- ❇️I embrace the wonderful power of the Guru’s touch, which destroys the sins of my past births and cleanses my subtle body.
- 🦶I touch Sai Baba’s hand and feet and awaken my ‘I am He (Brahman)’ consciousness, manifesting the joy of self-realization.
- 🧎If I prostrate before Sai and surrender heart and soul, the four chief objects of life (Dharma -Righteousness, Artha -Wealth, Kama -Desire, Moksha -Deliverance) are easily attained.
- 🚶I will walk the difficult path of Bhakti straight by relying on my Sadguru.
- 🍞There will be abundant of food and clothes in my home.
- 🧏I will fix the form of the Deity (Sai) firmly in my mind, so that it will not wander.
- 😌I will fix my mind on remembering Sai always, so that it will be calm, peaceful, and carefree.
Tag: Integrity
Ob Honesty and Fairness
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Self-Affirmation from Chapter VI of SSSC for Sai Baba devotees
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🌸 Daily Self- Affirmations for Shirdi Sai Baba Devotees’ Journey from 2025 into 2026.
Dear New Seeker /Sai Baba’s Devotee, by joining this sacred circle, you are stepping into ‘a year-end journey to year-beginning’, guided by Shirdi Sai Baba’s timeless wisdom.
🕉️ What You Will Receive
- Affirmations inspired by Chapters of the Shri Sai Satcharitra (SSSC), carrying the fragrance of faith, surrender, and transformation
- Visual motifs and meditations to anchor your practice
🌺 Your First Companion: Download your free PDF BOOK on Shirdi SaiBaba’s spirituality: “ Glossary on the spirituality of Shirdi Sai Baba” — a spiritual BASIC guide to update your practice.
📖Example of Affirmations Rooted in Sai’s Teachings
- Chapter 2: “I recognize Sai Baba as omniscient and the Inner Ruler of all.”
- Chapter 10: “I will always remember and chant “Sai” “Sai,” and all my shackles will be removed.”
- Chapter 33: “I believe that Sai Baba’s help is most opportune, coming exactly when I need it most .”
💡 Suggestions for using these Affirmations / Chart:
- Morning practice: Read each affirmation aloud to set your intention for the day.
- Read before sleeping, at your heart, to calm your thoughts and peaceful dream.
- Meditation aid: Focus on one affirmation per session, allowing its meaning to deepen.
🙏 Let Indian Spiritual Gure-God, Sai Baba Guide You:-
- Let this be your year of transformation.
- Let each affirmation be a step toward self-realization.
- Let you visualize Sai Baba
- Let Sai Baba’s grace carry you across
The most compelling fact about adopting the first few affirmations, grounded in Chapters I, II, and III, is that “Shirdi Sai Baba physically lived during the time these chapters were written by Mr. Hemadpant”; following Sai Baba’s blessing for him to write Sai Baba’s biography.
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Tips for daily living. (@35)
Chapter 35 of the “Shri Sai Sat Charitra” provides several important tips and teachings for daily living, conveyed through Sai Baba’s words and actions. These include:
- Overcoming the sense of differentiation: Sai Baba advised a friend of Kakasaheb Mahajani to “destroy the Teli’s (Adjacent oil store) wall (sense of difference) between us, so that we can see and meet each other face to face”. This highlights the importance of removing perceived distinctions between individuals and fostering a sense of unity in one’s interactions and outlook.
- Cultivating steady faith and avoiding a fickle mind: To a “fickle-minded gentleman” (referring to Kaka Mahajani’s master, Mr. Thakkar), Baba advised: “Now please keep your faith on any one place (point) you like, why roam like this? Stick quietly to one place”. This emphasizes the need for steadfastness and focus in one’s spiritual or daily pursuits, rather than being swayed by various anxieties or external circumstances.
- Understanding the spiritual significance of giving (Dakshina): Baba explained that His practice of asking for Dakshina was not for personal gain but to teach devotees about renunciation and purification. He stated that wealth should be used to “work out Dharma” (righteous conduct) and that if it is used only for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. He further taught that “The best way to receive is to give” and that “The giving of Dakshina advances Vairagya (Non-attachment) and thereby Bhakti and Jnana. Give one and receive tenfold“. This provides a profound insight into the spiritual benefits of charity and detachment.
- Embodying non-attachment and transcending dualities: Baba’s own conduct served as an example; He was “totally non-attached” to worldly praise or disregard, remaining unaffected by “pleasure and pain”. This illustrates the principle of living with detachment, not being excessively elated by positive experiences nor depressed by negative ones.
- The power and efficacy of Udi with faith: The story of Mrs. Newaskar, who faced a food shortage, demonstrates that when Udi (sacred ashes) is used with intense faith (“As one feels intently, so he realizes accordingly”), difficulties can be overcome, and needs can be met. This suggests that faith in Baba’s grace and His Udi can bring about practical solutions in daily life.
- Perceiving God in all beings: Balaji Patil’s response to a serpent, which he believed to be Sai Baba, exemplifies the spiritual practice of seeing God or divinity in all creatures. His fearless and devotional approach to the serpent, offering it milk, highlights that recognizing the divine in everything leads to fearlessness and compassion.
Additionally, while not directly “tips given” by Baba in this chapter, the narrative also shows:
- The effectiveness of worshipping Baba’s picture with faith and devotion for overcoming personal troubles like insomnia, as seen in the Bandra Insomnia Case.
- The value of disinterested service and complete surrender to the Guru, as exemplified by Balaji Patil Newaskar, who dedicated his efforts and possessions to Baba.
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Promoting Love
Sai Baba actively promoted love and unity, both among his devotees and towards animals, through his teachings, actions, and the examples he set. Here’s how the sources illustrate these aspects:
- Unification and Harmony:
- Sai Baba worked towards the unification of communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims.
- He celebrated Hindu festivals like Rama-Navami with all due formalities.
- He also permitted the ‘Sandal’ procession of Mahomedans and allowed Muslims to offer prayers (Namaj) in his Masjid. This demonstrated his disregard for religious distinctions and his wish for communal harmony.
- His constant advice was that “Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the Mahomedans) were one and the same.” He emphasized that their devotees should not quarrel. Instead, they should “join hands and bring both the communities together” for national unity.
- Fostering Unity and Eradicating Duality: Baba emphasized the importance of dissolving the sense of difference between individuals and with God.
- He explicitly stated, “Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then the road for our meeting will be clear and open. The sense of differentiation, as I and thou, is the barrier that keeps away the disciple from his Master, and unless that is destroyed the state of union or atonement is not possible“.
- This teaching directly supports universal love by promoting the realization of oneness.
- He also encouraged his devotees to love their Guru with whole-hearted affection. He advised them to surrender completely. He suggested prostrating reverentially before Him to attain this unity.
- Direct Instruction on Conduct:
- Baba provided invaluable general advice for interacting with others:
- “If any men or creatures come to you,
- do not discourteously drive them away,
- but receive them well and treat them, with due respect.
- Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and your verandah to strangers for sitting and resting“.
- This emphasizes hospitality, compassion, and respectful treatment of all.
- Discouraging Slander and Gossip: Baba strongly disliked slander.
- He stated, “He who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures, pleases Me most“.
- In one instance, he corrected a slanderer by pointing to a pig eating filth and comparing the slanderer’s actions to the pig’s,
- thereby teaching a powerful lesson against reviling others.
- Personal Relationships and Care: Baba demonstrated deep personal love and care for his close devotees.
- He shared his dormitory with Tatya Kote Patil and Bhagat Mhalsapati for 14 years, showing immense affection and intimacy.
- He loved Khushalchand of Rahata and “watched his welfare, day and night,” even visiting him.
- He exhibited “motherly love” towards his disciples, knowing their wants and feeling boundless joy when they were adorned.
- He ensured the proper execution of religious functions in devotees’ homes, even attending a dinner in Mr. B.V. Deo’s house through an appearance.
- His “anger” was often a disguise for blessings or tests, as seen
- when he appeared enraged with the women grinding wheat but later smiled at their devotion, or
- when he seemingly scolded Haji Sidik Falke only to then show him great favor.
- He sometimes appeared in dreams or visions to guide and comfort his devotees, like the instance of Hemadpant’s Shimga dinner.
- Importance of Guru-Disciple Relationship: Baba emphasized
- complete surrender and unwavering faith in the Guru, assuring that such
- devotion leads to spiritual progress and self-realization. This deep bond fosters profound love and trust.
- Saints, like Baba and Shri Tembye Swami, are shown to love each other with “fraternal affection,” indicating a wider spiritual family bound by love.
Promoting Love with Animals:
- Oneness with All Creatures: Sai Baba explicitly taught the principle of seeing God in all beings, including animals. When Mrs. Tarkhad fed a hungry dog, Baba told her, “The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread is, one with Me, so also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are one with Me. I am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved. So abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve Me, as you did today“. This is a profound teaching that directly connects compassion for animals with devotion to God.
- Compassion and Non-violence: Baba’s conduct consistently demonstrated compassion for animals. He never drove away dogs, cats, or crows that ate from his food pot, indicating his acceptance and care for them. He also gave a clear opinion on the killing of serpents, stating, “God lives in all beings and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions… So we should take pity and love all creatures, leave off adventurous fights and killings and be patient. The Lord (God) is the Protector of all“.
- Reminiscences of Past Lives: In a remarkable instance, Baba purchased two goats for a significantly high price, explaining to his surprised devotees that these goats were formerly two human brothers who had fought bitterly and killed each other. He bought them out of pity, fed them, and then returned them. This story highlights Baba’s boundless love and compassion for all creatures, acknowledging their karmic journeys.
- Protection of Animals:
- Baba saved his devotees from potential harm from animals like snakes,
- sometimes by foretelling the danger and
- other times by direct intervention,
- but he always advised against killing them,
- emphasizing universal love and the divine presence in all creatures.
- Even a fierce tiger was drawn to his feet and found a blessed end in his presence, demonstrating Baba’s all-encompassing mercy towards even wild animals.
- Unification and Harmony:
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Complete surrender to the Guru involves
Complete surrender to the Guru encompasses several dimensions, as elucidated in the Shri Sai Sat Charitra:
Devotion and Remembrance: This entails a total surrender of oneself while consistently recalling the Guru’s presence, with the necessity of continually chanting the Guru’s name.
Seeing the Guru in all beings: Engaging in meditation on the Guru allows one to perceive Him within every being, thereby bestowing eternal bliss. A true devotee regards every Guru as Krishna.
Lack of Egoism: This principle mandates the relinquishment of pride and ego, thereby surrendering to the Guru who resides within one’s heart. The removal of egoism and the complete trust in the Lord liberates one from worldly constraints.
Service: True surrender requires Sarvaswa Sharangati (total surrender) to the Sad-guru, where one must recognize that they are not the sovereign of their own body; rather, the body belongs to the Guru and exists solely to serve Him.
Faith and compliance: A disciple’s duty and dharma necessitate implicit and prompt adherence to the Guru’s directives.
Channeling Senses to the divine: Prior to indulging the senses, mind, and intellect in their respective pursuits, it is incumbent to remember the Guru; such remembrance serves as an offering to Him.
Experiencing Oneness: The individual who approaches the Guru achieves oneness with Him, akin to a river merging with the sea.
Desirelessness: The Guru liberates His devotees from desires, rendering them free.
Love: The Guru desires nothing but love for all sentient beings. Genuine love requires earnest affection; thus, where there is true yearning and feeling, God reveals Himself.
Mindfulness: Regularly chanting the Guru’s name and engaging in meditation fosters the ability to perceive Him in all beings, which in turn grants eternal bliss. A definitive indication of this practice is the attainment of a calm and peaceful mind. -
Can we follow other Gods?
In BG VII(7) 21-2, Sri Krishna said “In whatever from people surrender to Me, in that very form, I serve them. Every one following his own form of worship is really following My worship’.
God can be approached under any name and in any manner, and
Mahlsapathy (Baba’s closest devotee),
- though sticking to the idea that Khandoba was his God,
- derived the advantage of getting all his
- other needs safeguarded and provided as far as possible
- by Baba acting as his Providence.
Other bhaktas also
- who have their own particular forms, who however note the need or importance of food, shelter and other things for themselves and their familes, being provided by Baba
- would be thus encouraged by Mahlsapathy’s example to seek Baba and place themselves under his protection.
- Baba never interfered with
- anybody’s orthodoxy or religious worship, and
- the orthodox now in various places need not have any fears about the loss of their existing spiritual position by contacting Baba.
- All the while, they would get unconscious expansion and refinement of their idea of God and Gods, and become ready for reaching the “Ekam Sat-That which exists is One”
LoSB-P245
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Study materials available to Foreigners, interested in Shirdi Sai Baba.
Foreign individuals seeking to understand the life, teachings, and global influence of Shirdi Sai Baba have access to a wide array of study materials.1. Academic Works
Academic studies offer a structured, critical, and contextual understanding of Shirdi Sai Baba, often distinguishing historical facts from hagiographical embellishments.
As per (Thanks) Oxford Bibliographies:-
“Academic study of Shirdi Sai Baba has emerged within the past several decades as scholars of religion in South Asia began to engage in a wide array of studies of popular saints and gurus;
and as they observed the rapid growth in devotion to Shirdi Sai Baba in particular within the Indian subcontinent and, eventually, beyond India.
White 1972 provided the first academic analysis of Shirdi Sai Baba, noting his growing popularity in western India and attributing it to the unifying bond created between Sai Baba’s devotees, a bond that crosses distinctions of caste, class, and social status.
Antonio Rigopoulos 1993 is the first book-length academic study of Shirdi Sai Baba, which presents a biography of Sai Baba in the first half that draws upon Hindu-authored hagiographies, and presents Sai Baba’s key teachings in the second half with an emphasis on interreligious tolerance.
Warren 2004 includes a valuable translation of the diary kept by Abdul Baba, a Muslim follower of Sai Baba in Shirdi, and draws upon that to present an interpretation of Sai Baba as a Muslim fakir who traveled the Sufi path.
McLain 2016 traces Shirdi Sai Baba’s rise from small village guru to global phenomenon, using a wide range of textual, material, and visual sources to investigate the different ways that Sai Baba has been understood and the reasons behind his skyrocketing popularity among Hindus in particular.
The edited collection Srinivas, 2022 provides insight into the worship of Sai Baba beyond the village of Shirdi in the early twentieth century, with essays that examine more contemporary worship at multiple sites within India as well as in Asia and Africa.
Several articles also make valuable contributions to the study of Shirdi Sai Baba:
Hardiman 2015 analyzes the miracle healing cures associated with Sai Baba and the relationship between his spiritual power and secular science;
Rigopoulos 2012 analyzes some of Sai Baba’s miracles in connection with yoga powers;
Vicziany 2016 examines the worship of two syncretic figures, Shirdi Sai Baba and Haji Ali, in the city of Mumbai, India; and
Loar 2018 compares the hagiographies of Shirdi Sai Baba that were written by two of his Hindu followers, Dabholkar and Narasimhaswami.”- Thanks Oxford for your article at www.oxfordbibliogrsphies.com.
Cambridge University
Cambridge University have explored aspects of Sai Baba’s life and the movement he inspired.
1. Academic Research and Publications:
* Cambridge Core: Cambridge University Press has published academic works that discuss Shirdi Sai Baba and the broader Sai Baba movement.
* Smriti Srinivas’s article, “Sai Baba: The Double Utilization of Written and Oral Traditions in a Modern South Asian Religious Movement,” published in Diogenes, examines the origins of the Sai Baba movement rooted in Shirdi Sai Baba.
* Another article in Comparative Studies in Society and History titled “Miracle Cures for a Suffering Nation: Sai Baba of Shirdi” explores his popularity and perceived ability to provide miraculous cures.
* The “Cambridge Companion to New Religious Movements” features a chapter by Tulasi Srinivas on the Sathya Sai Baba movement, which originated from Shirdi Sai Baba’s legacy.
* Cambridge University Library: Kevin R.D. Shepherd, a British author, conducted private research at Cambridge University Library for twelve years, focusing on the history of religions and philosophy. He has authored books such as “Sai Baba of Shirdi: A Biographical Investigation” and “Investigating the Sai Baba Movement.”
2. Perspectives on Shirdi Sai Baba:
* Syncretism: Some scholars highlight Shirdi Sai Baba’s image as a unifying figure between Hindu and Muslim traditions, emphasizing the composite nature of Indian culture in the growth of his devotion.
* Miracles and Faith: His devotees often attribute miraculous abilities to him, which contributed to his widespread popularity. Academic analysis has also focused on these aspects.
* Historical Context: Research connects the rise of Shirdi Sai Baba’s popularity with the Indian nationalist movement and the search for unifying symbols.
3. Mentions in Other Contexts:
* Sathya Sai Baba: Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi, and his movement have also been subjects of academic study, including publications by Cambridge University Press.
* Educational Initiatives: Cambridge University Press has collaborated with Indian educational institutions for programs like the “SAI-Cambridge Reading Quest,” although this is related to language skills development and not directly to the study of Sai Baba.
While Cambridge University’s press has published scholarly articles and books that analyze his life, teachings, and the socio-religious movements associated with him. Individual researchers connected to the university have also contributed significantly to this field of study.
Teachings and Philosophy
Social and Cultural Significance
- Karline McLain’s Be United, Be Virtuous: This work investigates the role of Sai Baba’s teachings in promoting religious harmony and examines the movement’s cultural impact within Indian society.
- Edited Volumes (e.g., Devotional Spaces of a Global Saint): These collections often feature contributions that analyze the institutional development of the Sai Baba movement and its place in the lives of modern devotees.
Miracles and Belief Systems
- Analytical Perspectives on Miracles: Academic literature explores the narrative function of miracles in constructing Sai Baba’s authority, examining their sociological and psychological dimensions and drawing comparisons with miracle traditions in other religions.
Global Spread and Contemporary Practices
- Studies on Globalization: Scholars analyze how Sai Baba’s devotion has transcended geographic boundaries, highlighting the establishment of temples and devotional practices in international contexts.
- Media and Technology: Contemporary research considers how digital media platforms are employed to maintain global devotional networks and disseminate teachings.
Methodological Approaches
Engagement with academic resources introduces foreign learners to various methodological frameworks—historical criticism, sociology of religion, and anthropology—that enable a comprehensive and critical study of religious figures and movements.
2. Devotional and Informational Websites
In addition to academic works, several online platforms provide accessible resources tailored to the needs of international devotees.
Websites for International Devotees (e.g., shirdisaibaba.international)
- Curated Publications: These platforms offer English-language articles, news updates, and publications, suited for global audiences.
- Translations of Key Texts: They often provide details of translated versions of significant devotional texts and biographies.
- Community Engagement: Discussion forums and community pages offer a space for interpretation, Lists of Sai Baba temples in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Singapure, Dubai…and sharing of experiences, reflecting the living tradition of Sai Baba devotion.
Official Temple Trust Website (sai.org.in)
- Authoritative Information: Offers official narratives, details of temple rituals, and historical overviews from the perspective of the temple trust.
- Online Resources: Includes downloadable material, videos, and frequently asked questions, all primarily in English, facilitating introductory-level engagement.
3. Key Considerations for Foreigners
Language Accessibility
The wide availability of English-language materials—both academic and devotional—greatly enhances accessibility for non-Indian audiences.
Multiple Perspectives
A balanced approach that includes both academic and devotional materials provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Cultural Context
Academic studies help situate Sai Baba within the broader Indian religious and cultural milieu, an essential context for foreigners unfamiliar with the subcontinent’s spiritual traditions.
Critical Engagement
By engaging with academic sources, foreigners are encouraged to critically examine the narratives surrounding Sai Baba, differentiating between historically substantiated facts and devotional interpretations.
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Don’t entertain the sense of doership
Once Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, known as Shri Tembye Swami, camped at Rajamahendri (Andhra State) by the river Godavari. He was a devoted Jnani and Yogi Bhakta of God Dattatreya.
Mr. Pundalikrao, a pleader from Nanded, visited him with friends, during which they mentioned Shirdi and Sai Baba.
The Swami bowed when Baba’s name was spoken. He gave Pundalikrao a coconut. The Swami asked him, to offer it to Baba, with his regards. He also wanted Pundalikrao, to remind Baba to remember him.
The Swami noted that he usually does not bow to others, but made an exception here. Pundalikrao agreed to take the fruit and message to Baba.
A month later, Pundalikrao and his friends traveled to Shirdi with the coconut. They stopped at a rivulet for water. Feeling hungry, they broke the coconut. They mixed it with their Chivda, making it tastier. Unfortunately, this was the coconut, meant for Baba.
When Pundalikrao reached Shirdi, he remembered the coconut and felt guilty. He saw Baba, Who already knew about the coconut and asked Pundalikrao, to give the items from his brother -swami.
Pundalikrao confessed his negligence. He sought forgiveness and offered to replace the coconut.
Baba declined his offer, saying its value was far greater than an ordinary one.
Baba also added- “
- Now you need not worry yourself any more about the matter.
- It was on account of my wish that the coconut was entrusted to you.
- Ultimately it was broken on the way.
- Why should you take the responsibility of the actions on you?
- Do not entertain the sense of doership in doing good, as well as for bad deeds; be entirely prideless and egoless in all things and
- thus your spiritual progress will be rapid
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Qualities That Define a True Sadguru
who is Guru:
- He who teaches us Veda and Vedanta or the six Shastras (systems),
- He, who controls the breath, or
- brands his body with Mudras (metallic marks of Vishnu’s weapons) or
- gives pleasing discourses regarding Brahma.
- he who gives mantras (sacred syllables) to the disciples and
- orders them to chant the same a certain number of times,
- but does not assure them any result in a definite time.
- He who by his spacious wordy knowledge, explains beautifully the Ultimate Principle,
- but has himself got no experience or self-realization is not a Sad-guru.
- How can he, who is himself devoid of self-realization, give it to the disciples?
Who is SadGuru:
- But He, who by his discourse creates in us,
- a distaste for the enjoyments of this world and
- the next, and gives us a taste of self-realization.
- who is well-versed in both the theoretical and practical knowledge (self-realization) deserves to be called a Sad-guru.
- He is never restless nor ruffled.
- He has no pride of his learning.
- The poor and the rich, the small and the great are the same to him.
- A Sad-guru does not, even in his dream, expect any service or profit from his disciples.
- On the contrary, he wishes to serve them.
- He does not think that he is great and the disciple small.
- Not only he loves him, as his son but regards him, as equal to himself or as Brahma.
- The main characteristic of a Sad-guru is that he is the abode of peace.
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Quotation 212
- “I always think of him who remembers Me.
- I require no conveyance, carriage, cart, nor train nor aeroplane.
- I run and manifest myself to him who lovingly calls me.
Baba in SSSC-Ch 40
"I draw to Me, My man from far off or even across the seven Seas to Shirdi, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet"-Shirdi Sai Baba, Indian Spiritual Guru-God 