Frequently Asked Questions

Sri Sathya Sai Baba very wisely emphasised the universal need to spread spirituality, values, pure love and develop selflessness. He declared “I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith, but to confirm each in his own faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian, the Muslim a better Muslim and the Hindu a better Hindu.” This formula for humans to lead a meaningful life is summarised in following the universal human values of: sathya (truth), dharma (righteous conduct), shanthi (peace), prema (love) and ahimsa (non-violence).

Many recognise Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a complete incarnation of the Divine. At the age of 14, on 20th October 1940, He made the historic declaration about his ‘Divine Advent and Mission’ to his family and the people in the village. He was henceforth known as Sathya Sai Baba, and soon the world at large learnt of this divine phenomenon.

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“EMBODIMENTS of the Divine Atma! You have to recognise that life is meant for selfless service and not to be lived for selfish purposes. Only through such service can the oneness of mankind be experienced. Unselfish service is the sheet-anchor of Karma Yoga (Divine dedication through Action). The basis of Yoga is disciplining the mind and the body through disinterested service.” source

His belief that service should be provided for those worse off than ourselves and/or neglected by society has crystallised into reality through programmes in Medicare, Sociocare, Aqua care and Educare.

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Avatars are regarded as the physical incarnation in body form of the Supreme Being. Avatars often appear during specific periods when morality and righteousness are declining. Their purpose is to protect the virtuous, uproot evil, remind humanity of its divine nature and, above all, raise the universal consciousness. They take different forms, appear in different places, time frames and circumstances yet the single common factor is that they are all manifestations of the Supreme Being.

For further information, please refer to:

Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publication Trust (sssbpt.org).

There is no requirement to visit Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram in India. Indeed, many follow Sri Sathya Sai Baba and have never visited the ashram. However, should you wish to visit, other FAQs in this section can provide guidance on organising your visit.

The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ashram is called Prashanti Nilayam (translated as the Abode of Highest Peace). It is located in Puttaparthi, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is well connected with many local transport options as well as its own airport. However, most visitors tend to fly to Bengaluru and then take a 3 hour taxi ride to the Ashram.

You can find more specific information on the website of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust:

SSSCT – Prasanthi Nilayam – Travel (srisathyasai.org)

And the Prashanti Nilayam website:

Prasanthi Nilayam

If you currently visit a Sai Centre, you can also talk to the Centre President (Leader) for that Sai Centre and they can provide further information.

There are several useful resources which provide a range of audio visual and reading material for those keen to know more about Sri Sathya Sai Baba, His Mission and the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. For more information, please visit the following websites [MAY NEED TO REVIEW THIS LINK]:

Login : Sai Cart!, The Ecom of Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publication Trust (srisathyasaipublications.com)

Due to the sheer range of activities, there is something for everyone. Some enjoy taking part in service activities whenever and wherever they take place even though they may not attend the Sai Centre regularly or indeed, align with the spiritual focus of the Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation. With the heavy emphasis on serving humanity which Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself placed, some have gradually and, in their own time, developed an interest in the spiritual and educational dimensions on offer.

As with all places of spirituality, visitors and attendees to Sri Sathya Sai Organisation events must dress in a respectful manner. This means modest, clean and simple clothes that blend in rather than draw unnecessary attention to the wearer. Tight fitting clothes, sheer and see through fabrics, beach or sportswear and garish clothes are strongly discouraged. All genders are required to dress down to their ankles and not show their bare legs. Half sleeves (not sleeveless) can be worn to reveal some of the arm.

Women are asked to wrap a light shawl over their shoulders which also covers their chest. Trousers, dresses and loose skirts can be worn provided they are ankle length. Sarees and Punjabee suits can also be worn.

Men are often seen in white trousers, tops and shirts. However, whilst this is encouraged, it is not a hard and fast rule. As long as men conform to the dress code guidelines above, they can wear other colours.

www.sathyasai.org/ashrams/prasanthi/guidelines.html

Many of those who get involved with the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation are vegetarian but it is not a pre-requisite for involvement. Often, over a period of time, they appreciate the health and spiritual benefits of a vegetarian diet and become flexitarians or vegetarian. A vegan diet is also not essential. Food at many events will be marked vegan and gluten free to ensure other dietary preferences are respected. We strongly encourage all food served at events to be nut free.

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