others accused him of sexual abuse. Sai Baba denied these allegations, and his followers defended him.
Legacy
Sai Baba died on April 24, 2011, at the age of 84. He is still revered by millions of followers around the world. His legacy is a complex one, and he is still a controversial figure. However, there is no doubt that he was a powerful spiritual leader who had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people.
References
- Brockington, J. L. (2002). The sathya sai baba movement: A study in Indian religiosity. New York: Routledge.
- Kasturi, N. (1972). Sathya Sai Baba: A life. Puttaparthi: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust.
- Sai Baba, S. (1971). Sathya Sai Speaks. Bombay: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.
- Sai Baba, S. (1984). Discourses on the Bhagavad Gita. Puttaparthi: Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust.
- Sai Baba, S. (1993). Sathya Sai Baba: The Holy Master. Bombay: Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.
- Smith, W. C. (1993). The world’s religions: Our great wisdom traditions. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.