How Do You Know He Is God?

How Do You Know He Is God?

In connection with a job search, I once met an elderly and well-educated person. I showed him a copy of a book that I wrote. He looked at the second page where it was noted that the book was dedicated to “Bhagavan, Amma and Nanna”. He asked me who the “Bhagavan” was. I stated that the Bhagavan is Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The scholar quickly and unhesitatingly remarked that Baba might be a great saint, but certainly not Bhagavan (God). After a while I collected the copy of my book and left the company of the scholar.

I left the scholar, but I could not leave my thoughts. The scholar’s remark was all the time in my mind. Apparently, his contention was that Swami could not be God. A response came to my mind. He who can say that Swami is not God must have to prove that he has known God. Sup­pose, I see a metal and say that it is not gold, it is implied that I know gold. Similarly, if someone says that Swami is not God, then it is implicit that he can recognize God. Indeed, the individual ought to be knowing God thoroughly well, otherwise he cannot distinguish God from others who are not. So, I have decided that if someone says that my Swami is not God, I will simply ask him, “How do you know?”

Frankly, the fact that I have discovered that question has pleased me for a while only. After all, just as I can ask, “How do you know Swami is not God?” I may be easily subjected to the counter question, “How do you know He is God?” Naturally it is very desirable to know the answer to this question rather than to learn to raise the previous one.

Until I progress in my sadhana and be­come closer and closer to Him so that I can see Him in absolute unmanifest as well as relatively manifest Swami, I cannot really know the answer to the question: “How do you know Swami is God?” But though it is not needed to begin my sadhana, simply to enjoy the bliss that Swami gives me, I ought to have some answer, more down to earth, of course, to the said question. Also, it is not palatable to my ego to evade the answer to the question by saying that sadha­na alone will give the answer (though this is the true answer). Hence, I came to a con­clusion. Until one can identify through sadhana the manifestation of the Absolute in the form of Swami, one needs some tran­sient working proof to cultivate the faith that Swami is God, and to be guided by this faith on the path of sadhana. Most Sai devotees, I believe, have used the follow­ing characteristics of Swami as the proof of His Divinity and to say that He is God.

1. The Supernatural phenomena associa­ted with Him (only God can do them).
2. His emphasis on all religions (only one absolute God or his real mani­festation can emphasize this.)
3. His pure love (He gives and gives and forgives, never asking anything in re­turn except love. One must shed a thousand tears and beg Him to accept even a small gift that He does only to please His devotee).
4. The transformation He brings about in human behavior (only God can correct people since He does this out of love) etc….

It is important to recognize why the above characteristics are noticed as proof that Swami is God. I think it is because none of us wish to consider anything less than the above as characterizing God. This is so because the ego in us does not permit us to see God in everyone and everywhere. We direly need a personal God because we like to be corrected, questioned, patted, and loved by someone much higher than the average human beings. For all these reasons we see Swami as God. Clearly this is not the real proof. Real proof can be obtained only through sadhana and only when it can be realized that the Absolute has indeed manifested as Swami and when it is realized that the Absolute is also manifest in all creation.

Thanks to Swami, I have learnt one thing. Every time I meet people who say that Swami is not God, I have learnt to respect them and not to argue with them. For, what I know is no superior to what they think they know. I cannot prove and they cannot disprove. If my faith gives me joy and bliss, they, too, get something out of their faith.

For common people like me, the nice distinctions between yogi, saint, sage, in­carnation, and Absolute God are totally irrelevant. All of them are divine just as one’s mother, father, and teacher are.

Twameva Sarvam Mama Sai Deva.

—Bhanoji Rao, Washington DC, U. S. A., 23‑24 November 1979
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, March 1980

How Do You Know He Is God?

Throughout history, humanity has searched for answers to the deepest spiritual questions. Among them, one question continues to inspire seekers everywhere: How Do You Know He Is God? Saints, sages, and devotees have pondered this mystery, seeking to understand the divine presence that guides and sustains all creation.

God cannot be measured by worldly standards. He is not known merely through physical appearance, wealth, power, or influence. The true signs of divinity are revealed through unconditional love, infinite compassion, boundless wisdom, and the ability to transform lives. When a divine being enters the lives of people, hearts are purified, minds are elevated, and faith is strengthened.

The scriptures of India describe God as omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. He exists in every atom of creation and yet transcends all limitations. When devotees ask, How Do You Know He Is God?, the answer often lies in personal experience. Divine grace touches each individual differently. Some experience inner peace, others witness miraculous protection, while many feel an overwhelming sense of love that cannot be explained by ordinary means.

A genuine spiritual teacher may guide people toward righteousness, but God does much more. He awakens the dormant divinity within every being and inspires humanity to recognize the unity of all life. His presence encourages selfless service, truthfulness, humility, and devotion. Wherever divine love flows, selfishness gradually disappears and noble qualities begin to blossom.

The saints of India have repeatedly taught that God is best understood through the heart rather than the intellect alone. Logic has its place, but spiritual realization comes through faith, devotion, and direct experience. This timeless wisdom is often shared through sacred teachings and stories featured on Devotional India, where seekers can explore profound spiritual truths and the lives of great masters.

Another way to answer How Do You Know He Is God? is by observing the transformation that occurs in those who come close to Him. Fear turns into courage, sorrow becomes joy, and confusion gives way to clarity. Divine presence has the power to inspire countless individuals toward goodness and self-realization. Such transformation is one of the strongest testimonies to God’s reality.

God’s love is universal. He does not belong to one religion, nation, or community. He responds to sincere prayers from every corner of the world. The divine message found in all spiritual traditions emphasizes love, service, compassion, and unity. These eternal values continue to guide humanity toward a higher purpose.

For many devotees, the answer to How Do You Know He Is God? comes through silent moments of prayer and meditation. In those sacred moments, one feels an indescribable connection with the Divine. The heart recognizes a truth that words cannot fully express.

The journey of spiritual discovery is deeply personal, yet its destination is the same for all. Through devotion, selfless service, and sincere faith, seekers gradually realize that God is not distant. He is always present, guiding every step of life. Such inspiring insights continue to be shared through Devotional India, helping countless devotees deepen their spiritual understanding. Ultimately, How Do You Know He Is God? is answered not by argument but by experience, faith, and the awakening of divine love within the heart. Devotional India serves as a reminder of this eternal truth.