The Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Baba teaches that man's basic nature is divine and that the purpose of life is the realisation of this divinity. This will occur, He says, by leading a moral life, by rendering selfless service to those in need, by engaging in devotional practices, and by developing love, respect, and compassion for all life. As one strives to transform the worldly life of self-centered desires and attachments into a higher spiritual life of selflessness and devotion, the foundation is built for receiving God's Grace. It is this Grace that will reveal our true nature to each of us.
He reminds us that mankind is unique among all of God's Creation; human beings are capable of recognising that they emanate from God. We have the capacity to commune with God by turning inward. Ultimately, it is our destiny to merge with God. Sathya Sai Baba teaches that all religions are expressions of these same universal principles.
"All
men are of one lineage, of one divine origin.
Therefore, recognize the divinity in each being and
banish all limiting thoughts and projections."
"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 and He is Omnipresent."
Sathya Sai Baba does not recommend that we become ascetics and retreat from the world. Instead, He teaches us that the world is our school, that the five human values (Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Nonviolence) are our curriculum, and that the realisation of the unity of Godliness in the diversity of Creation is our ultimate lesson.
"Love
in thought is Truth;
Love in action is Right Conduct;
Love in understanding is Peace;
Love in feeling is Nonviolence."
Sathya Sai Baba urges all His devotees to comply with the "Nine-Point Code of Conduct" and to practice a "Ceiling on Desires" for their spiritual development, as described below:
The
Nine-Point Code of Conduct
1.
Daily meditation and prayer.
2. Group devotional singing or prayer with family members once a
week.
3. Participation in Sai Spiritual Education by children of the
family.
4. Participation in community service work and other programs of the
Organisation.
5. Regular attendance at the Centre's devotional meetings.
6. Regular study of Sathya Sai Baba literature.
7. The use of soft, loving speech with everyone.
8. Not speaking ill of others, especially in their absence.
9. Practicing placing a ceiling on desires "consciously and
continuously striving to eliminate the tendency to waste time, money, food, and
energy" and utilising the savings for service of mankind.
Sathya Sai Baba teaches that one should not waste time, food, money, or energy. A program called "Ceiling on Desires" has been created to encourage aspirants to practice these principles.
"The
object of the program is to prevent waste of money, time, food or other
resources and to use all these for the welfare of the people. The money that is
saved need not be kept for the Sathya Sai Organisations. It may be used in the
best way you choose for the benefit of others. Do not waste time. Time wasted is
life wasted. Time is God. Sanctify all the time at your disposal by undertaking
service (seva) activities in a
pure and unselfish spirit."
Sathya Sai Baba also emphasizes that man has important obligations to society. He stresses the importance of performing one's duty in society for the benefit of all. It is the society that can provide an environment and a foundation for people to grow spiritually more easily. His teachings on serving society are summarized in His "the ten guiding principles":
1.
Love and Serve your country. Do not be critical of others' countries.
"Have a sense of pride in your motherland. Just as your mother has given birth to you, so too the land has given birth to you. Whatever country you belong to, you should have a sense of patriotism. You should not indulge in criticising other countries or people belonging to other nations. Having trust and faith in your own country, you won't try to put down any other country. Never bring grief or sorrow to your country. To have pride in one's own motherland is important."
"Never have hatred toward any religion. Honour and respect all religions equally. Even as you are a citizen of your motherland but respect all countries, also respect all religions equally."
"Develop a sense of the brotherhood of man. Look upon each person as your own brother. There is only one caste, the caste of humanity. All of us belong to the human race, so everyone is equal. Therefore, love each one equally."
"Keep your own house and its surroundings pure and clean. This hygiene will keep you healthy and benefit your worldly life."
"Be discriminating when dispensing charity. In the name of charity or philanthropy, we tend to do injustice to this country. Charity does not mean that the land should be full of beggars. We can provide some support and means for the beggars, but provide food, clothing, and other conveniences in such a way that you are not encouraging laziness and begging."
"Never give or take a bribe. Giving bribes, or accepting bribes, is contrary to the very name of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations. Bear this in mind continuously."
"We must seek ways to solve difficulties such as hatred, envy, and jealousy. To curb this sense of envy and jealousy, we must develop a broader outlook. Do not differentiate on the basis of race, caste, creed, or country. Follow your cultural and religious customs in your own home, but do not attempt to impose them on society. Rather than this, love each person as your own brother, not seeing him as belonging to another creed, religion, or country."
"Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations should do things by
themselves; they should not depend on others. You may be very wealthy and have
servants and assistants to help in a few tasks, but your own work you must do
yourself. If you wish to be of service to society, serve yourself first. One who
will not serve society has no right to belong to a Sri Sathya Sai
Organisation."
9. Observe your country's laws and be exemplary citizens.
"Never ever go against the law of the land. Follow the letter of the
law. The members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisations should follow the law in
spirit also, and be models for the government."
10.
Adore God, abhor sin.
"My
Life Is My Message"
While Sathya Sai Baba teaches that we must find God within our own hearts, many feel drawn to Prashanti Nilayam to see and hear Him and receive His blessings. He walks daily among the assembled people who come to see Him in an activity called Darshan (sight of a holy person). During this time, He takes letters, gives advice, and grants personal interviews. He touches the hearts of all who come, some through personal interactions and others by the powerful impact of simply being in His presence. Often, people come to see Him with doubts and apprehensions and return home with love in their hearts, peace in their minds, and the capacity to live a more giving, spiritual life.
As people are inspired by His love, they seek to emulate the example He sets. In fact, He invites people to study and observe Him as He lives a life of selfless service for all.
"You
can observe Me and My activities; note how I adhere to righteousness, moral
order, truth, and universal compassion. That is what I desire you to learn from
Me ... My Life is My Message."