Volume Twenty two (1989)
Sathya Sai Speaks – Volume 22 (1989) is a compelling collection of spiritual discourses delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, which address the deeper dimensions of faith, love, self‑control, purpose, and the unity underlying all spiritual paths. This volume’s discourses emphasize that perseverance is key to spiritual growth, urging devotees to persist in virtue even when challenges arise. It admonishes against envy and falsehood, advocating instead truthfulness and calm strength of character. One recurring message is that citizenship should be ideal: devotees are exhorted to become ideal citizens by embedding moral values into their lives and contributing to society with integrity. Another major theme is living in the Divine — seeing the presence of God in all aspects of existence, not merely in temples or rituals.
In many discourses in this volume, Baba points out that love must grow from an initial divine yearning (“from love: to love”) into constant practice of prema‑bhakti — love that is both feeling and action. He speaks on Vidya and Samskara (knowledge and character), explaining that true education must transform character, not just impart facts. Linked to this is the idea of God’s response — that the Divine does respond, but in ways aligned with sincerity, purity, and moral conduct. Baba teaches about experiencing omnipresence — when one lives in God, one senses the Divine in every object, moment, and being. This insight leads to the teaching on the one and the many: while forms are many, the essence is one; our spiritual duty is to perceive that unity amidst diversity.
This volume also explores the power of the Lord’s name, declaring that divine Name is a redeeming, purifying force. Another subject is the four qualities — likely referring to faith, love, discipline, and devotion — which Baba presents as pillars for spiritual maturity. Discourses titled “A rare opportunity,” “The dynamics of cosmos,” “Man and the cosmos,” “Prema and Bhakti,” and “Brahmamaya Jagat” illustrate that the world is not an illusion to run away from but the field where one sees God, offering inner transformation while living in action.
Baba further addresses self‑control and Self‑realization, insisting that the control of senses is not suppression but rightful direction of energy toward the Divine. In doing so, one draws closer to one’s true nature as the Knower, not identified with the body or mind. The volume also preaches love all, serve all — that universal compassion and service are essential expressions of spiritual life. He connects religions and morals, encouraging harmony among faiths by pointing to their shared values rather than differences.
Overall, Volume 22 is a bridge between philosophical insight and practical devotion: it teaches that knowledge must be lived; that discipline, truth, and love must accompany spiritual aspiration; and that the inner journey is inseparable from how one treats others and fulfills one’s role in society. For seekers reading this volume, the message is clear — persist in virtue, transform inner life, see God in all, and let every moment become a step toward union with the Divine.
