Volume Four (1964)
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume Four (1964–1965) presents a continuation of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s divine discourses, reflecting the growth of His mission and the deepening of His spiritual teachings. By this time, Swami’s message had begun reaching wider audiences, drawing people from across India and abroad. His discourses in this volume emphasize that the goal of human life is God-realization, and that this can be achieved only through a balance of devotion, discipline, and service. Swami urged devotees to see life itself as a sacred opportunity, not to be wasted in the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, but to be used for inner transformation and the recognition of the Atma.
A key theme of this volume is sincerity in spiritual practice. Baba warned against hypocrisy, ritualism without understanding, and devotion that is only outwardly displayed. He emphasized that true spirituality lies in purity of thought, word, and deed. He spoke about the power of namasmarana (repetition of the Divine Name), meditation, and constant remembrance of God, while also highlighting the need for discipline in daily living. In these discourses, He explained that spirituality is not separate from worldly life—it should guide one’s work, relationships, and responsibilities.
Swami also placed strong emphasis on education and youth during this period. He reminded parents and teachers that the role of education is not just academic success but the cultivation of values, morality, and respect for dharma. He envisioned students as the torchbearers of a better society, and urged them to use their skills in the service of others. His discourses from this time began laying the foundation for the Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values movement.
Another central theme is seva (selfless service). Swami declared that service is the highest form of worship, for when one serves others, one serves God directly. He urged devotees to participate in helping the poor, the sick, and the needy with love and humility. This call for organized seva activities gradually evolved into a global movement in the later decades.
Unity of religions again appears strongly in this volume. Swami reminded listeners that the essence of all faiths is love, and that one should not waste energy arguing over differences in name, form, or doctrine. He drew examples from multiple traditions—Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism—showing that their core teachings point toward the same divine truth.
In essence, Sathya Sai Speaks – Volume Four captures a time when Baba’s mission was expanding, and His teachings were moving from personal spiritual guidance toward a broader call for social and global transformation. He emphasized purity, unity, service, and devotion as the pillars of a meaningful human life. These discourses stand as timeless guidance for seekers, householders, and youth alike, offering both inner inspiration and outer direction.
