An Avatar’s Words
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
An Avatar’s Words
Only an Avatar (incarnation of God) could say those words. Lesser souls like seers, spiritual aspirants, great souls ascetics, and realized persons would not have the courage to utter them, and even if they mustered enough strength, the words would not have the ring of authenticity. About four years ago, I went from Bangalore to Puttaparthi by night train. When I reached the place by 10 A.M. I peeped into the old temple near the village on my way to the new ashram and was shocked by the heavy cloud of sadness that hung over it. Baba” brother –in-law (as we, with our limited family outlook, do prattle in delusion) Sri Subba Raju, Baba’s sister’s husband, who was also his maternal uncle, had passed away the previous evening and was buried late at night. I had known him as a good and active worker at the Prashanthi Nilayam, with a kind enquiry always on his lips, and so I was overwhelmed with sorrow. I also felt great anguish when I thought of the bereaved lady and her only son, a sweet little boy. With a heavy heart I moved towards the Nilayam, half apprehensive to meet there the stricken brother and nephew (Baba) and doubting all the time whether the words I might use would be enough to express my sorrow and convey my sympathy in front of Him. The bereaved lady was evidently inside the Nilayam for her lamentation could be heard out side. Dark despair lay thick on every face and all were eagerly watching Baba’s lips, waiting for His words. Since I had not yet heard those words which only an Avatar could say, I had foolishly manufactured on my way to Prashanti Nilayam a sentence of consolation in the conventional style to be spoken to Him. But luckily, before I could commit that sacrilege, Baba looked at me with a be witching smile and, seeing my tears, He said, “Why? What is this? Don’t you know me? If there is no birth and no death, how am I to pass my time? And then He laughed! “How am I?… “Birth and death”… pass my time”?… What a profound utterance and before what an audience and against what a background! I saw before me not Baba with a physical body 28 years old, but an Avatar of the Lord Himself. Who else could have the courage? Who else could infuse into those words that true ring of authenticity? Ponder over this, … Brother reader, that is my prayer. SWAMI says: The principle of Atma is one and same in all, be it yogi or bhogi. A yogi renunciant or varagi. It is present in theists and also atheists, But you are unable to recognize this all-pervasive Divinity. You are undertaking various spiritual practices should confer the awareness that Divinity is all-pervasive just as fire is needed till the rice is cooked, so also the spiritual practices are needed till you realize the innate Divinity… -Baba
An Avatar’s Words – A Divine Path Of Love, Wisdom, And Inner Transformation
An Avatar’s Words are not ordinary sentences spoken for a moment and then forgotten. They are living seeds of wisdom that enter the heart, awaken faith, and guide human beings toward truth, love, and selfless service. When an Avatar speaks, the message is not limited to one person, one place, or one period of time. It carries universal meaning because it comes from divine compassion and deep concern for the welfare of humanity.
In daily life, people hear many words. Some words entertain, some inform, some confuse, and some disturb the mind. But divine words have a different power. They do not merely fill the ears; they purify the heart. An Avatar’s Words can bring courage to the weak, peace to the restless, hope to the suffering, and direction to the seeker who feels lost in worldly life.
The purpose of divine speech is transformation. It is not meant only for admiration or discussion. If a person listens to sacred teachings but continues to live with anger, pride, jealousy, and selfishness, then the message has not been absorbed deeply. True listening begins when the words enter our conduct. Love must become action, truth must become habit, and service must become a natural part of life.
An Avatar’s Words often appear simple, but their meaning is very deep. Teachings like love all, serve all, help ever, and hurt never may sound easy, yet they contain the essence of spiritual life. To love all means to rise above narrow feelings. To serve all means to see God in every being. To help ever means to remain ready for goodness. To hurt never means to control speech, thought, and action.
Divine words also guide us toward self-examination. Many people are quick to find faults in others but slow to correct themselves. Spiritual wisdom asks us to look within. Are our thoughts pure? Are our words kind? Are our actions helpful? Are our intentions free from ego? These questions may feel uncomfortable, but they open the door to real growth. Without self-examination, spiritual life becomes only outer appearance.
An Avatar’s Words remind us that human birth is precious. Life should not be wasted only in chasing comfort, praise, wealth, and temporary pleasures. These things may have their place, but they cannot give lasting peace. The deeper purpose of life is to realize the divinity within and express it through noble living. Every day gives us a chance to become more loving, truthful, patient, and useful to others.
One of the greatest gifts of divine teaching is inner strength. When difficulties come, the mind may become fearful and confused. During such times, sacred words act like a lamp in darkness. They remind us to have faith, remain calm, and trust divine grace. Problems may not disappear immediately, but the heart becomes stronger. A person guided by divine wisdom does not break easily, because faith supports every step.
An Avatar’s Words also teach unity. The world suffers because people divide themselves by religion, caste, language, nationality, wealth, and opinion. Divine wisdom shows that all are children of God. The same Atma shines in every heart. When this truth is understood, hatred becomes weaker and compassion becomes stronger. Unity does not mean everyone must follow the same outer path. It means respecting all sincere paths while living with love.
Service is another central message. Prayer and worship are sacred, but they must flow into compassion. Feeding the hungry, helping the poor, guiding children, caring for the sick, respecting elders, and comforting the lonely are all forms of worship when done with humility. Service removes selfishness and teaches us that real joy comes from giving, not only receiving.
An Avatar’s Words are also a call to control speech. Words can heal or wound. A harsh sentence can create pain, while a kind word can give hope. Before speaking, we should ask whether our words are true, necessary, and gentle. When speech becomes pure, relationships become peaceful. A spiritual person uses words to bless, encourage, guide, and unite.
The teachings of an Avatar are not meant only for temples, prayer halls, or special occasions. They are meant for the home, workplace, school, society, and every moment of daily life. A student can practice them through discipline. A parent can practice them through love. A worker can practice them through honesty. A devotee can practice them through prayer and service.
An Avatar’s Words finally remind us that God is not far away. The Divine lives within as conscience, love, and inner light. When we follow truth, speak kindly, serve selflessly, and remember God with devotion, we come closer to that inner presence. The real proof of listening to divine words is a transformed life.
In the end, sacred teachings become complete only when they are practiced. Reading, hearing, and repeating them are good, but living them is greater. A life filled with love, humility, faith, and service becomes the true offering. When the heart follows divine guidance sincerely, every action becomes worship and every day becomes a step toward peace.
A Message for Mankind