Satya Saibaba - Human, God or Something?

Like millions across the world, I too know Satya Saibaba. I am neither devotee nor follower of the Satya Saibaba. I have heard some of HIS speeches in chaste Telugu. I have heard HIS bajans and mesmerised by his voice. I have also read about HIS development work. In my childhood, we used to have Satyasai baba photos in our house as well - and not the least, I used admire HIS hairstyle.

Baba got millions of followers across the world. Equally, HE got thousands of critics. There are thousands like me, who would selectively admire him but not necessarily HIS critics for all the rumours coming out of gossips mills.

But above all, one thing is for sure - Satya Saibaba posses immense power. The power, that HE always used always for the positive good. If Muthuvel Karunanidhi a known atheist all his life (as many of the Dravidian leaders) - becomes Baba devotee (not officially acknowledged) and invites to his residence in Chennai - for one thing it proves Baba power to change the mindset of an atheist. Turning a perennially drought stricken Anantapur District with water resources is a testimony of his social work. Free education, free medical care and above all, HE created an environment to sustain and propagate Hindu values and Sanatana Dharma reflects HIS fundamental principles of teachings. Just visit a family of a Saibaba devotee, you will spot the difference.

The critics centre their allegations on his "magic" creations or "shady" events behind the doors. They were never proven. None of these effected anyone life nor anyone suffered.

At the same time, HIS positive good - changed many lives and moulded many Sai devotees into simple and good human beings. I know one family, who never believed in Baba. But, due to some circumstances they visited Puttaparthi and then, they had his darshan. They returned back after his one to one conversation - and since then, they became Saibaba devotees (& for ever).

The array of Prime Ministers, Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, Top ranking officials to the common man who have been HIS devotees have faith in HIM. The faith comes out of HIS compassion, love and benevolence. Sai never went after anyone. Nor HE called any one to his abode. But, as years went on, the list of his devotees has been growing. For uninitiated, it looks blind faith without logic and for all those devotees, it has been part of their life journey.

Saibaba is also human being. He breathes, eats and sleeps. Between Saibaba the God and Saibaba the human being, the tragic fact is HIS wealth. Now the moment of Truth came. As Adisankara said in his the great Bhajagovindam slokas:

यावद्वित्तोपार्जनसक्त:,
तावन्निजपरिवारो रक्तः।
पश्चाज्जीवति जर्जरदेहे,
वार्तां कोऽपि न पृच्छति गेहे ॥५॥

As long as a man is fit and capable to earn money, everyone in the family show affection towards him. But after wards, when the body becomes weak no one enquires about him even during the talks. ॥5॥

For full English subtitle translation (as it is sung by - MS Amma) is a this video

Today Saibaba situation is no better than anyone else in this contemporary world. Saibaba is virtually powerless. 

To continue further, is Saibaba teaching all his devotees and everyone else (who have wisdom to understand) the consequences of immense wealth? Some of his critics may question, he is not God. Even today - many do not agree Lord Rama is Divine. But, for all those Hindu faithfuls - Lord Rama is a God. However the fact is, all his life - Rama endured suffering and still taught a lesson about righteousness. 

Money does not bring happiness, wealth does not bring security.  The perennial desires and lust in the process of acquiring this material wealth ruins humans solace and peace as they become fragile. Baba never wanted this wealth. It came to HIM. HE was never greedy. But yet, the law of wealth (as mentioned above) is still applicable (Let's understand, Baba does not have a family)

Saibaba still may be God - but because HE is born a human - HE cannot exit from the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. As he himself said, we will have to wait for Prema Sai!


Until then, for all the rest - there is a lesson from Saibaba life - love, compassion, benevolence and service. Perhaps limited prosperity for survival and rainy day.