Sri Sathya Sai Baba turns 80

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young age of 14, family and neighbours thought he was possessed by demons. When

he said world leaders would one day seek his blessings, he was laughed at by

people in his village. Half a century later, the small village of Puttaparthi

is the spiritual abode of many leaders and millions of devotees from around the

globe. On November 23, Sri Sathya Sai Baba turns 80. And the village is

preparing for a huge celebration. Photograph, courtesy:

www.srisathyasai.org.in | Text: Rupali Nimkar

Divinity at an early ageSri Sathya Sai Baba was born Sathyanarayan Raju on

November 23, 1926 in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. He was spiritually inclined

from a young age, announcing, at 13, that he was the reincarnation of Sai Baba

of Shirdi, a revered sage from Maharashtra who died in 1918. Charming people

with his talk, the number of followers slowly grew. Baba performed miracles

that strengthened their belief in his divine powers. The miracles included the

bringing forth of sugar candy, flowers, vibhuti (sacred ash) and other presents

for devotees. His followers say he heals the sick and even knows their deepest

thoughts. He says, "It is beyond you to know how or why I create things. the

objects that I create, I create them by my will, the same way I created the

universe." He also says he is a full

avatar or 'incarnation' of God. Spreading his messageOver the

years, the number of his followers has crossed millions. His organisation is

spread over 137 countries. He has a large following across the West, though he

has not visited many of these countries. The organisation has built a

magnificent ashram called Prashanti Nilayam (abode of great peace) in

Puttaparthi where his devotees gather regularly to sing bhajans (hymns) and

many work towards helping the disadvantaged. At his ashram Baba often meets

his followers one on one, gives discourses and works on social projects.

Winning heartsIf Baba's spiritual teaching has helped many find peace, his

developmental activities have changed a lot of lives too. The Sathya Sai

Central Trust translates Baba's vision into action. It has built an

ultra-modern 300-bed hospital close to the university and ashram, as well as

one in Bangalore. Highly specialized operations, including open-heart surgery

and kidney transplants, are performed routinely, free. The organisation

has also built primary and secondary schools, and an accredited university with

three campuses. No fees are charged and admission is open to all, regardless of

race, religion or economic background. Most ambitious has been the Sathya Sai

Water Supply project, which provides drinking water to 1.4 lakh people in

villages in the Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, which was severely

affected by years of drought. The man and the mysticMillions love

Sai Baba and his social work has benefited many, but his ways and

means have also come under a lot of criticism. Time and again, some people have

tried proving that Baba's divinity is false and his 'miracles' a sham. Scandals

have also overshadowed the ashram. On June 6, 1993, four persons who tried to

assassinate the holy man were killed by the police, but not before they had

killed two of Sai Baba's personal assistants. There have also been numerous

other allegations, including sexual misconduct with teenage boys.

Notwithstanding all this, over the years the Baba has become a highly

influential public figure in India and is often visited by government officials

and leaders. Prime ministers are counted among his personal followers.

Naturally, for millions he is the man who provided them succour and guided them

on the path of truth. Now, on his 80th birthday, his organization has undertaken

a number of welfare projects. The man in saffron robes continues to be the

messiah of millions.

Source:

http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/nov/23sld1.htm

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