Sri Sathya Sai Baba teaches that our basic nature is divine and that the purpose of life is the realization of this divinity. This will occur, He says, by leading a moral life, rendering selfless service to those in need, engaging in devotional practices, and developing love, respect, and compassion for all life. As one strives to transform their worldly life of self-centered desires and attachments into a higher spiritual life of selflessness and devotion, the foundation is built for receiving God’s grace. It is this grace which will reveal our true nature to each of us.
He reminds us that humankind is unique among all of God’s creation; human beings are capable of recognizing that they emanate from the divine God. We have the capacity to commune with the divinity of God by turning inward. Ultimately, it is our destiny to merge with the divine God. Sri Sathya Sai Baba teaches us that all religions are expressions of these same universal principles.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba does not advocate for asceticism and withdrawal from the world. Instead, He teaches us that the world is our school. The practice of five universal human Values – Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Non-violence - is our curriculum. The ultimate lesson is realizing the underlying unity in the diversity that exists in creation.
By personal example, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has inspired and continues to inspire millions of followers throughout the world to the ideal that service to others is service to God. His numerous service projects – be it free hospitals, free schools and colleges, free drinking water supply projects, free housing projects, or disaster relief operations, among others, all stand testimony to His selfless love and compassion, especially for the underprivileged.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba strongly emphasizes selfless service to those in need as the highest means for enhancing one’s own spiritual growth and development. He teaches that it is not enough to simply do good work – but one’s attitude during the service activity is of equal importance. The service volunteer must have an attitude of humility and appreciation for the opportunity to do any activity. The opportunity itself is a gift from God. One should not dwell on the good that they are doing, otherwise that activity will strengthen one’s ego rather than help to reduce it.
The Sri Sathya Sai International Organization founded by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, has a presence in over 110 countries and its members undertake many service activities that benefit their immediate communities.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba remains a living presence, an inspiration, a guide, and most of all, a cherished, endearing, and intimately felt divinity in the hearts of millions who knew Him.