Sathya Sai Baba
Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is regarded by millions of followers as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. He has a global following with devotees from all over the world and Sai Samithis in many countries. He was born under the name Sathya Narayana Raju. He claims to have been born on 23 November 1926 but according to his school register, he was born in 1929.
Most of the times he resides in his main ashram called Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India. He also had an ashram near Bangalore in a town called Whitefield.
Beliefs and practices
Sathya Sai Baba preaches a rather traditional form of Hinduism. His teachings come from many sects or branches of Hinduism. He is said to cure many iseases and materialize rings, vibhuti etc. with spiritual powers. He preaches love and the unity of all religions. He proclaims that love is his form, and the only way man can emancipate himself is through self-less loving.
He has revived the bhajan culture in Hinduism with his compositions. He runs a number of educational institutions and hospitals on charity. He was solely responsible for drinking water project for the whole of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
He is an excellent orator in his native language Telugu.
Controversy
Sathya Sai Baba is the subject of intense controversy. He has been accused of being a cult leader that uses mind control and propaganda.
Some allege that he is a homosexual and pedophile and has sex with his followers even though he claims to be pure and free of desires. These followers claim that they had a traumatic experience because of his behaviour.
In 1993 there were also mysterious deaths at his compound. Crtics say that these deaths have not been properly investigated.
Critics claim that the materializations are fake and done by sleight of hand as, they say, can be seen on footage available on the internet. On the other hand it is very difficult to find a rational explanation for some of the miracle stories. Some ex-followers believe in the truth of the allegations but at the same time continue to believe in his ability to perform miracles. Usually these ex-followers believe that he has occult powers or is a powerful demon or the anti-Christ. Skeptics believe him to be a charlatan.
SBS Australia, will air the documentary "Seduced By Sai Baba" - Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 8.30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The 54-minute documentary is from Denmark's national television and radio broadcaster DR. First broadcast on January 30, 2002, it has been screened several times in Denmark and Norway. It is extremely critical of Sathya Sai Baba.
Supporters claim these charges are manufactured by industry cartels concerned about the effect of his teachings on their operations. They refute the charges hat Sathya Sai Baba runs a cult. According to the followers a cult doesn't run charities, is not tolerant of other beliefs and proseletyzes.
He says that his followers should not use the internet but focus on the innernet (do spiritual practices).
Quotes
- Hands that help are holier than lips that pray.