In the news today:
Indian spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba, revered by millions of followers as a living god, died Sunday in a hospital. He was 86.
Sai Baba, who was admitted to hospital in his hometown of Puttaparti a month ago, died of multiple organ failure, media said.
His followers, estimated to number six million, included top Indian politicians, business tycoons and Bollywoods stars.
Sai Baba, with distinctive frizzy hair and always clad in his trademark saffron robes, ran schools and hospitals through trusts in numerous countries. Questions are likely to arise over the management of his substantial assets.
He was credited with mystical powers including conjuring objects out of thin air.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sai Baba's death was "an irreparable loss" to all.
Legions of followers, including top judges and bureaucrats, were expected to take part in his last rites, media said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13153536
In the news today:
Indian spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba, revered by millions of followers as a living god, died Sunday in a hospital. He was 86.
Some years ago there was a documentary about this chap, in which many people (males) alleged that he had sexually exploited them. Of course, such allegations could be made about anyone. But what interested me was that they interviewed a senior person in his organisation (an American), who said that he thought the allegations were probably true, but he didn't care, because being a living God Sai Baba could do anything he likes.
The documentary from 2004 was called "The Secret Swami" and was part of the BBC 'This World' series. It's on You Tube if you want to see it.
Some years ago there was a documentary about this chap, in which many people (males) alleged that he had sexually exploited them. Of course, such allegations could be made about anyone. But what interested me was that they interviewed a senior person in his organisation (an American), who said that he thought the allegations were probably true, but he didn't care, because being a living God Sai Baba could do anything he likes.
I actually know some of the background to this story. It's the sort of thing that the cynical, sex obsessed western media thrives on.
I was in the company of a great yogi at the time these stories were circulating, and someone asked him about these accusations. He laughed and said he understood what Sai Baba had been doing ( I was busy at the time and only had half an ear to the conversation, it was possibly something to do with adjustment of the energies of the base chakra), but he wouldn't have gone about it in the same way himself exactly because of what interpretations body conscious westerners would put on it. Apparently Sai Baba didn't give consideration to the lack of understanding of the person he was helping, or to the western media.
If Jesus were alive today I'm sure there would be a documentaries about him consorting with prostitutes and corrupt government officials. What the critics never do is read the teachings.
I remember this programme very well. For anyone who hasn't seen it, it's probably best to watch it.
[DLMURL] http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3767740320034777862# [/DLMURL]
Judy
Wikipedia give a fairly detached overview of Satya Sai Baba, which includes this...
One central theme of the BBC documentary was Alaya Rahm's sexual abuse allegations against Sathya Sai Baba. As per The Pioneer article published on 31 March 2009, Alaya Rahm filed a lawsuit against the Sathya Sai Baba Society in the Superior Court of California but withdrew his lawsuit on 7 April 2006 after indications that his challenge lacked merit.
The case was dismissed 'with prejudice', meaning it cannot be filed for the same claims again. No offers of monetary settlement were paid to Alaya Rahm. The Pioneer article also stated that neither Sathya Sai Baba, nor any organizations associated with him, have been charged or convicted with sexual abuse or any other crime in a court of law.
A personality like Satya Sai Baba was bound to draw negative criticism, whatever he did, especially in the age of the internet.
His primary teachings are:
- Love for all creatures.
- Service to others.
- Put a ceiling on one's desires.
- The world is maya (illusion), only God is real.
- Every person is God in form, though most do not experience this as their reality.
- Meditation - Baba teaches two techniques, so ham (Upanishadic mantra for repetition and focus) and jyoti (Light meditation).
- Inclusive acceptance of all religions as paths to realizing the One (God).
- Ahimsa (non-violence), shanthi (peace), dharma (right conduct, living in accord with natural law), and sathya (truth).
A personality like Satya Sai Baba was bound to draw negative criticism, whatever he did, especially in the age of the internet.
His primary teachings are...
Barafundle you are relating to him as a Bhakata,with a heart wide open. That is a privilege. I have known scores of Baba devotees. I few times, when I have gazed at his picture, I can only see a presence( or an absence - either way)
Same with most enlightened beings. Take Jesus, Mansoor. Take Osho. (That was before internet)The propaganda, the disenchanted ex desciples, world media all against him. Yet there are always some who can relate with the presence and slip deeper within. A world away from the storm of controversies.
So baba is dead. The news does not mean anything. Unless one can relate with open heart to an awakened presence the disillusionment is likely to be immense, because they are playing the game with completely different rules to the rest.(Infact no rules whatsoever, just leela of consciousness from moment to moment).
So baba is dead. The news does not mean anything. Unless one can relate with open heart to an awakened presence the disillusionment is likely to be immense, because they are playing the game with completely different rules to the rest.(Infact no rules whatsoever, just leela of consciousness from moment to moment).
So true, Jnani. My own guru's funeral put 'fun' back into the word. He was much more than the body.
I first became aware of Satya Sai Baba about 23 years ago, and as a result my life was changed completely. I experienced things then that I can't describe here because they wouldn't be believed. Those experiences are what settled me on my idea of who Sai Baba was. I understand if others come to other opinions based on what they see or hear in the media, that's natural. Sai Baba doesn't need me, or anyone, to defend him. He was indifferent to the opinion of the world.
I am the witness of your activity, not the participant. I am like the electric fan. Switch it on, it gives cool breeze. Switch it off, it allows you to swelter in the heat. I have no likes or dislikes. Those who talk ill of Me are also remembering My name and deriving joy therefrom and perhaps earning a few paisa thereby. They are happy when they write falsehood. You are happy, singing the Truth. I am unconcerned with either.
- Satya Sai Baba
But if anyone misses the physical form of Satya Sai Baba, there is [url]Prema Sai Baba[/url] to look forward to. 🙂