Sai—My Everything

Srinivas is currently a Doctoral Research Scholar in the Faculty of Business Management & Commerce at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.

It is beyond my ability to write about Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, since words fail miserably to portray His glory. Sai, the name itself fills our heart with immense joy, confidence, and happiness. Surrendering my ego and knowledge at His Lotus Feet, let me pen down the story of my journey to Sai.

It was in the year 1998 that I came to know about Shirdi Sai Baba when we were staying in Sambalpur, a town in the western part of Odisha. On every Thursday, my mother used to make prasadam [food offering] at home and she would ask me to offer it in a Sai Baba temple that was two kilometers away from my house. With great difficulty, managing the prasadam box on one side of the cycle’s handle and pushing the cycle pedal I used to go on a road full of pits and stones. It continued for years. Something in the temple made me happy and comfortable.

A few years later we shifted our house near that temple, and on every other day I used to go and spend my time there, while my classmates would be playing outside in the fields and on the playground. I read Shri Sai Satcharitra in the year 2007 during my under graduation, when I was staying at a hostel in Visakhapatnam. Whenever I read it, I was filled with sadness and grief. I used to consider myself unlucky in comparison with those people who moved and lived with Sai Baba of Shirdi at Dwarakamayi.

Meanwhile my parents shifted to Visakhapatnam. One day my sister told me about a satsang [company of seekers of truth] near our house where Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba used to show His presence by performing many leelas [Divine plays]. I went there to see the leelas of Bhagavan. I was told that we could keep prasadam or anything for blessings there. I was preparing for my chartered accountancy examinations at that time. I went with my admission card and placed it at the altar for blessings. Vibhuti [sacred ash] appeared on my card and the devotees told me that Swami had blessed it.

I felt good about it and came back. I thought that since Swami had blessed it, I would pass the examination in flying colors. But the reverse happened. So this center to me was just another place for bhajans [devotional singing] and service activities. My mother was a regular participant in bhajans and service activities there. Every morning she used to wake me up singing some bhajan that irritated me a lot. But I would keep quiet and never said anything to her. I had a big gang of friends in the year 2009. We used to go to every movie in the city and roam around. Since my parents were very particular about timings, I used to do all this during my college time, i.e. from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm.

It was in the very same year I secured top marks in the university accountancy examination. I still wonder today at this. My so-called best friends doubted that I had manipulated something in the examination and obtained high marks. I started keeping distance from them, because differences of opinion made them doubt me even more.

It was during that period after finishing my under-graduation final examinations, I used to participate in satsang and Narayan Seva [feeding service] conducted in a Sai center there. I felt very happy and thought of continuing these Seva activities. One day I felt deeply disgusted with the scandals propagated by my friends. So I went to attend the satsang conducted in the Sai Center and prayed to Swami that He should help me. I also prayed to Bhagavan to keep me away from my friends. I further prayed that Swami should become my only friend. The very next day, I got calls from my friends one after another telling me that they did not want to continue their friendship with me.

I wonder even to this day what had made my friends discontinue their friendship with me overnight. From that day till today, Swami has been helping me in many ways, day-in and day-out. I slowly started developing a bond with Swami. Since I had no friends, Bhagavan became everything for me. His name was always in my heart, mind, and on my lips. He would also respond and reciprocate in numerous ways. Whenever I thought of Him, a big picture of His would appear on a hoarding, or on an auto-rickshaw.

At times I would feel His touch on my shoulder while riding the bike. At times I would see Him on a branch of a tree, and He would suddenly disappear. For some time, I thought that I was imagining or hallucinating. Either way I was happy.

On introspection, I learnt many things about Swami. Swami says, “Test is My taste.”

Initially, He encourages us to get closer to Him and tests us. We learn many things during this period and thus become wiser. We can pass Bhagavan’s test if we cultivate the spirit of surrender. The feeling of anyatha sharanam nasthi [other than You there is no refuge] is a source of immense strength and peace. Renouncing the feeling of the doer-ship and resigning oneself to His Will cements our bond with Him.

What I have learned being with Swami is to never question Him. When we do not know what is going to happen in the next moment, how can we question the One who knows the past, the present, and the future of everyone and everything? We can ask but not question. Acceptance of His sankalpa [Divine will] and abiding by it is a source of infinite strength. He is not interested in our failure or success. He is not interested in what failure or success does to us. He is interested in our progress. His love for us is unique. I always pray to Him that till the last breath of my life His name alone should be on my tongue, His thoughts alone should be in my mind, His image alone should be in my eyes, and His words alone should be in my ears. lf coming to Swami is one achievement, then continuously being with Him and in Him is the real achievement. His grace alone can help us achieve this. Let us all live in Sai. Let us all live for Sai.

~By K. J. Srinivas
Source: Sai Nandana 2015 (90th Birthday Offering)

Sai—My Everything

In the spiritual journey of life, there comes a sacred moment when the heart realizes that divine love is the only permanent truth. For countless devotees around the world, Sai—My Everything is not merely a phrase but a living experience filled with faith, surrender, devotion, and unconditional love. Shri Sathya Sai Baba taught humanity that God resides in every heart and that true happiness comes through selfless service, purity of thought, and constant remembrance of the Divine. The words Sai—My Everything beautifully express the feeling of complete dependence on the Lord who guides, protects, and transforms every aspect of life. Through His teachings, miracles, compassion, and divine presence, devotees discover peace and purpose even amidst the challenges of the modern world.

The life of Shri Sathya Sai Baba was a shining example of love in action. He constantly reminded people that all religions lead to the same God and encouraged humanity to practice truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. Devotees who embraced the path of Sai—My Everything often experienced a deep inner transformation. Fear slowly disappeared, faith became stronger, and the mind found calmness in His divine name. Whether through bhajans, meditation, seva, or prayer, every spiritual practice became meaningful when offered with devotion to Sai. The spiritual vibrations created by remembering Sai help devotees remain positive and hopeful in every phase of life.

Many followers believe that Sai’s grace works silently in mysterious ways. Sometimes it appears as protection during difficult times, while at other moments it arrives as wisdom, guidance, or emotional strength. The devotion behind Sai—My Everything grows stronger when devotees realize that Sai never abandons those who remember Him sincerely. Even a simple prayer offered with purity can bring immense comfort and spiritual confidence. The divine message of Sai teaches people to look within themselves and recognize the presence of God in all beings. This understanding creates compassion, humility, and kindness in daily life.

The teachings of Shri Sathya Sai Baba continue to inspire millions through spiritual literature, devotional music, humanitarian work, and community service. Organizations dedicated to Sai ideals actively promote education, healthcare, and social welfare without discrimination. In this sacred mission, Devotional india plays an important role in spreading spiritual awareness and preserving timeless traditions that connect devotees with divine wisdom. Through devotional songs, sacred stories, and spiritual practices, seekers experience a deeper connection with God and strengthen their faith in Sai’s teachings.

For many devotees, daily life itself becomes an offering to Sai. Every action, thought, and prayer is performed with gratitude and surrender. The feeling of Sai—My Everything inspires people to remain honest, compassionate, and spiritually disciplined. Sai Baba often emphasized that love is the highest form of worship and that serving humanity is equal to serving God. This message continues to inspire devotees to help the needy, support the suffering, and spread positivity wherever they go. True devotion is not limited to rituals alone; it is reflected in character, behavior, and selfless service toward others.

The beauty of Sai devotion lies in its simplicity. Sai never demanded complex rituals or strict practices. Instead, He encouraged people to chant God’s name, maintain good conduct, and cultivate pure thoughts. Devotees who follow Sai—My Everything often experience inner contentment that worldly achievements alone cannot provide. The divine connection with Sai fills the heart with strength during sorrow and gratitude during happiness. Through unwavering faith, devotees learn to accept life’s situations with patience and trust in divine timing.

In today’s fast-moving world filled with stress and uncertainty, spiritual devotion provides emotional stability and mental peace. Platforms like Devotional india help devotees stay connected with sacred teachings, devotional hymns, and spiritual inspiration that nourish the soul. Listening to Sai bhajans, reading spiritual discourses, and participating in devotional activities help create positive vibrations in life. The presence of Sai is felt deeply when the heart is filled with faith, humility, and love. Such devotion transforms ordinary living into a sacred spiritual journey.

The essence of Sai—My Everything is complete surrender to divine love. It is the realization that Sai is the guiding force behind every success, every lesson, and every blessing in life. Devotees who walk on this spiritual path often feel protected by an unseen divine hand that leads them toward truth and righteousness. Sai’s message of universal love continues to inspire humanity beyond barriers of religion, caste, language, or nationality. Through faith, prayer, and service, the connection with Sai becomes stronger with each passing day.

The spiritual legacy of Shri Sathya Sai Baba remains eternal because His teachings are rooted in love and compassion. Through sacred devotion, sincere prayer, and selfless service, devotees continue to experience divine grace in countless ways. Devotional india continues to support seekers by sharing spiritual wisdom that helps preserve devotion and inspire future generations. In the hearts of millions, the divine truth remains unchanged forever—Sai—My Everything.

-Being in the Presence of Sai