His Touch that Purifies

The late Charles Penn was an ardent devotee of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He often received messages from Baba during his meditations, which he shared with fellow devotees. The following piece is one such lesson from Baba.

This morning, long before His bright light [Sun] appeared over the horizon, this devotee with the heart filled with ananda [bliss] received a beautiful lesson from Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Sharing it with you is a joy.

In the midst of my dhyana [meditation], Babaji let me “see” Him on one of His frequent visits to hospitals. The scene was the waiting room. Actually it was a widened hallway with new patients sitting on each side. Although suffering, they patiently awaited their turn to see the doctors.

Babaji, who did not appear to be visible to the patients, walked in front of each and touched their hands. I asked Him why He did that.

“These patients come for treatment. They know of only one kind of treatment, the kind that can be seen. A wound healing! Limb mending! A disease being routed! My touch also heals. Most times, it is not felt by the patient engrossed in body pain. I pour purity into their bodies. It is a `charge’ that cannot be seen. It can only be felt by one who has risen above mortal fears, one who has commenced to release himself or herself from bodily demands influenced by a diseased mind,” Baba kindly explained.

“Swamiji, you said that you pour purity into their bodies. Please, tell me more about this ingredient to better health,” I asked yearningly.

“Charles, you know well that pouring clean water that is free of impurities into the vessel containing muddy water will in time make the water in the vessel all clean. And so also with the body [vessel] the purity I pour in to skim off the debris will, given the chance, rise to the ‘surface’,” Baba softly answered.

“Swamiji, are there other ways to take in your purifying power?” I asked further.

“Your eyes can gather this treasure at every turn. Your recognition of purity in others brings into yourself a like amount of the purity you see,” He answered.

“How else can one gather up this treasure, Swamiji,” again I asked.

“There are many ways to load your chariot with Me, more than I could hope for you to learn in one lifetime, Charles. Seeing purity in all actions of others is wonderful to experience. But even more is knowing that all actions, regardless of their kind, contain elements of purity. Even actions that are foul and bitter and full of suffering contain purity,” He patiently replied.

“You mean, Swamiji, that one writhing in pain, even self-inflicted, is purifying himself?” I enquired.

“Yes, Charles, but such a one, while striving for the goal of final purification in the world, knows no other way to reach the clouded goal. He endures mortal pain. No matter how many times such a seeker takes this path to Me, he will fail if he destroys his body, his vessel. He merely rids himself of the one means of traveling toward Me.”

“Now the one who strives hard to rid himself of impurities by pouring clean water into his vessel will begin to feel different—uplifted. He feels released from the draw of earthly things and desires. By continually practicing walking along the pure path, he will enjoy shanti [peace] and in time, his round of births and deaths will cease. He will find that even the remaining time he has for using the human vessel will be filled with ananda [joy]. He will not even want time ever to pass swiftly for he also has great joy here on earth. In fact, such a one has attained immortality upon earth,” Swamiji continued.

“You have often told about the crossing of the Ocean… Can you tell as to how long such a voyage takes?” I asked Him.

“When the vessel is on course and you have acknowledged Me as the Master, the crossing can come in a flash, for time is a man-made expression that is not relative to My creation. That which I created in a flash—all the universes—can complete it instantly [the crossing]. For where do you `travel’ to? You are already there, are you not?” He patiently explained.

“All too often, though, a soul seasoned by many journeys in the `body vessel’ almost reaches the other side, but runs aground in the midst of the great calm. The vessel runs aground on unseen reefs. Just a little more guidance and vigilance would have brought the vessel safely to the shore-line.”

“Once your sails are filled with the breeze, don’t waver on the course even when a peaceful island is located on the horizon. I will be your wind, your sails, and your rudder as long as you need Me. One touch of My hand, Charles, purifies the `sailor’ and strengthens him!” Babaji sweetly concluded.

~Charles Penn, Los Angeles, California, USA
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Feb. 1968

His Touch that Purifies

In the spiritual journey of every devotee, there comes a sacred moment when the divine presence is not only felt in prayer but experienced deeply within the heart. His Touch that Purifies is not merely a physical blessing; it is the transformation of the soul through love, compassion, and divine grace. The touch of Bhagawan Shri Satya Sai Baba has inspired millions across the world to walk on the path of truth, peace, righteousness, and selfless service. Through His divine presence, devotees have experienced inner purification, removal of fear, and awakening of spiritual consciousness. The beauty of His Touch that Purifies lies in its silent power to heal the mind and elevate the spirit beyond worldly attachments.

For many devotees connected with Devotional india, the teachings of Sai Baba are not confined to temples or spiritual gatherings. They become a living experience that changes thoughts, actions, and relationships. Baba always emphasized that true purity begins from the heart. When the mind becomes free from anger, jealousy, greed, and ego, divine grace naturally flows into life. This spiritual cleansing is the real meaning behind His Touch that Purifies, where the devotee feels protected and guided by divine love in every situation.

Shri Satya Sai Baba often reminded humanity that God resides within every being. His compassionate words and loving glance touched countless lives. People who came to Him with sorrow, illness, confusion, or despair returned with peace and confidence. Such experiences strengthened the faith of devotees and deepened their understanding of spirituality. The divine energy associated with His Touch that Purifies continues to inspire generations even today. Devotees believe that sincere prayer, selfless service, and chanting His name allow them to feel His presence in their daily lives.

The essence of spirituality taught by Baba is beautifully reflected in the traditions of Devotional india, where devotion is considered the purest bridge between humanity and divinity. Through bhajans, meditation, prayer, and service to others, devotees learn to experience divine joy. Baba always taught that helping others is the highest form of worship. When one serves with humility and compassion, the heart becomes pure, and the blessings of God naturally enter life. This inner transformation is another expression of His Touch that Purifies, because divine grace works silently through acts of kindness and love.

There are countless stories of devotees who experienced miraculous changes after surrendering themselves completely to Sai Baba. Some found healing from physical suffering, while others discovered emotional strength during difficult times. Many devotees describe an indescribable feeling of peace when remembering Baba’s divine form. Such experiences reveal the spiritual depth of His Touch that Purifies, which goes far beyond words and logic. It becomes a personal realization of divine love that remains in the heart forever.

The teachings of Sai Baba also encourage devotees to maintain purity in speech, thoughts, and actions. According to Baba, spiritual growth is impossible without character and discipline. Truthfulness, compassion, patience, and humility are essential qualities that lead one closer to God. Through sincere practice of these values, the devotee gradually experiences the divine power of His Touch that Purifies within their own consciousness. The transformation may appear slow, but every step taken with faith brings inner peace and clarity.

In the spiritual culture of Devotional india, saints and spiritual masters are seen as guiding lights who help humanity rise above ignorance and suffering. Shri Satya Sai Baba’s life was dedicated to spreading universal love and unity among all religions. He taught that every religion ultimately leads to the same divine truth. This message of unity touched millions and continues to inspire spiritual seekers across the world. The universal compassion reflected in His Touch that Purifies reminds humanity that divine love knows no boundaries of caste, religion, or nationality.

Meditation on Baba’s teachings helps devotees remain calm and spiritually focused even during challenging times. When the mind becomes restless, remembering His divine words creates strength and hope. Many devotees feel that Baba’s blessings protect them from negativity and guide them toward righteous living. The spiritual comfort associated with His Touch that Purifies becomes a source of inspiration that encourages devotees to face life with courage and faith.

The sacred journey of devotion is ultimately the journey toward inner purity and realization of God within. Sai Baba’s teachings continue to illuminate this path with love and wisdom. Through prayer, meditation, and service, devotees gradually discover that the divine presence is always near. The grace of His Touch that Purifies awakens the soul to experience peace, compassion, and spiritual fulfillment. Such divine experiences strengthen faith and inspire devotees to spread love and kindness in society.

For followers of Devotional india, the message of Sai Baba remains timeless and universal. His teachings continue to guide humanity toward a life of simplicity, morality, and devotion. The divine energy connected with His Touch that Purifies reminds every seeker that true happiness comes not from material possessions but from purity of heart and closeness to God. When devotion becomes sincere and selfless, the soul naturally experiences divine grace and eternal peace.

-Life’s Pilgrimage