Volume Twenty four (1991)
Sathya Sai Speaks – Volume 24 (1991) is a spiritually rich compilation of discourses by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba that focuses on inner awakening, the nature of time, self‑realization, moral values, and the role of faith and service in one’s life. Across its many talks, Baba urges devotees to recognize that true spiritual life is not about external display but about awakening to one’s inner divinity and living accordingly. One of the starting themes in this volume is “Time is God” — reminding us that time is the medium through which change, growth, aging, transformation occur. Baba teaches that time is not our enemy but the instrument of God; how we use time—whether in service, remembrance of God, virtuous action, or indulgence in fleeting pleasures—determines our spiritual state. He contrasts time’s fleeting, changing nature with the timeless, which is the domain of the Self (Atma).
Another recurring emphasis in Volume 24 is the idea of God as Friend and God as intimate, close, not distant. Baba says that God is ever ready to respond, always present; the devotee’s faith, longing, humility is what activates this closeness. Parallel to this is the teaching Goodness is Godliness — that goodness in thought, speech, and action is not separate from God; they are one and the same. Moral virtues—compassion, truthfulness, kindness—are not secondary or optional but central. Baba often reminds that the inner witness or witness consciousness (the Atma that watches without attachment) must become alive in one’s heart so that one lives with awareness of one’s higher Self in every moment.
An important dimension in Volume 24 concerns self‑identity and self‑realization. Discourses like “Recognise your Self,” “Labels are Libels,” and “Lost and Found” encourage introspection: dropping identifications and labels—caste, profession, nationality, social role—and recognizing that the true Self is beyond such limitations. The Self is timeless, formless, unchanging, and in that recognition lies inner freedom and peace. Also, the volume speaks about maayaa (illusion), and the sword and the scabbard metaphor—how external forms are like scabbards encasing the Self, but the Self transcends those coverings. Understanding these helps the aspirant detach from superficial attachments and root themselves in inner reality.
Faith, surrender, and service are also important threads. Baba stresses that ideal living demands love, sincerity, integrity. He encourages people to keep one’s word (honour the plighted word), to serve those in need, to grow social consciousness, and to live not for selfish ends but for the welfare of others. He also underscores the importance of respect for one’s word and promises — that promises made are sacred, and following through on them is part of character and spiritual growth. Talks like “Whom to Serve?”, “How to Win the Lord’s Grace,” “Lead Ideal Lives” point to the idea that our duty, our service, our character matter in the daily weave of our life.
Moreover, there’s teaching about the interplay between inner life and outer action: that developing spiritual oneness is not just meditation or thought‑only; it should manifest outwardly as kindness, truthfulness, upright conduct, purity. Devotion, faith, love, when anchored in this purity and consistency, become powerful tools to draw the Divine nearer.
Beyond individual transformation, Volume 24 also addresses social values: compassion, unity, restoration of moral values in society, living as an example, caring for the vulnerable, cultivating love for one’s fellow beings regardless of difference, and fostering universal brotherhood.
Finally, Baba’s tone in these discourses is both inspiring and gently corrective. He reminds devotees that though the Divine is ever merciful, one should not take that mercy for granted; it is through earnest effort, humility, right intent, and steadfast practice that we grow spiritually. Volume 24 thus serves as an admonition and encouragement: to recognize that time is precious, that goodness itself is divine, that the inner Self is our true home, and that living in truth, love, service, and surrender is the path to realizing the highest.
