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Auckland, November 18, 2024
“I am always with you,
and you are forever with Me.
Remember that you are a fragment of Me,
Blaze forth My beloved child,
My divine love and energy,
emitting My light, reflecting Me.
Mine you are and evermore shall be…”
The State of Atma
God incarnates from the state of Atma (Universal Absolute Consciousness) to the state of Deha (Body), playing a specific role in His Cosmic Drama. The formless Lord took on an exceptional form as Sri Sathya Sai Baba, lovingly referred to as “Swami” and “Baba” by His devotees, on 23 November 1926 in Puttaparthi, India. With His dark hair, saffron robes, and an endearing smile, He uniquely embodied the Divine. His Leela (divine play) was written, directed, and brought to life solely by Him.
The Purpose of Advent
Swami’s purpose was clear and profound: to re-establish righteousness and repair the ancient path to God. He said, ‘This Sai has come to unite mankind through brotherhood and reveal the Divine Reality within each of us…’
His mission was not only spiritual but also practical: to show humanity the shared Divine heritage that connects all beings.
– Bhagawan Satya Saibaba
Unity of Faiths
Swami’s message was one of universal unity. He never sought to disturb or destroy any faith, but rather to deepen them. Defining His Mission, He mentioned, “I have come, not to disturb or destroy any faith, But to confirm each one in his own faith. So that, a Christian becomes a better Christian, a Muslim a better Muslim and a Hindu a better Hindu.”
His teachings transcended religion by focusing on the Unity of Faiths, uniting people through common values of Love and Selfless Service.
He had successfully united the faiths through the replacement of (1) Religion by Spirituality (2) Rituals by Service (3) Scriptures by Education in Human Values/Educare
The Essence of Divinity and Human Values
Swami’s teachings are summed up in two simple yet profound axioms: ‘Love All, Serve All’ and ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never.’
These are based on the Five Human Values: Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Right Conduct), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love), and Ahimsa (Non-Violence). Swami emphasised that living these values was the key to realising our innate Divinity. Knowledge without practice is incomplete, and only by embodying these values can we come to understand them truly.
Anyatha Sharanam Nasti
The Power of Faith and Devotion
Faith and devotion were at the heart of His teachings.
He encouraged his followers to cultivate steadfast faith in God and confidence is self yet surrender all the outcomes to the Divine will.
He often spoke of the transformative power of devotion (Bhakti) as a pathway to spiritual liberation. He said, “When you call upon God with true faith, He will certainly respond. Surrender yourself fully to Him, and He will take care of you.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the divine through prayer, meditation, and spiritual practices, while also teaching that true devotion involves living a life of love, service, and humility, reflecting divine qualities in our daily actions.
Maha Samadhi and His Legacy
On 24 April 2011, the world was shocked when Swami took Maha Samadhi, leaving His physical form behind. But in truth, He did not leave us. His teachings, His love, and His presence are still with us in many forms. His message lives on through each of us, a fragment of His Divinity. His grace continues to guide us, urging us to carry forward His mission of love, service, and unity.
Action Plan for us
To honour Swami’s teachings and live His message, we must (a) Cultivate constant awareness of God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence (b) Practice the Five Human Values: Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema, Ahimsa (c) Develop love for God, fear of sin, and maintain morality in society (d) Live by the guiding principles: ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never,’ and ‘Love All, Serve All’ (e) Listen to the ‘Inner Voice’ and follow its guidance (f) Make ‘Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu’ (Let all beings be happy) our life’s mission.”
The Sri Sathya Sai Global Council of New Zealand is committed to nurturing spiritual growth and promoting community service across the nation. Its initiatives span a broad spectrum of activities, including Community Service, Medical Services, Educational Programmes, Devotional Activities, and Unity of Faiths programs. Through these efforts, the Council strives to embody the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, fostering values of Love, Selfless Service, and Unity among all individuals.
“O Beloved Sai Maa, Divine Mother, we offer our eternal gratitude to You. With deep reverence, we bow at Your Divine Lotus Feet, knowing that Your infinite love continuously guides us. You are always with us, filling our hearts with Your boundless presence and wisdom.”
The above article was sent to Indian Newslink by Ravinder Grover, a Member of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council of New Zealand.
