Category: Moral teaching

Explore the ethical and moral teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba — principles of right living, integrity, compassion, and righteous conduct that form the foundation of Every devotee’s life.

  • Worker should be paid, promptly and liberally

    One day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai’s house and said – “Bring Me a ladder.” Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba.

    He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar’s house, passed the roof of Radha-Krishna-Mai’s house and then got down from the other corner.

    What object Baba had, none could know. Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever, that He may have gone there.

    Immediately after getting down, Baba paid Rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this.

    He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally.

  • God given! Then accept and enjoy

    As we have seen, this Upanishad is the quintessence of the Vedas. It is the science of self-realization, it is the scythe or weapon which can rend asunder the bondage of life and death, and make us free.

    Therefore, Dasganu thought, that he who has himself attained self- realization, can only give him the true or correct interpretation of the Upanishad.

    When nobody could satisfy Das Ganu, he resolved to consult Sai Baba about this, prostrated himself before Him, and mentioned his difficulties about the Ishavasya Upanishad and requested Him to give the correct solution.

    Sai Baba, blessed him and said- “You need not be anxious, there is no difficulty about the matter, the mind-servant of Kaka (Kakasaheb Dixit) will solve your doubts at Vile Parle, on your way home”.

    The people who went present then and heard this, thought that Baba was joking and said, “How could an illiterate maid-servant solve the difficulties of this nature”, but Das Garu thought otherwise. He was sure, that whatever Baba spoke, must come true, Baba’s word was the decree of the Brahma (Almighty).

    Kaka’s Maid-Servant

    On fully believing in Baba’s words, he left Shirdi and came to Vile Parle (a suburb of Bombay), and stayed with Kakasaheb Dixit.

    There the next day, when Das Ganu was enjoying his morning nap (some say when he was engaged in worship), he heard a poor girl singing a beautiful song in clear and melodious tones.

    The subject matter of the song was a crimson coloured Sari, how nice it was, how fine was its embroidery, how beautiful were its ends and borders etc.

    He liked the song so much that he came out, and saw that it was being sung by a young girl, the sister of Namya, who was a servant of Kakasaheb. The girl was cleaning vessels, and had only a torn rag on her person.

    On seeing her impoverished condition, and her jovial temperament, Das Ganu felt pity for her and when Rao Bahadur M.V.Pradhan next day gave him a pair of dhotars, he requested him to givea sari to the poor little girl also.

    Rao Bahadur bought a good Chirdi (small Sari) and presented it to her. Like a starving person getting luckily good dishes to eat, her joy knew to bounds. Next day she wore the new Sari, and out of great joy and merriment, whirled, danced round and played `Fugadi’ with other girls and excelled them all.

    The Day following, she kept the new Sari in her box at home and came with the old and torn rags, but she looked as merry as she did the previous day.

    On seeing this, Das Ganu’s pity was transferred into admiration. He thought that the girl being poor had to wear a torn rag, but now she had a new Sari which she kept in reserve and putting on the old rag, strutted herself, showing no trace of sorrow or dejection.

    Thus he realized that all our feelings of pain and pleasure depend upon the attitude of our mind.

    On thinking deeply over this incident, he realized that a man ought to enjoy whatever God has bestowed on him in the firm conviction that He besets every thing, from behind and before, and on all sides and that whatever is bestowed on him by God must be for his/our good.

  • Sai Baba Temples, Singapore and Malaysia

    Sai Baba Temples, Singapore and Malaysia

    Click this link to get the list of SAI BABA Temples in Singapore and Malaysia

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBYVNbPWJu7e2efn9

  • USA Sai Baba (65) Temples List: Find a Temple for Meditation and Bliss

    USA Sai Baba (65) Temples List: Find a Temple for Meditation and Bliss

    Are you in the USA? Then go to a Sai Baba temple.

    The growing number of Shirdi Sai Baba temples in the United States shows the strong devotion to this respected saint. These places, including Mandirs and Prayer Centers, are important for worship and spiritual practice. They help build community ties and create friendly environments. Sai Baba’s teachings focus on faith, patience, and unity.

    This directory aims to provide up-to-date information. However, the growth of Sai organizations needs a team effort to keep the data accurate. Readers are encouraged to actively engage with this resource by sharing their experiences and providing updates on temple information. These contributions are important to keep the directory reliable and helpful for the wider Sai community.

    I. USA Sai Baba Temples: (AI supported)

    CityTemple NameAddressPhone Number(s)Website
    California State
    CupertinoShirdi Saibaba Mandir (Shirdi Sai Satsang)20589 Homestead Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA+1 (408) 736-6563
    MilpitasShiridi Sai Parivar1221 California Circle, Milpitas, CA 95035, USA+1 (408) 909-1221http://www.shirdisaiparivaar.org
    MontebelloShri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan (Shirdi Sai LA)144 S 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640, USA+1 (323) 721-1772http://www.shirdisaila.org
    San RamonSri Datta Sai Mandir1901 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, USA+1 (925) 820-1402http://sridattasaimandir.org
    SunnyvaleShirdi Sai Darbar255 San Geronimo Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA+1 (408) 482-0089http://www.shirdisaidarbar.org
    Florida State
    InvernessShirdi Sai Baba Temple (Shridi Sai Center of Florida)4707 Pleasant Grove Rd, Inverness, FL 34452, USA+1 (352) 860-2181http://www.floridashirdisai.org
    Georgia State
    SuwaneeNorth America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta (NASSTA)700 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024, USA+1 (678) 455-7200https://saitempleatlanta.org/
    Illinois State
    AuroraShirdi Sai Baba Mandir (Sai Samsthan USA)1101 Foran Lane, Aurora, IL 60506, USA+1 (630) 897-1500http://www.saisamsthanusa.org
    HampshireSHIRDI SAI TEMPLE OF CHICAGOLAND12N950 IL Route 47, Hampshire, IL 60140, USA+1 (847) 931-4058http://www.saibaba.us
    SpringfieldShri Sai Satsung of Springfield1512 Brenda Court, Springfield, IL+1 (217) 793-6734 (Krishna)N/A
    Minnesota State
    HopkinsShirdi Saibaba Prayer Center725 Lake St NE Apt #139, Hopkins, MN, USA+1 (952) 938-2983http://www.hamaresai.org
    New Jersey State
    Kendall Park, South BrunswickShri Shirdi Sai Baba Sanstha (Shirdi Sai Prayer Center)VFW Hall #9111, Henderson Road, Kendall Park, South Brunswick, NJ 08824, USA+1 (732) 257-1438, +1 (610) 648-0191N/A
    IselinShirdi Sai Cultural and Community Center465 Lincoln Highway (Rt 27), Iselin, NJ 08830, USA+1 (732) 283-1800https://www.shirdisainj.org/
    New York State
    FlushingOM SAI MANDIR45-11 Smart Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA+1 (718) 461-0454http://www.omsaimandir.org
    FlushingShri Shirdi Saibaba Temple (Shirdi Sai Center Inc.)46-16 Robinson Street, Flushing, NY 11355, USA+1 (718) 321-9243http://www.dwarakamaishirdi.org/
    PlainviewSai Mandir NY115 Southern Parkway, Plainview, NY 11803, USA+1 (516) 867-8008, 1-866-724-6284 (Toll Free), +1 (516) 223-9888 (Priest)https://www.saimandirus.org/
    North Carolina State
    CarySri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir of North Carolina1150 SW Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27513, USA+1 (919) 386-1085http://www.ssmnc.org
    Ohio State
    Lewis CenterSri Saibaba Temple Society of Ohio2596 Lewis Center Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA+1 (614) 799-8411http://www.srisaimandir.org
    Pennsylvania State
    MonroevilleShirdi Sai Baba Temple1449 Abers Creek Road, Monroeville, PA 15146, USA+1 (412) 374-9244http://www.baba.org
    Texas State
    PlanoSri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW2699 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75075, USA+1 (469) 467-3388http://www.shirdisaidallas.org
    Virginia State
    DullesSHIRDI SAI MANDIR43671 Trade Center Place, #166, Dulles, VA 20166, USA+1 (703) 661-4724http://www.shirdisaimandir.org

    II. You can also i) scan the below QR code or ii) click the following link to get a list of approximately 67 SAI BABA temples or Prayer Centres in USA

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/P9FtdGNjjPqG12Yq9?g_st=ac

    Please click the link, check the reviews, ensure the correct route, and cross-check the timing without fail.

    III. Decide the suitable Sai Temple and

    Go there, sit and do meditation; and feel the eternal bliss.

    IV. OM SAI BABA, GUIDE AND BLESS YOUR CHILDREN, please.

    PS: 1. This list is for informational purposes only. We are not sponsoring. Check before proceeding.

    2. If this above List/link hasn’t included any Sai Baba Temple or Prayer Place you know in USA, please add it to Google Maps. Then send that Google Map link with Temple’s Name, Address and other details to us.

    3. For any such addition, correction or deletion in the above list, inform us here.

  • Baba on lust; GOD is found in every creature

    Baba on lust; GOD is found in every creature

    Thought struck Nana, ‘Shall I have another opportunity of seeing this angelic face?” Baba at once slapped him on the thigh. Then the ladies departed.

    Baba asked him, ‘Do you know why I slapped you?” Nana admitted that his thoughts were low and unfit for one in Baba’s company. He asked, How is it that even when I am next to you, such low thoughts sway my mind?” (B.C.&S. 205).

    Baba replied, ‘You are a man after all, and the body being full of desires, these spring up as sense objects approach.

    Then Baba asked, ‘Are there not lovely temples with well coloured exterior? When we go there, do we admire the exterior beauty or the God within? When you are seeing God within, do you ever care for the outside beauty of the building? Similarly, remember God is not only in temples. He is found in every creature.

    Therefore when you see a beautiful face, remember that it is a temple and the image of the God within is the Jiva, a preeminent part of the Universal Soul. So, think at once of God-or the Universal Soul in every object, whether beauteous or ugly. These forms reveal the God within.

    There is nothing wrong in admiring beauty, but the thought must follow at once, “If this object is so beautiful, how much more beautiful and powerful must be the God who made this object and inhabits it?. Thinking thus, you will not get smitten by a woman beauteous face hereafter”.

    This was the upadesa given to Nana Baba had not to go further and stop him from any sinful acts due to lust, ( B. C. & S. 206)

  • Special Value of Human Birth

    Special Value of Human Birth

    As we all know, four things are common to all the creatures, viz. food, sleep, fear and sexual union. In the case of man, he is endowed with a special faculty, viz. knowledge, with the help of which he can attain God-vision, which is impossible in any other birth. It is for this reasons that Gods envy man’s fortune and aspire to be born as men on earth, so as to get their final deliverance.

    Some say, that there is nothing worse than the human body, which is full of filth, mucus, phlegm and dirt, and which is subject to decay, disease and death. This is no doubt true to a certain extent; but inspite of these drawbacks and defects, the special value of the human body is – that

    1. man has got the capacity to acquire knowledge:
    2. it is only due to the human knowledge that one can think of the perishable and transitory nature of the body itself, and of the world and
    3. get a disgust for the sense-enjoyments and can discriminate between the unreal and the real,
    4. and thus attain God-vision.
    • So, if we reject or neglect the body because it is filthy, we lose the chance of God-vision, and
    • if we fondle it, and run after sense – enjoyments, because it is precious, we go to hell.
    • The proper course, therefore, for us to pursue is the following;

    that the body should neither be neglected nor fondled, but should be properly cared for, just as a traveler on horse-back takes care of his pony on the way till he reaches his destination and returns home.

    Thus the body should ever be used or engaged to attain God-vision or self-realization, which is the supreme end of life.

    SSSC Ch-8

  • Bread and Food getting is an Auspicious. Here is Baba’s own story.

     Do not discard offers of food; served dish should not be thrust away. Offers of bread and food should be regarded as auspicious signs of success.” Saying this Vanjari offered us food and asked us to be calm and patient.

    Again we did not like this good hospitality and discarded his offer and went away. Without doing any quest and without taking any food, the three began to move out. So obstinate were they.

    I (Baba) was hungry and thirsty and I was moved with the Vanjari’s extraordinary love; we thought ourselves very learned but were quite strangers to pity and kindness. The Vanjari was a quite illiterate and unqualified fellow and belonged to a low caste. Still he had love in his heart and asked us to eat the bread.

    In this way he who loves others disinterestedly is really enlightened and I thought acceptance of his hospitality was the best beginning of getting knowledge. So very respectfully I accepted the loaf of bread offered, ate it and drank water.

    Then to! The Guru at once came and stood before us, “What was the dispute about?” He asked and I told him everything that had happened. Then he said, “Would you like to come with me? I will show you what you want; but he alone, who believes in what I say, will be successful.” The others did not agree to what he said and left him; but I bowed to him reverently and accepted his dictum.

    Then he took me to a well, tied my feet with a rope and hung me – head downwards and feet up – from a tree near the well. I was suspended three feet above the water, which I could not reach with My hands, nor which could go into my mouth. Suspending me in this manner he went away, no one knew where. After 10 or 12 ghatakas (4 or 5 hours) he returned and taking me out quickly asked me how I fared.

    “In Bliss supreme, I was. How can a fool like me describe the joy I experienced?” I replied. On hearing my answer the Guru was much pleased with me, drew me near him and stroking my body with his hand kept me with him. He took care of me as tenderly as a mother-bird does of her young ones.

    He put me into his school; how beautiful it was! There I forgot my parents, all my attachment was snapped and I was liberated easily. I thought that I should embrace his neck and remain staring at him always. If his image were not fixed in my pupils, I would like better to be blind. Such  was the school!

    No one, who entered it once, could return empty-handed. My Guru became my all-in-all, my home and property, mother and father, everything. All my senses left their places and concentrated themselves in my eyes, and my sight was centred on him. Thus was my Guru, the sole object of my meditation and I was conscious of none else. While meditating on him my mind and intellect were stunned and I had thus to keep quiet and bow to him in silence.

    .. By his grace, realization flashed upon me of itself, without effort or study. I had not to seek anything, but everything became clear to me as broad day-light.

  • Baba said no doubt that Maya is a covering over Chaitanya, but!

    In this connection one may note the Maya theory that has been referred to in Srimad Bhagavata and in Baba’s teaching. In Baba’s teaching. the word ‘Maya’ is clearly indicative of darkness. That is, what binds one to darkness is Maya.

    It has Aavarana and Veekshepa; the Aavarana portion of it covers up our consciousness and knowledge and Veekshepa creates fictions over that Aavarana.

    For example a person who is a cooly dreams that he is a king, forgets his coolyship and assumes kingship, and the whole thing is a miserable fiction. Therefore, Maya does exist and is a thing to be avoided.

    But Maya has another sense, namely, that it is the creative power of God. Even in this sense it creates fictions and makes the world run on the basis of those fictions.

    But the conclusion drawn and acted upon by some people that everything in this phenomenal world is fiction is not to be accepted as its logical conclusion.

    Baba said no doubt that Maya is a covering over Chaitanya, but he did not follow it to the logical conclusion that everything that is seen is merely a fiction and therefore to be disregarded. As long as we are in this phenomenal world with its rules and principles, we have to follow it.

    Therefore Baba gave many directions to his pupils and never treated his relations to pupils and to others as mere fictions

    He was a realist quite as much as any other that we have seen, and he asked people to stick to truth, the truth understood in the phenomenal sense and not in he sense of Advaitic philosophy, that is, a reality which is not sensed, but is merely conceived of in philosophy, as beyond all time and place.

  • Baba and Jesus on Fasting

    Baba and Jesus on Fasting

    Once Kaka resolved to observe fasting for the night. But as Baba did not encourage unnecessary observances, he repeatedly told Dixit to take his night meal. So Dixit gave up his idea of fasting

    This reminds us of St Mark II 18-21. In this passage, Jesus informed people that his disciples were not fasting as other devout people did. The children of the bride chamber would not fast so long as the bridegroom was with them.

    As long as Jesus watched over his disciples and kept them pure, fasts and vigils were unnecessary,

    When Baba was there to keep Kaka free from lascivious thoughts and tamasic disposition, there was no need to fast.

  • Five sheaths

    Man is enclosed in five sheaths: the physical, vital, mental, intellectual and blissful; the last, blissful is the core. So, man need only explore within himself for infinite bliss.

    Bliss has to be sought not through accumulation but through sacrifice and promotion of the welfare of others. Sacrifice (Tyaga) is recommended by the Vedas as the only path to immortality.

    Give in plenty, give gladly, give for the glory of God, and. in gratitude to God.

    Selfishness is the canker that destroys charity. Though one is aware that a step is wrong, selfishness does not allow him to desist. But it can be overcome by steady determination.

    Share with others the knowledge and skills you have earned,. the ideas and ideals you have benefited from, and the joy you have won by discipline and dedication.

    Sharing will not diminish them or devalue them. On the other hand, they will shine better with added splendour.

    – Puttaparti Satya Sai Baba in Divine Discourse, Apr 21, 1983.

    Have a sense of values, rather a scale of values; give everything, everyone, its worth or their worth, not a whit more.

    Five sheaths encase the Atma and hide its splendour from revealing itself.

    Make all these pure and shining. The physical sheath (annamaya kosa) must be purified by good, clean, pure food; the vital sheath (pranamaya kosa) by calm, steady breathing and an equanimous temper; the mental sheath (manomaya kosa) by holy thoughts and emotions, untouched by attachment to senses or unaffected by joy or grief; the wisdom sheath (vijnanamaya kosa) by contemplation of the reality; and the bliss sheath (anandamaya kosa) by getting immersed in the ecstasy of God-realisation. – Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1961.