| Sri Sathya Sai Baba (1926-2011) | | Print | |
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Sathya Sai Baba was a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world to turn God-ward and to lead more purposeful and moral lives. His timeless and universal teachings, along with the manner in which he lead his own life, are attracting seekers of Truth from all the religions of the world. Yet, he did not seek to start a new religion. Nor did he direct followers to any particular religion. Rather, he urged those who visited him to continue to follow the religion of their choice and/or upbringing. Sathya Sai Baba taught that "There is only one race, the race of humanity; There is only one language, the language of the heart; There is only one religion, the religion of love; There is only one God, he is omnipresent and called by many names." In 1940, at the age of 14, Sathya Sai Baba publicly declared his mission, and until his last days on earth daily exhibited in pokies practical and concrete terms the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. He often stated, 'My life is my message.' While he was alive, each day, hundreds of pilgrims made their way (and still do) to the tiny hamlet in southern India where Sathya Sai Baba's ashram (spiritual headquarters) is located. They come not only from India but from virtually every country of the world. Over the years, followers have organized to foster the construction of a variety of buildings and facilities to house and otherwise accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors. The name of Sathya Sai Baba's ashram is Prashanti Nilayam means "abode of the highest peace." Sathya Sai Baba placed great importance on proper education for young people. Parents and community leaders are urged to concern themselves with the informal as well as the formal experiences to which their children and young adults are exposed. He established a model education system, which includes primary schools, secondary schools, and an accredited university with three campuses, offering undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees. No fees are charged to students, and admission is open to all, regardless of race, religion, or economic condition. In addition to emphasizing the pursuit of academic excellence, Sathya Sai Baba's system of "integral education" is designed to foster self-discipline and pro-social conduct. Students are required to take courses on morality and spirituality and to devote several hours each week to some form of community service. Sathya Sai Baba said that "the end of education is character." |