Sathya Sai Baba and Jesus
Sri Sathya Sai Baba n as Sathyanarayana Raju (23 November 1926 – 24 April 2011), was an Indian guru, spiritual figure, philanthropist, and educator. He claimed to be – and his followers believed him to be – the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a spiritual saint and miracle worker who died in 1918 and whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs.The materializations of vibhuti (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces and watches by Sathya Sai Baba were a source of both fame and controversy; devotees considered them signs of divinity, while skeptics viewed them as simple conjuring tricks.
in 1940, Sathya Sai Baba proclaimed himself to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi (pictured).
Sai Baba enjoyed tremendous popularity around the world – his photographs adorn millions of homes and dashboards of cars and lockets bearing his photo are worn by many as a symbol of good luck.
Sathya Sai Baba established many schools and colleges, hospitals, and other charitable institutions in India and around the world. The number of active Sathya Sai Baba followers was estimated in 1999 to be around 6 million,but The Economist estimated them as closer to 100 million. Since there are no formal ties of membership, the actual figure may never be known. The Sathya Sai Organisation reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries.
In India itself, Sai Baba drew followers from predominantlyupper-middle-class, urban sections of society who have the "most wealth, education and exposure to Western ideas." He was a cultural icon in India and drew an audience with presidents and prime ministers from India and beyond who became his devotees; in 2002, he claimed to have followers in 178 countries. In 2011, shortly before his death, he was listed by Watkins Review as one of the 100 most spiritually influential people in the world.
While many will remember him for his miracles, Sai Baba himself paid little heed to that. His greatest achievement, he said, was the transformation of the human psyche, the real mission he said he was here for.His lessons are well documented, in almost all languages. The scope of these lessons is what makes Sai Baba truly awesome – he had a true grasp of all the scriptures and made these easily available to all, including women.
Women, it is apparent, have a place of importance in Sai Baba’s teachings. His first school was for girls as he felt women needed that education to be able to make the right decisions. Women, he said time and again, were ready to lead the world. But he also demanded a lot of the women who followed his teachings – fortitude, compassion and understanding.
Sai Baba placed his faith in children for a better world. His organisation has a special wing where child development was taught. This wing is integral to the mission of service, devotion and education that he proclaimed around the world. The students from his various schools are making an impact worldwide, in various organisations, both commercial and social.
Sai Baba placed his faith in children for a better world. His organisation has a special wing where child development was taught. This wing is integral to the mission of service, devotion and education that he proclaimed around the world. The students from his various schools are making an impact worldwide, in various organisations, both commercial and social.
