Volume Fourteen (1978-1980)
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume Fourteen (1975–1976) reflects a stage when Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mission was rapidly expanding across the world, and His teachings focused on universal love, spiritual discipline, value-based education, and organized seva (selfless service). By this time, Prasanthi Nilayam had become a spiritual hub not only for Indians but also for thousands of devotees from abroad. The discourses in this volume highlight Swami’s effort to guide devotees in integrating inner spiritual growth with outer service to humanity.
A central theme of this volume is the divinity within every being and the unity of all religions. Swami reminded devotees that while external practices and doctrines differ, the essence of all religions is the same: truth, love, peace, right conduct, and non-violence. He urged followers to go beyond ritualism and sectarian differences to recognize the one universal God, present in all names and forms. These teachings served as a strong foundation for the international Sai movement, which welcomed people of all faiths.
Service (seva) remains a powerful emphasis in this period. Swami explained that true devotion is not in words or ritual alone but in selfless acts of love and compassion. He encouraged devotees to organize systematic service activities—feeding the hungry, providing medical help, educating children, and uplifting villages. He stressed that service must be performed with humility and without ego, seeing the recipient as none other than God Himself. This guidance helped strengthen the global Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations.
Education and youth transformation were also strongly highlighted. Swami warned that mere academic knowledge without character is dangerous. He stressed the need for an education system that integrates human values with learning. Students were advised to practice discipline, humility, respect for parents, and dedication to service. These discourses further laid the foundation for the Sri Sathya Sai Institutes of Higher Learning and the worldwide Education in Human Values (EHV) program.
Spiritual discipline and control of the senses are key teachings in this volume. Swami emphasized that the mind is the source of bondage as well as liberation. To master the mind, devotees were encouraged to practice meditation, prayer, and namasmarana (remembrance of God’s name). He explained that purity of thought, word, and action is essential for spiritual progress, and that true spirituality is reflected in everyday conduct, not just in rituals.
Another important theme in this volume is global responsibility and unity. Swami urged devotees to see themselves as instruments of God’s will, working for the upliftment of society and the promotion of harmony worldwide. His vision was of a world where love and service unite humanity beyond barriers of religion, caste, nationality, or culture.
In essence, Sathya Sai Speaks – Volume Fourteen consolidates Swami’s teachings on love, service, education, and spiritual discipline, while addressing the growing global dimensions of His mission. It inspires devotees to live lives of humility, compassion, and integrity, balancing inner realization with outer action for the welfare of humanity.
