Sai and His Students

We all know that the relationship between Swami and his students is a unique and inspiring example of unconditional love and exemplary conduct. In a discourse on January 14, 1996, Swami said, “I do not own anything. I have only one property—my most valuable property. My students are my only property. I t is enough for me   my students conduct themselves well.” The following letter from Sai Baba to His students further illustrates His message to them and to us.

Ihave received the salutations you sent. The drops of love contained in them have cooled and soothed Sai’s heart.

For a kaaranajanma (a person born with a mission), the date on which he or she enters the physical body should not be the only day identified as the birthday. Such days are birthdays only for the physical body. In fact, there is no birth for that which is divine and sacred. Kaaranajanmas take up bodies in order to fulfill a purpose. They proclaim and propagate the highest ideals. Only when we put these principles into practice in our lives—and, therefore, experience them—can we say we have shown our sense of gratitude for them.

All of you undoubtedly are messengers. Each should experience, enjoy and spread the gospel and glory of God to others in the world. When you do this, you can say, “l am the messenger of God.” Second, you should install the master in the altar of your heart. Then, you can very well say, “I am the Son of God.” You become near and dear to the Lord. You should let your love be enveloped in God’s love and your heart merge in God’s heart. This indeed, is the close stage, when, on the atmic plane, you have the conviction (born out of experience) that He and you are one and the same. This stage confirms the truth of the statement, I and my Father are one.

Third, one can experience identity with the Father. The three stages are these: On the physical plane, you are the messenger; on the mental plane, you are the son; and, third, on the atmic plane, you and He are one. The day you understand the significance of these statements and translate them into your own lives and experience them, you will earn the right to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Celebration of His birthday does not consist merely of decorating a tree, lighting candles and singing carols.

Implicitly obeying Sai’s commands and injunctions constitutes the first stage. Then, you should   transmit these to others, thereby establishing a link with the very embodiment of life in your heart, and at the heart level. This signifies the establishment of a final relationship between you and the master-who thus becomes the Father. You now secure the right to consider Him to be the Lord, the overseer, and the recipient-your everything. Gradually after this, you will come to a stage where you spontaneously become one with Him. He will become one with you and all will be His. Now there is only one kingdom, only one throne. Only that kind of love is, verily, God.

You should experience the sweetness of that love. Truly it is the blood of God, represented by the wine. The body, which God uses selflessly for service, is symbolized by the bread. When the blood and body are used together, you will understand what Jesus referred to as wine and bread. The intoxicant, wine, which inebriates a person with worldly affairs and causes desires in him, is the blood. The flesh, which craves for material sensory pleasures, is the bread. These two should be mixed together, and then by contemplating on them as God’s blood and God’s body, they should be transmuted into organs that are manifestations of divinity. Only then will they become consecrated and pure.

Blood should not be taken to mean ordinary blood. It should be thought of as Sai’s blood.

Only then will it become the offering, a maha-yoga (the ultimate unity with God), culminating in Sai. You should regard your muscles as masses of Sai’s love, and utilize them to secure Sai’s grace. Then it will become an offering to Sai and bring Him joy. This is the inner significance of the external symbolism—people taking bread and wine together in churches.

Jesus is not the original name. It is Isa. This Isa has become Sai. Isa also means Iswara (God).

The good deeds you have performed in countless previous births have resulted in your getting Sai in this lifetime of yours. Without much difficulty, you should retain and securely hold this possession. Experience it and derive bliss from it.

During the past week, the service activities you have performed in Brindavan, at the college, and in the hospital truly prove beyond doubt the spirit that prevails among you. Treating these places as your own homes, you have looked after them. Your love (blood), which is Sai’s divinity, and your steadfastness and dedication (flesh), which is Sai’s food, are indeed par excellence. You have made Sai supremely happy. You are all indeed blessed.

Oh, worthy recipients of Sai’s love, you need not be troubled. It is, of course, laudable that, motivated by Sai’s love, you are fulfilling your duty. Still, there is no cause to be afraid. Sai’s protection is on your side and is in your heart. Do not entertain fear of any sort. Be happy.

Yours,

Baba.

Source: Prema Dhaara,(a collection of letters from Sri Sathya Sai Baba to His students), 1995

Sai and His Students

The sacred bond between गुरु and शिष्य has always held a special place in Indian spiritual culture, and Sai and His Students beautifully reflects this eternal connection. Through love, compassion, wisdom, and divine guidance, Sai transformed the lives of countless devotees who came to Him seeking peace and truth. The story of Sai and His Students is not merely about teaching lessons in words; it is about awakening hearts, building faith, and leading souls toward spiritual realization. Across generations, devotees have continued to draw inspiration from this divine relationship, making it a cherished part of Devotional India.

Sai believed that true education was not limited to books or worldly success. He taught His students the values of humility, patience, kindness, and surrender to God. Every interaction became a lesson filled with spiritual meaning. In the journey of Sai and His Students, one can witness how ordinary individuals became spiritually enlightened through His grace. His students learned that service to humanity was equal to service to God, a message that continues to resonate deeply within Devotional India.

The beauty of Sai and His Students lies in the simplicity of Sai’s teachings. He never demanded riches or rituals. Instead, He asked His devotees to maintain faith and patience. Many students who approached Sai with confusion and sorrow returned with inner peace and clarity. Through His divine presence, Sai inspired them to overcome fear, ego, and negativity. The influence of Sai and His Students can still be seen in spiritual gatherings, devotional songs, and sacred stories shared among followers in Devotional India.

Sai treated every student equally, regardless of caste, religion, or social status. His message of unity and universal brotherhood touched millions of hearts. In the divine relationship of Sai and His Students, the Guru became a guiding light for seekers from all walks of life. Sai’s teachings emphasized that love is the highest form of worship. This spiritual truth has become a foundational belief across many traditions of Devotional India.

The experiences shared by devotees reveal the miraculous side of Sai and His Students. Many students witnessed unexplained blessings, healing, and divine protection in their lives. Yet Sai always reminded them that miracles were secondary to spiritual growth. He wanted His students to strengthen their faith and remain devoted to truth and righteousness. Such inspiring stories continue to enrich the spiritual heritage of Devotional India, where Sai’s name is remembered with immense reverence.

One of the greatest lessons in Sai and His Students is the importance of surrender. Sai taught that when individuals surrender their worries to God, life becomes peaceful and meaningful. His students learned to trust divine timing and accept every situation with courage and positivity. This wisdom has guided devotees for decades and remains an important spiritual teaching in Devotional India. Even today, people visit Sai temples seeking comfort, guidance, and blessings for their families and future.

The spiritual journey of Sai and His Students also highlights the role of discipline and devotion in daily life. Sai encouraged prayer, meditation, charity, and compassion toward all beings. His students understood that spirituality was not separate from ordinary life but should be practiced through good actions and pure intentions. This timeless message continues to inspire seekers who follow the traditions of Devotional India and wish to lead lives filled with peace and devotion.

Another remarkable aspect of Sai and His Students is the deep emotional connection shared between the Master and His devotees. Sai understood the pain and struggles of every individual who approached Him. His students experienced unconditional love and divine assurance in His presence. This sacred bond strengthened their faith and gave them the courage to face life’s challenges. Such stories continue to inspire millions across Devotional India, where Sai is worshipped as a symbol of compassion and divine grace.

Even in modern times, the teachings reflected in Sai and His Students remain highly relevant. In a world filled with stress and material desires, Sai’s message encourages people to live with honesty, kindness, and spiritual awareness. His students continue spreading His teachings through service activities, devotional programs, and acts of charity. The legacy of Sai and His Students reminds humanity that true happiness comes from inner peace and devotion to God. This eternal wisdom keeps the spirit of Devotional India alive in the hearts of devotees everywhere.

-Little Knowledge Is a Dangerous Thing