The Revelation

17 May 1968
Bombay (Mumbai)
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
(From Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VI, pp. 210–213)

Editor’s Note

This is the concluding portion of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s discourse delivered at the World Conference of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations in Bombay on 17 May 1968. In this historic address, Swami clearly and directly declares His divine identity—as an Incarnation of God who has come to restore righteousness (dharma).

Since devotees have assembled here from many nations and faiths, I must reveal one important truth. Conferences on religion and spirituality have been held earlier, as have gatherings of followers of specific faiths. But all such conferences occurred after the physical departure of the founders or divine inspirers.

This is the first time in history that a World Conference is being held while the Incarnation is present, before you all—having assumed this body for that very purpose, bearing a name chosen by the Incarnation itself.

I must tell you this, because ninety-nine out of every hundred among you do not know My Reality. You have come here drawn by many reasons—personal needs, interest in spiritual matters, enthusiasm for developing institutions, admiration, affection, love, reverence, or the joy of sharing spiritual experiences with others.

In truth, My Reality cannot be understood—not today, not even after a thousand years of intense austerity or inquiry, even if the whole of humanity joins in that effort. Yet, in a short time, you will become aware of the bliss showered by the Divine Principle that has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred name.

Your good fortune is far greater than that enjoyed by anchorites, monks, sages, saints, and even those who embodied aspects of divine glory in the past.

Because I move among you, eat like you, and speak with you, you fall into the illusion that this is ordinary humanity. Do not make this mistake. I deliberately sing with you, converse with you, and participate in your activities—yet, at any moment, My Divinity may reveal itself. You must be prepared for that moment.

Since Divinity is veiled by humanness, you must strive to overcome the maya (delusion) that conceals it from your vision.

This is a human form in which all divine principles are present—all names and forms that humanity has attributed to God are manifest in this one form. Do not allow doubt to distract you. Install steady faith in My Divinity on the altar of your heart, and you will gain a vision of My Reality.

But if you oscillate like a pendulum—devotion one moment, disbelief the next—you will never comprehend the truth nor experience that bliss.

You are extremely fortunate that in this very life you have the opportunity to behold the Sarvadaivathwa Swaroopam—the form that embodies all forms of God.

Consider another important truth. In earlier incarnations of God, recognition of Divinity came only after the physical form had left the world, despite ample evidence of divine grace. Devotion arose through fear, awe, or reverence for superhuman powers, authority, or majesty.

But reflect upon this Sathya Sai Manifestation. In an age dominated by materialism, disbelief, and irreverence, what draws millions from across the world in devotion? The only answer is the supra-worldly Divinity clothed in human form.

How fortunate you are to witness nations across the world paying homage to Bharat, to hear the name of Sathya Sai resounding globally—not in the future, but now, while this body walks among you.

You will soon witness the restoration of the Ancient and Eternal Religion—Sanathana Dharma—to its true and natural glory, the righteousness laid down in the Vedas for the welfare of all humanity.

The revival of Vedic Dharma is the Sai Sankalpa—the divine resolve. This movement is not driven merely by attracting people through manifestations of power (shakti) or capacity (samarthya). This is not bhramathathwam, a phenomenon of delusion.

This divine manifestation will establish truth, uproot untruth, and in that victory, fill all of you with ecstatic joy. That is the Sai Will.

Some people—even those in positions of leadership—have begun trading Vedic formulas and Bharatiya cultural principles for money, treating them as merchandise. Even Westerners are eager to purchase them. These truths are not commodities to be sold or bought.

Therefore, I shall soon travel to Western countries to make known their true value and to put an end to this commercialization. Authorities from universities in the United States of America and student leaders have already written, inviting Me and preparing programs. Only yesterday, passports were brought requesting My visit to Africa. I shall go there before the month of June.

Therefore, make full use of your association with Me. Follow My directions as swiftly and sincerely as you can. Obedience to My instructions alone is sufficient—it will benefit you more than the most severe austerities.

Practice Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Santhi (Peace), and Prema (Love)—values dear to Me. Resolve to uphold them in every thought, word, and deed.

This alone will grant you the summum bonum—mergence in the Supreme Divine Reality.