The Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba

By Srikanth Sola, M.D.
The Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba

on Health
This book is a reference work not intended to treat, diagnose, or prescribe.
The information contained herein is in no way intended as a substitute for
consultation with a duly licensed health care professional.
1st edition 2000

2nd edition 2009
Copyright 2000 by Srikanth Sola, M.D.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means without the permission of the author.
Acknowledgments
With gratitude to Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba.
Correspondence with the author may be addressed to:

Srikanth Sola, M.D.
Consultant Cardiologist
Department of Cardiology
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences
EPIP Area, Whitefield
Bangalore, Karnataka 560 066
India
Dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: The Body 3
Chapter 2: Food 6
Chapter 3: Healthy Habits 14
Chapter 4: The Mind 24
Chapter 5: Aging Gracefully 28
Chapter 6: The Medical Sciences 32
Chapter 7: Of Faith and Healings 39
Appendices
A - The Satwic Diet 44
B - Sprouting Seeds and Nuts 48
"Man can be certified as healthy only when he is fully conscious of his
reality and is gladly striving to reach it."1
Introduction
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, regarded by millions the world over as the
Avatar [Incarnation of God] of the present age, provides us with a plethora of
teachings on the nature of humanity and our Divine purpose here on earth. Sai
Baba says, "Health is the essential requisite of man. The man afflicted with ill-
health is powerless to execute even the least burdensome assignment. The
scriptures proclaim that health is the very root of all endeavor in the four fields of
human achievement dharma [duty or right action], artha [wealth], kama [desire],
and moksha [liberation]. Without health, man cannot brave temptations, earn a
decent living, fulfill his basic needs and succeed in spiritual discipline. Man can
engage himself in obligatory and optional functions only if he enjoys good
health."2
This book is intended primarily to serve as a collection of the teachings of

Sathya Sai Baba on health. The essence of this collection is a simple one we
are not the body, we are the Atma [the Divine Self]. Unfortunately, we mistakenly
identify ourselves with our evanescent little bodies here today, compost
tomorrow and end up with all sorts of maladies. We can let go of that
identification, however, and instead realize that we have been the Atma all along
we have only forgotten. But until we remember, until we have Self-realization,
we have to care for the bodies with which we have been blessed. Sai Baba gives
us a whole ream of prescriptions for health, but to realize that we are the One
and nothing less than that One is to enjoy the state of true health, regardless of
our body's condition. Swami's teaching is sweet medicine that never expires.
Sai Baba says, "I have been telling you one truth always your master is
your heart, where God resides. You yourself are three persons, not one: the one
you think you are; the one others think you are; and the one you really are. The
one you really are is God. God is in you, with you, above you, around you,
behind you. All of you are Divine in reality; differences in name and form are but
temporary and external.
"Carry on your highest duty to yourselves. Follow the four F's: follow the
master; face the devil; fight to the end; and finish the game. Then you will win My
love in full measure. Love is My highest miracle. Love can bring to you the
affection of all mankind. Love will not tolerate any selfish aim or approach. Love
is God, so live in love. Then all will be right; all will be well."3
A note on footnotes
1
As the number of books about Sai Baba and His advent increases, so also
does the importance of ensuring accuracy in quotations taken from His
teachings. To this end, the author has attempted to provide the sources of
quotations used, including page numbers, whenever possible. This may help to
clarify any uncertainties about the passages quoted and allow them to be studied
in the context of their original use. Quotations are italicized to separate them from
the author's comments, which are primarily intended to facilitate the flow of
Swami's passages throughout the book. Every attempt has been made to
preserve the original intent and meaning of the quotations as they appear
in this book.
As Swami says, "My Discourses are medicine for the mind."4 Quotations
taken from sources other than Sathya Sai Speaks, Summer Showers, and the
Vahini series are usually from more recent Discourses which did not appear in
these earlier books. Please note that different editions of the Sai literature
occasionally use different page numbers.
References
1
Voice of the Avatar, Vol. 1. 1987, p. 45.
2
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. X. 1987, Chapter 12, p. 69.
3
ibid. Chapter 11, pp. 66-67.
4
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. I. 1984, Chapter 25, p. 149.
2
"Falsely identifying oneself with the body, man suffers in the coil of
attachment towards mother, father, wife, children, relatives, and friends. He does
not realize that he is neither the body nor the senses, but that he is Brahman
[God] Itself."1
Chapter 1
The Body
The human body is a beautiful gift, a vehicle that is equipped with
wonderful abilities and infinite potential. Swami tells us, "The body is a vehicle
that even gods aspire to possess (so that they can) utilize the intelligence,
discrimination, detachment, etc., that the human body alone is capable of
exercising to realize the Ultimate Reality, which then makes everything else
known."2
"The human body has been given to you for a grand purpose realizing
the Lord within. If you have a fully equipped car in good running condition, would
you keep it in the garage? The car is primarily meant for going on a journey; get
in it and go. Then only is it worthwhile to own it. So too with the body. Proceed,
go forward to the goal. Learn how to use the faculties of the body, the senses,
the intellect, and the mind for achieving the goal and march on."3
Drishti, not deha

Using the body for its ultimate goal, however, is hindered when one's
sense of self is limited to "my body." Swami says, "This identification has led to
an inordinate degree of attention to the body and consequently, worry and
misery . All the twenty-four hours are spent in attending to the care of the body,
the prevention of disease, the promotion of health, the development of muscle,
etc. no care is spent on the Dehi, the God resident in this physical tabernacle
who has to be recognized and revered. The weighing machine on which you
stand and read your weight with pride laughs at you for the silly exaltation. It
sneers at your conceit over physical victories; it warns you against too much
concern over paltry gains. It knows that death is lying in wait to snatch you away,
however heavy you may grow. Develop drishti [vision], not deha [body].
Concentrate on the Maker, not the made."4
In Sanskrit the body is called, " 'deham', that is to say, that which is
liable to be burnt. How can anyone feel attachment to such a transient tinsel? It is
subject to growth and decay. It is subject to impulses and the impact of passion
and emotion. It is the seat of disease and unrest, of fancy and fantasy and fear. It
calls on you enticingly to invest yourselves wholly in its care and cure. It
entangles you so much in its coils that you forget you are its master, as you are
the master of the car in which you ride to the office or the home to which you
3
return from office. When you delve deep into the transience of the deham, you
get well rooted in the next idea: Naaham I am not the body which I had
mistakenly taken to be me! I am the owner, the temporary user, the occupier of
this bundle of instruments; that is all."5 Our true Self, Sai Baba tells us, is the
Atma within.
"Use the body as a chariot for reaching liberation through truth. It is your
duty to see that on the four wheels of truth, righteousness, peace, and love, the
chariot moves along the road to the goal. It will move on that road only if it has
'less luggage,' that is, fewer desires, worries, and fears. Desires, worries, and
fears are multiplied when man thinks that he is the body with all of its
appurtenances, rather than understanding that he is only the owner of the body."6
God's handiwork
How easy it is to look at ourselves in the mirror and wish that we had a
little more there and a little less here! But how beautiful we become when we
finally accept our bodies just the way they are. Swami says, "Some people may
advise that you should cultivate disgust towards (the body), but that is not
beneficial. Tend it as an instrument, use it as a boat, as a raft. Disgust is not a
desirable attitude towards anything in creation. Everything is God's handiwork, an
example of His Glory, His Majesty."7
Use common sense

There's a saying that goes, "Life may be just a dream, but if you hit your
dream-head with a dream-hammer, it is still going to dream-hurt." Common
sense, Baba says, is always needed on each step of the spiritual path.8 Swami
tells us, "The material and the spiritual are two pans in the balance; they have to
be attended to, in equal measure, at least until a certain stage of progress is
attained in spiritual development."9 Until that stage, we must continue to care
responsibly for our bodies, for "only the healthy person can afford to forget the
body and dedicate his thoughts to God and derive Ananda [bliss] therefrom."10
Sai Baba says that "desires for human necessities must take the place
that salt and pepper take on the dinner table. Salt and pepper must be subsidiary
to your food. You cannot take more salt than food or even as much. Likewise,
your efforts to achieve health and comfort must be just enough to sustain your
sadhana [spiritual practices], no more, no less ."11
References
1
Thomas, J. Life is a Game, Play It! p. 54.
2
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. V. 1984, Chapter 46, p. 236.
3
Voice of the Avatar, Vol. 1. 1987, pp. 46-47.
4
5
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VIII. 1987, Chapter 7, p. 37.
6
7
8
Hislop, J. Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Indian edition, p. 167.
4
9
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VI. 1983, Chapter 30, p. 132.
10
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VII. 1985, Chapter 22, p. 112.
11
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. V. 1984, pp. 76-77.
5
"By regulating your diet and avoiding certain bad habits, you can preserve
your health."1
Chapter 2
Food
Sai Baba has provided us with a wide array of guidelines on practical
living, but He tells us, "When I direct you along a line of action, reflect on My
advice . I shall be happy if you do so, for I do not like slavish obedience."2
Common sense and practicality should be the rule here, and we should guard
against rigid interpretations and stubbornness in the name of our sadhana
[spiritual practice]. As you read the following chapters, keep in mind that each
one of us has different needs. What is healthy for one individual may not be so
healthy for another. Just as one would take only the medicines that are intended
for a particular illness, so also should we apply these guidelines in a manner that
is specific to our particular situation.
Swami's health
"How can one lead a healthy life? Let me tell you about my own health. I
am 68 years old [in 1994]; and, believe it or not, my weight for the last 54 years
has been the same 108 pounds only. It never went up to 109 pounds or
touched down to 107. You can lead a healthy life once you achieve this kind of
balance and moderation. I never eat even a little bit in excess. I observe the
principle of moderation whether I am invited for food by a millionaire or by a
pauper. Even though I am 68 years old, my body is in perfect trim. I do not suffer
from aches, and my heart is as sound as a rock. There are none who can work or
exert themselves as I do. The secrets of my sound health are my well-regulated
eating habits. This is how one can achieve unity and harmony of food, thought,
and God."3
Food is medicine
"Food is the medicine that cures the disease (of hunger)."4 Swami says,
"As is the food, so is the mind;
As is the mind, so are the thoughts;
As are the thoughts, so is the conduct;
As is the conduct, so is the health."5
The Satwic diet6

The Satwic diet, Swami says, "Enables the spiritual aspirant to apprehend
the omnipresent reality of Divinity."7 However, "Some people are under the wrong
impression that Satwic food should consist of only milk, yogurt, sweets, and
fruits. They believe that they will become 'Satwic' by consuming large quantities
of these delicacies. They are absolutely mistaken." Swami teaches us instead
6
that the "Satwic diet does not mean simply the food we take through our mouths;
it also means the pure air we breathe through our nose, the pure vision we see
through our eyes, and the pure objects we touch with our (body). All that we take
in through the doors of the five sense organs may be described as the Satwic
diet. Listening to bad sounds, looking at bad sights, touching bad things do not
constitute a Satwic diet."8
Food for the body

"The quality of the food is determined by the vibrations that it is charged
with, through the thought processes of the persons who handle it, prepare it and
serve it. The 17th chapter of the Gita clearly defines the nature and taste of the
three types of 'food' eaten by man. The food that promotes love, virtue, strength,
happiness, and cordiality is Satwic. That which inflames, arouses, intoxicates,
and heightens hunger and thirst is Rajasic; the food that depresses, disrupts, and
causes disease is Thamasic. The company with which such food is consumed,
the place, the vessels in which it is cooked, the emotions that agitate the mind of
the person who cooks it and serves it all these have subtle influences on the
nature and emotions of the person who takes the final product in! It is because
the sages of India realized this that they laid down many do's and don'ts for the
process of eating ."9
Some of Swami's dietary do's and don'ts, as well as a more detailed

discussion of the Satwic diet according to Sathya Sai Baba can be found in the
Appendix.
Moderation
"Whether in the food we eat, or water we drink, or the words we speak and
hear in fact, in all our living habits moderation should be observed as the key
note."10 Swami warns us that "a large portion of the food now consumed is
superfluous; man can live healthily on much less."11 Excessive food intake buries
us in a state of dullness and lethargy the Thamasic qualities while "moderate
food of the Satwic type (promotes) mental poise and physical happiness."12
Swami says, "A good feature of Satwic food can be described by referring to the
light manner in which we sit down to take food. After taking food we should be
able to get up in the same light manner."13
Although moderation varies with each individual, in general "the correct

thing would be to divide the stomach into four equal parts and fill two parts with
solid food and one part with liquid food leaving the fourth part empty."14 Keep in
mind, though, that what is moderate for one person may not be so for another,
and that moderation means not eating too little as well as not eating in excess.
Sai Baba reminds us that "if we take anything in excess, it will ruin our health. But
again, if we restrict it to too little, that will also cause harm and will affect the
health. You should therefore adopt moderation always."15
7
Sai Baba says, "Man needs food which supplies him energy equivalent to
about 1 calorie per minute. Young people should be satisfied with 2,000 calories
of food per day. For healthy life, man needs only 1,500 calories per day."16 The
Divine Physician also tells us, "Care should be taken to see that the food
consumed does not have much fat content; fat consumed in large quantities is
detrimental to one's physical health and also affects mental health, whereby one
loses one's human values!"17
Eat to live
"Good people eat moderately; people who practice spiritual austerity fill
only half of their stomach. Noble people eat only to live; fools live only to eat."18
Swami warns us that "a good deal of effort and expenditure now spent to cater to
taste and to social pomp can be given up and health too will improve
thereby ."14 On the other hand, one's sense of discipline shouldn't blind us to
the gifts that God gives us. "Don't waste food," Swami tells us. "Food is God."19
Even the manner in which we eat is to be regulated. Swami warns against

talking during meals, as talking too much while eating hinders the digestive
process and brings us unnecessary harm.20 He says, "(It is) essential to keep the
mind serene and peaceful while eating. We should not indulge in discussions
which will arouse our emotions, excitement or disturb the mental peace while we
are taking food. Mental agitation is responsible for ill health. We should also
avoid viewing TV, videos, etc. while eating, as they cause mental disturbances."21
Instead, Swami tells us we should learn to "eat in a prayerful mode, in profound
gratitude."22
"Eat at regular intervals, according to a well-established timetable. Move

about and fill the day with activity, so that food is well digested. Develop biting
hunger before sitting down to a meal. Now, many do not know what it is to be
hungry or thirsty. Wait until you get the call before you load the stomach
again ."23 Food is medicine, and like most medications is best taken at regular
intervals in appropriate quantities.
Fasting
The benefits of mild fasting are many: the digestive system is given a rest;
one learns self-discipline; and one's sense of well-being increases after the fast
is completed. Swami has said, "Fast one day in the week. This is good for the
body as well as for the country. Do not eat a dozen bananas, half a dozen puris
[fried flat bread] and drink a quart of milk and call it a fast! Take only water, so
that all the dirt is washed away. Do not crave for fruit juice or other liquids. Even
material machinery is given rest; they cannot run continuously forever. What then
shall we say of this delicately organized human body!"24
Fasting should not be done if you: suffer from anorexia or other eating
disorders; are diabetic; are malnourished or severely underweight; are pregnant
or currently breast feeding; or suffer from any sort of illness unless you are under
8
professional supervision. In addition, fasting may not even be necessary if you
successfully practice balance and moderation in your food habits. Let common
sense be your guide, and be wary of over-zealousness in your fasts. Swami
reminds us that "sadhana requires regular habits and moderation in food, sleep,
and exercise. Fasting weakens the intellect and reduces the strength of
discrimination."25
Meat and dairy products

"Meat is all right for those who concentrate on the body and want to have
strength, but for spiritual aspirants it is not good . With meat the body will get
proteins, but mental proteins will not be there. If you are keen on spiritual life,
eating meat is not worthwhile; but if you are keen on worldly life, it is all right.
There is another spiritual reason. When you kill an animal you give it suffering,
pain, harm. God is in every creature, so how can you give such pain? Sometimes
when someone beats a dog (it) cries (because it) feels so much pain. How much
more pain then (is there) in killing? Animals did not come for the purpose of
supplying food to human beings. They came to work out their own life in the
world. When a human being is dead, the foxes and other animals may eat, but
we have not come to provide food for those that eat the human body; we have
not come for that purpose. Similarly, man eats the animal, but the animal has not
come to provide him with food. But, we have taken to eating meat as a habit."26
Swami warns us that "by eating flesh one develops violent tendencies and animal
diseases."27
During His 69th Birthday address, Swami said, "Today, anyone who
believes they are devotees of God should give up eating meat. Why? Meat
eating promotes animal qualities. It has been well said that the food one
consumes determines one's thoughts. You develop cruelty when you eat the
flesh of animals. Not only this, but how cruel it is to kill other living things that are
sustained by the same five elements as human beings. So people who want to
be devotees of God must give up eating meat completely. How can you call
yourselves devotees of Sai, or Rama, or Krishna, when you kill animals? Those
people are real demons. Such people never get the grace of God. So whoever
they are, whether Indians or from other countries, they should follow Swami's
command. Give up eating meat, now!"28
To the author's knowledge, the above paragraph constitutes Swami's most

emphatic public statement on meat-eating. Note that the admonition to refrain
from meat pertains to all devotees, regardless of their country of origin, and
includes meats such as poultry and fish. Of course, it is probably best if the
change to a meatless diet is made gradually, but those people who cling to
eating poultry and other meat products for too long risk being known as the
chicken Sai devotees.
Sai Baba does not rule out milk products, however, when He advises us to
abstain from meats. He says, "Anything that comes from the cow, a little milk,
9
butter, cheese, is all right for the spiritual aspirant. There is no harm to the cow,
and it is of benefit to take it."29 Swami points out that milk needs to be taken in
moderation, of course, for "too much milk is bad. It is Rajasic."30 Similarly, "too
much yogurt becomes Thamasic."31 Swami Himself does not use much milk
products, however, saying that during the Krishna Avatara He consumed enough
milk, curd, and butter to satisfy many, many Avatars.32
Swami prefers that eggs not be consumed, although He has occasionally

prescribed them to a few individuals under special circumstances.
White sugar causes cancer

"To this day, no doctor has come up with a solution for the problem of
cancer. The cause of all this cancer is something worth knowing. Now, some
might say that cancer is a direct result of smoking cigarettes and others might
say that air pollution is the cause. These factors might be contributing in a small
way, but they are not the primary cause of cancer. The main cause of cancer is
white sugar. The reason for this is that in the refining of sugar, a lot of chemicals
are added. And one of these processing chemicals is bone char, which, when
you eat the sugar, may get lodged in any part of the body and create problems.
"In what form was sugar eaten in the good old times? Not in this artificial,
synthetic one, but as wholesome jaggery [raw, unrefined sugar]. Today you find
the artificial creeping into everything that you eat all merely for the sake of
money."33 Note that brown sugar, which is often touted as an alternative to
refined sugar, is often simply white sugar which has been re-processed with
molasses or other sugar by-products to make it look brown again.
Uncooked foods
"In creation there are 8,400,000 different life forms. Of these, only man
cooks and changes his food. A seed, when planted, will sprout into life; but, when
it is cooked, the life is destroyed. Eating food in its natural state promotes
longevity; cooking partially destroys the life force . Human diseases are
increasing. The reason is that man does not partake of food as God created it.
He is the victim of his own tongue. Since the tongue demands satisfaction in the
form of taste, man's own likes and dislikes cause him to change natural foods to
better suit his taste.
"Food which is not cooked contains the largest amount of protein. For
instance, the amount of protein in mung, dal, and soybeans is great. The way to
eat peas, beans, or lentils is to soak them in water and let them sprout. In this
way, you consume them in all their richness. But because we are victims of our
tongue, tastes, whims, and fancies, we boil them and add oil and various other
ingredients. In this process, we deprive them of their basic contents and deprive
ourselves of the nutrition they might have given us."34 Directions on how to sprout
legumes and other seeds are given in the Appendix.
10
All foods contain this life force [prana or vital energy] which is immensely
important to the functioning of our bodies. The greater this life force in our
bodies, the greater our vitality, wellness, and immunity to disease. Sources of
this life force are everywhere: from food, sun light, air, water, and, of course, from
within ourselves. Foods that are overcooked, deep fried, artificial, highly
processed, canned, irradiated, preserved, old, stale, or of the "instant" variety
(such as many instant soups and cereals) lack this vital energy and should be
avoided.
Swami says that only man "changes the composition and characteristics
of the things provided by nature and prepares, through the process of boiling,
frying, and mixing, concoctions which have no vitality in them . Uncooked food,
nuts, fruits, and germinating pulses are the best. Use these at least one meal,
say, for the dinner at night. This will ensure long life. And long life is to be striven
for in order that the years may be utilized for serving one's fellow beings."35
Some people, however, may find uncooked foods difficult to digest,

particularly infants, young children, the elderly, those with gastrointestinal
illnesses, and those who are sick or who are recovering from illness or surgery.
Such people would do better on a diet of mild, cooked foods with only small
quantities of easily digested uncooked foods (e.g. most fruits). In addition, one
should keep in mind that "climatic conditions dictate the type of food needed,"36
and a diet consisting solely of uncooked foods may be both unnecessary and
impractical, especially during the winter months (when warm, nourishing grains
may be better).
Water
"Drink large quantities of water not during meals, but some time before
and after."37 According to Ayurveda [India's ancient system of healing], excess
water taken during meals inhibits digestion as it dilutes the digested material
(chyme) and increases the workload on our often overburdened digestive
systems. Ice cold water does the same, but its coldness inhibits the agni, or "fire"
within the stomach that facilitates digestion. Thorough and slow chewing of one's
food will reduce the need for water, while slow, small sips will allow it to work in
harmony with the digestive process.
Because water also provides us with an easily assimilated form of prana,

or life force, be sure to drink a moderate amount daily.
Food as an offering
The manner in which we offer our food to God will certainly vary from one
individual to another. But the Lord, as always, looks at the intent behind the
offering. Sai Baba says, "Food must always be offered to God. Man has created
neither matter nor food. Brahma [the Creator aspect of God in the Hindu Trinity]
has created matter. God is in your body. Since God is in your body, it is as if He
had said, 'This food is taken by me and I will digest it.' While offering it in this
11
way, the food becomes consecrated, blessed by God."38 When food is thus
blessed, Swami tells us, it is purified of any negative influences that might have
been imparted to it during its preparation and serving. He says, "Food offered to
God is free from the evil vibrations that injure the individual in subtle ways."39
Have firm faith in yourself

If you've been thinking of changing your food habits, be careful that the
food you eat doesn't become a source of guilt and self-criticism. "Self-
condemnation," according to Baba, "is egoism."40 Disciplined effort is required
to change one's habits, but don't let an occasional slip lead you to the throes of
self-defeat. Swami tells us, "You should never doubt your capacity to undertake a
particular task. If you have firm faith in yourself, you can do anything. That is why
Vedanta tells us that a person who doubts himself can never realize the Atma. If
you tell yourself that you do not have a particular attribute or skill, then that will
psychologically effect you in a negative way. Develop the courageous feeling that
you can accomplish many things, and then you will be able to do them ."41
In addition, it's best to avoid a self-righteous or superior attitude due to

one's food habits. To feel that someone is better than another because his or her
food habits are "better" or healthier is only a sign of ignorance. When only God
exists where is the question of something being "better" or "worse"? As Swami
says, "There is not two at all. How can there be good and bad, then? To see two
where there is only one, that is delusion or ignorance."42 The One has simply
made itself appear as many, and we must be ever alert to see that One.
Finally, let your changes come gradually. Swami says, "Nobody can
become a saint or a sage overnight. We must start early, drive slowly, and reach
the goal safely. Haste makes waste and waste creates worry. A true sadhaka
[spiritual aspirant] must develop the qualities of patience and persistence in order
to reach the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment."43
References
1
2
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. III. 1987, p. 162.
3
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:4; Summer, 1994, p. 5.
4
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XI. 1986, Chapter 2, p. 8.
5
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:4; Summer, 1994, p. 4.
6
Satwic, along with Rajasic and Thamasic, make up the three qualities, or gunas, that are inherent
throughout creation. The Satwic guna refers to that quality of an object which facilitates
equilibrium, harmony, and equanimity essential qualities in the spiritual aspirant. See Appendix
A for more information.
7
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1979. p. 92.
8
Sadhana, the Inward Path. 1986, p. 207.
9
10
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1990. p 27.
11
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. II. Chapter 15, p. 68.
12
13
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1977. pp. 121-122.
12
14
15
The True Flowers for Worship. 1981, pp. 18-19.
16
17
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:4; Summer 1994, p. 2.
18
ibid. p. 6.
19
20
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1977. p. 18; also see p. 154 of Sai Baba: the Ultimate Experience by
Phyllis Krystal.
21
22
Voice of the Avatar, Vol. 1. p. 57.
23
24
ibid. p. 111.
25
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. V. 1984, p. 24.
26
Hislop, J. Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Indian edition, pp. 26-27.
27
28
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 19:3; Spring 1995, p. 33.
29
30
ibid. p. 26.
31
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 8:4; Summer 1984.
32
Kasturi, N. Loving God. 1982, p. 102.
33
Wing, P. An Article on Food and Health From the Teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. p. 11a.
34
35
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XI. 1986, Chapter 25, pp. 148-149.
36
Sathya Sai Vahini. p. 82.
37
38
39
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. III. 1987, Chapter 2, p. 10.
40
ibid. 1987, Chapter 6, p. 28.
41
Thomas, J. Life is a Challenge, Meet It! 1991, p. 11.
42
Gita Vahini. p. 21.
43
13
"Among the means to ensure health, spiritual discipline is the most important."1
"Disease happens for two reasons: faulty food and faulty activities."2
Chapter 3
Healthy Habits
An ounce of prevention, it is said, is worth a pound of cure. Sai Baba tells
us, "It is wiser to prevent disease than to run after remedies after it has happened
or grown beyond control."3 Healthy habits keep our bodies vibrant and strong so
that they can become useful instruments in the service of the Lord.
Sense control
Swami says, "The most effective discipline man can adopt is control of
the senses. Avoid the errors and evils that the eye, the ear, the tongue, the mind,
and the hand are prone to commit."4 He tells us, "Among the five senses, two
are the most important: they are the eyes and the tongue. Because of their
exceptional importance, the Lord has provided them with the means of
restraining their activities. The Lord points out: 'You silly man! Take note that I
have provided natural means for closing the eyes and the mouth.' If you do not
want to see anything undesirable, you can close your eyes with the eyelids. The
ears and nose have no such devices for closing them. The mouth has lips which
can seal the tongue. Therefore, observe restraint in speech and control the
tongue.
"Also control your eyes. When the eyes roam freely, the tongue begins to
wag without restraint. When the tongue is engaged in endless talking, the eyes
want to look at everything. When both of these organs combine without restraint,
life can become a calamity. Therefore direct your eyes only to good things. When
you control your tongue, you can easily control the other senses."5 Control the
tongue, the Vedas tells us, and victory is yours.
Swami says, " It is not the environment that matters in the control of
one's senses and emotions. It is the purity of one's impulses, sincerity of purpose
and determination in treading the divine path which count rather than the
environment which is of little or no consequence in this regard."6 However, "You
need not feel disheartened with the fear that you will not be able to control the
senses. By developing one-pointed devotion and complete surrender to God, the
senses can definitely be brought under control."7
Baba also tells us, "Do not cloud your minds with cheap desires, transitory
hungers and thirsts, that need but morsels or mouthfuls. Yearn for the
14
enthronement of your Soul as the unquestioned monarch of the universe. When
you merge in the Universal, celebrate your triumph over the foes within that have
hampered your march to victory. Acquire me as your charioteer, and I shall lead
you to that consummation. Earn that unfailing grace by your sincerity, simplicity,
and sadhana."8
Less talk and more work

"The first step in sadhana is the cleansing of the speech. Speak sweetly
without anger. Do not boast of your scholarship or attainments. Be humble, eager
to serve. Conserve your speech. Practice silence. That will save you from
squabbles and from frittering away your time. Sweet and soft conversation helps
meditation a great deal."9
During a Discourse to foreign devotees assembled at Kodaikanal in 1991

Swami said, "There is too much talking going on. Because of excessive talking,
spiritual energy is being wasted. A small example: There is a radio. Once it is
turned on and sound comes, electric power is used up. Sometimes the body is
like a radio. Intellect is the switch. Talking is the sound. Electricity is our energy.
So because of talking, you are wasting a lot of energy. Because of this waste of
energy, you will develop allergy, and because of allergy, you will develop
weakness. Because of weakness, you are not able to perform any work; and
ultimately you will become a mad man. This is not the goal of sadhana."10 Swami
tells us that, from a physiological point of view, "the human system cannot
withstand too much talking.... Nobody can continue talking that is, nobody
except Swami, who has been doing it for years and years."11
"Have only one thought, 'Less talk and more work.'"12
Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Cleanliness includes the purity of our thoughts, words, and deeds as well
as the upkeep and purity of our physical bodies. Baba says, "Look upon the body
as your vesture or clothing, and resort to washing it clean from time to time, just
as soiled clothes are cleaned by the washerman. All that the washerman does is
to remove the dirt from the cloth, enabling it to regain its original whiteness. So
too, purity is natural to the human body, but it becomes dirty due to improper use.
Therefore you should get it cleaned with the help of God as the washerman, by
resorting to such practices as prayer, japa [repetition of the name of God],
meditation, and love of God. The washerman alone can wash the clothes, but not
a barber. So also, God alone and none else can cleanse your heart of its
impurities. Never forget that this body is only a garment. It is due to ignorance
that you look upon the body as your real Self. Only when you get rid of this
ignorance will you shine as the effulgent Sun of Wisdom."13
We've all heard at one time or another that cleanliness is next to

Godliness.14 Swami tells us, "The body is cleansed by soap and water, but true
cleanliness can be achieved only from within. The cleansing of the body may
15
keep physical illness away, but the 'dis-ease' (of ashanti, or lack of peace) of the
mind requires inner cleanliness. A perfume applied to the body might please the
company around, but good thoughts and sweet conversation will please them
more and for a longer time. As soap is for the body, truth is for speech; both have
a highly cleansing effect. The mind has to be cleansed by renunciation. The
intellect has to be purified by universal vision conferred by wisdom."15
Regarding physical cleanliness, Swami says, "From every living being and
thing millions of minute particles and millions of vibrations are issuing forth
constantly and without intermission. Certain substances like camphor emanate
so much of these that a lump disappears in a few days. The bodies of others
affect us by these emanations and we too affect them in the same way. For good
or bad, we are interacting in this manner inescapably. Naturally, the growth of the
body is affected as well as its health and strength. These emanations are
intensified when dirt accumulates, sewage collects, or drains are choked.
Sanitation rules are framed to reduce the possibility of disease spreading from
such areas.
"Five types of bath are prescribed in the Hindu scriptures in order to

maintain physical immunity from the emanations of others. First, we have the
'mud bath' wherein fine mud is applied over the body and kept on for some time
before being washed away. Second, the 'sun bath' is recommended because the
rays of the sun are powerful disinfectants. They feed as well as freshen. Third,
bathing in water. If the water is a flowing river, considered holy, and if the bath is
taken after propitiatory hymns, etc., the bath will cleanse the body and at the
same time elevate the spirit. The fourth type is the 'air bath,' in which the body is
exposed to the cool breeze and its salutary effect. The fifth and last type is the
'vibuthi bath' in which the body is given a coating of fine ash or vibuthi, revered
as the mark of Shiva. The ash guards the body from evil contacts and the
deleterious effects of the vibrations proceeding from others. It also sanctifies and
purifies the vibrations of the individual wearing the ash, for it reminds him always
of the inevitable end of all that one feels as one's own, except the Lord who is the
very person himself."16
"It is also necessary to keep the environment of the places where one
works and lives unpolluted by smoke, dust, or dirt."17 The reason, Swami says, is
because "the place where one spends his life has a subtle influence on character
and ideals."18
Exercise and energy

As is the case with so many of Sai Baba's prescriptions, His instructions
on exercise emphasize moderation and common sense. Swami says, "The body
becomes healthy by exercise and work ."19 But He chastises us for the
inordinate degree of importance we sometimes place on our bodies, saying, "It is
a pity that we spend a lot of time, effort, and money to beautify the transient and
inert body, forgetting our real Atma-Self which is permanent and sentient."20
16
Yet Swami also instructs us to keep our bodies strong, and He
encourages us to stay active as a means of maintaining our health. Illness, He
tells us, "is the inevitable result of idleness and pandering. Health is the inevitable
consequence of a tough, hard life. If everyone decided to carry on all personal
services themselves rather than depend on servants or helpers, the health
situation will definitely improve and hospitals will have much less work. Keeping
the mind fixed on God and good ideas and things also keeps health. Keep the
eye, ear, tongue, hands, and feet under restraint. Don't read enervating or
exciting stuff, don't attend film shows, which exhaust or enflame the mind. Don't
lose faith in yourself, for you are the Divine encased in the body."21
Swami once told the author through the Inner Voice, "Keep your body
strong, for you never know when I will call on you to serve me." He also tells His
college students, "The body has to be exercised to keep it trim as a tool for
serving your fellowmen. The body has not been granted by God in order to be
fed and well-clothed and to be paraded around in pride. Plunge into the problems
of society, take up the burden of the family, and advance the interests of your
country. Shine as examples of loving service."22
But lurking in the way of such loving service are the six enemies of man:
lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and malice.23 Swami says, "Indulging in
such negative emotions as anger, greed, envy, and jealousy uses up vast
amounts of energy which could be more profitably used in positive ways.
Unnecessary chatter and gossip not only waste time (they are) the chief
24
causes of wasted energy." And Swami, of course, does not want us to waste
our energy on unnecessary things. He says, "Energy comes from the heart
expanding. A small, closed heart no energy. If Baba is known in the heart, then
the heart expands. Body is the temple. Heart is the seat. God is installed there."25
Swami also used the heart to teach us an essential lesson about our
energy and work. He says, "(the heart) appears to beat tirelessly without
stopping. But, in fact, it is able to rest for brief intervals between one beat and
another. The heart teaches you how to rest even while at work. I often tell the
students, 'A change of work is rest.' This is the way the heart functions when it
pumps the blood from one chamber to the other."26
Hurry, worry, and curry

"What is the cause of heart ailments? Many doctors say that they are due
to smoking, consumption of fatty foods, overeating and other habits. The
relationship between food and habits should be properly understood. We should
see that proper balance is maintained between the physical body and inner
feelings. Modern man is continually in a hurry. Hurry causes worry which affects
physical health. The main causes of heart trouble may be said to be hurry, worry,
and curry. Curry means fatty foods. Many doctors have made investigations in
this field, but the results have not been widely known. Heart diseases are found
17
to more rampant among non-vegetarians, while vegetarians are not prone to
heart ailments to the same extent. This is because of the higher percentage of
fats in non-vegetarian food which increases the cholesterol in the blood. Worry
causes high blood pressure, and hurry causes diabetes. Both of them are like
twins, one acting on the heart inside and the other externally on the blood.
"Everyone should know how to control these causes. Some people do not
do any physical exercises and lead sedentary lives. My advice to office workers
and students is that it is good for them to commute by bicycle at least five or six
kilometers a day. This cycling exercise is very useful, not only for maintaining
health, but also for reducing the expenditure incurred by automobiles. Another
advantage is the avoidance of accidents. Furthermore, it serves to reduce
atmospheric pollution caused by the release of harmful fumes from automobiles.
The carbon dioxide from motor vehicles is already polluting the air and is
affecting the ozone layer above the earth."27
Purify the environment

Sai Baba tells us that just as the human body is unique, so also is the
planet upon which we dwell. He says that, although there is life throughout the
universe, "in all the universe there is no other planet that has human life, or
similar life-form.... The expression on earth is upward through the human to the
Divine.... Only on earth may this take place. In no other planet or region
throughout the indescribable vastness of the universe does this opportunity exist.
It is unique and is limited to this earth."28
Our own health and the health of the unique planet upon which we dwell
are intimately related. Nowadays, "the air we breathe is not pure. The food we
eat is not pure. The sounds we hear are not pure. All the five elements of nature
are polluted. This pollution has caused diseases never heard of before. Any
violation of the laws of nature leads to sickness. There is a teacher for nature.
That teacher is God. We should know the teacher of nature."29
With the earth so badly in need of healing, our task has become to "purify
the environment which is affected by pollution of air, water, and food . People
should try to reduce the use of automobiles and control the emission of harmful
industrial effluents . Trees play a vital role in helping mankind receive oxygen
from the atmosphere; they absorb the carbon dioxide exhaled by human beings.
Hence, the ancients favored the growing of trees to control atmospheric pollution.
But nowadays, trees are cut down indiscriminately, and pollution is on the
increase."30
What can we do? Putting the Ceiling on Desires program into practice
certainly helps.31 By not wasting money, food, time, and energy we reduce
unnecessary consumption and needless pollution. "'Simple living and high
thinking.' That should be the ideal ."32 Swami says, "The world can be saved
only by the power of the Atma inherent in everyone; this has to be tapped by
18
individual sadhana and by the grace of God, which can be won through love,
purity, and service. If sadhana and grace are absent, devastation and destruction
are inevitable ."33
Examples of such sadhana would surely include the powerful bhajans that
Sai devotees love to sing. Baba says that in community singing "what you have
is a wave of vibrations. They enter into the atmosphere and purify the polluted
air. The atmosphere today is polluted by bad thoughts and feelings. When you
sing the glory of God, the bad germs in the air are destroyed and the air gets
purified by a treatment of antibiotics as it were."34
Alcohol and tobacco

Sai Baba warns us that "any intoxicant or stimulant, because it disturbs
nature's even trend, is harmful."35 The damage to the body from alcohol and
tobacco products is serious, and Swami has told His devotees quite clearly that
He wants them to give up these two intoxicants completely. "The water that one
drinks is life giving; it is sacred. It is wrong to drink intoxicants instead of such a
wholesome drink. Alcoholic drinks are utterly obnoxious; they make people forget
their true nature. It degrades the addicts, and makes them forget God. Alcoholics
are not conscious of what they say or do. The very sight of such persons is
revolting. In this way, drinking and wasting money on alcohol have ruined
innumerable families. Of what possible use to the world are such derelicts?
"Some people smoke cigarettes in addition to drinking. Smoking tobacco

causes asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and heart disease. You can easily
demonstrate the danger caused by tobacco by keeping a white cloth near the
smoke. There will be red blots on the white cloth. When a cloth can be spoiled by
smoke, how badly will the blood vessels be affected by smoke? This will destroy
one's health completely, and the life span will be diminished."36 Sai Baba says
sternly, "Three-fourths of the body is ruined because of smoking; one-fourth of
the body is ruined due to drinking . (People) are damaged one-hundred percent
because of smoking and drinking!"37
"So true devotees of God should give up (alcohol and tobacco)

completely. This cannot be brought about by government regulations; everyone
has to decide for himself. You have to realize the truth and be transformed on
your own, not by pressure from others."38
Although we now know that addictions to substances such as drugs and

alcohol have hereditary and biochemical components, the role of will power in
these addictions should not be overlooked. Swami says, "As desires multiply, the
will power weakens and vice versa. You can find out for yourselves how when
addiction to coffee, tea and smoking is reduced, the will power gets stronger. The
results can be verified with just one week of practice. By addiction to various
deleterious practices, man's will power and other faculties decline in strength.
The will power should be strengthened and it should be directed towards social
19
service."39 You can always spot the serious tea addicts in Swami s ashram
because when they receive a cup of their favorite brew they utter a heartfelt
"Chai Ram."
Sleep
Swami, of course, has no need of sleep but turns off His light in the middle
of the night because "if light is on devotees gather . (Swami) never rests. He is
never tired. He is always working." But humans "need at least four hours of
sleep. It is essential for them."40 Swami has noted that, in general, we need a
minimum of 8 hours of sleep each day until the age of 21, no less than 6 hours of
sleep per day between 21 and 60, and at least 4 hours of sleep thereafter.41
"Every day when you awaken to the call of the brightening East, recite the
Name, meditate on the form. Keep the name and form as your companion, guide,
and guardian throughout the waking hours. When you retire for the night, offer
grateful homage to God in that form, with that Name for being with you, by you,
beside you, before you, behind you, all day long."42
Posture
"Today young people do not know how to sit properly while reading or
writing, etc. They sit with their backs bent and drooping like 80 year old people.
This causes various ailments and leads to premature old age. While walking or
sitting, you should be straight like a rod, keeping the spine erect . While
sleeping (you) should stretch (your) backs straight and not curl (yourselves) like a
coil of wire . There is a physiological reason for this. A very important nadi
[subtle energy channel] called the Sushumna Nadi runs through the spinal
column, from its base in the Mooladhara [the 1st chakra at the base of the spine]
to the Sahasraara [7th chakra] at the top of the head. If this gets bent, serious
results will follow. The importance of Sushumna Nadi is known only to those
engaged in the practice of Kundalini Yoga."43
Good posture, then, is essential during all of our activities, including

meditation. Swami says, "To sit straight is important. Between the 9th and 12th
vertebrae is the life-force. If the spine is injured at this point, paralysis occurs. If
the body is in a straight position, as if it were wound around a straight pole, the
life force may rise up through the straight body and give the quality of intense
concentration to the mind. Moreover, just as a lightning rod attached to the roof
of a building attracts lightning, in like fashion a perfectly straight body provides a
conductor, so to speak, for Divine power to enter the temple of your body and
give you the strength to accomplish your task and reach your goal."44
The breath
Swami says, "Cultivate the habit of remembering the Lord with every
breath; then only can you remember Him with the last breath."45 Baba also tells
us that the breath itself is a kind of mantra, repeating "Soham" [I am He] with
each inhalation (So, or "He") and exhalation (ham, or "I") some 21,600 times a
20
day. He says, "Identify yourself with the mantra (which) the breath repeats.
You might forget any other sadhana or any other duty to yourself, but the breath
never, not even for a moment, forgets this sadhana reminding you of your
innate reality, namely Soham. I am He. He is I. That is the refrain of every breath.
What deeper instruction, what greater inspiration do you require to keep you on
an even keel of equanimity?"46
The sun
"Be in the sun; let the sun's rays penetrate into the home, let them fall
upon the body for some time, let them warm and illumine clothes and food; that
will suffuse them with health."47 But as is the case with almost everything else
that is supposed to be good for us, moderation in our exposure to the sun is
always necessary.
Vitamins, minerals, supplements, and tonics

Swami will occasionally instruct a specific devotee to take some vitamins
and/or mineral supplements, but He says, "Moderation in food, moderation in
talk, in desires and pursuits; contentment with what can be got by honest labor,
eagerness to serve others and to impart joy to all these are the most powerful
of all the tonics and health preservers known to the science of health, the
Sanathana Ayurveda, the Veda of full life."48
Yet somehow we get deluded into thinking that objects outside of

ourselves will give us that "full life." Swami says, "Doctors speak of vitamin
deficiency; I will call it the deficiency of Vitamin G, and I will recommend the
repetition of the Name of God, with accompanying contemplation of the glory and
grace of God. That is the Vitamin G. That is the medicine; regulated life and
habits are two-thirds of the treatment while medicine is just a third."49
Swami tells us that ample vitamins and minerals are available through
fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, provided that we eat such food in its
natural, God-given state. "Take fruits (for example), which have nothing but
vitamins, and vegetables, which can give you any amount of strength. What
these give us today could be called artificial vitamins. In the old days, the
common practice was to give plants manure in its natural state in the form of cow
dung. The resulting vegetables might have been small, but they were rich in
content. Today, vegetables are oversized, and they lack their former flavor. What
is the reason? Plants are now fed with artificial fertilizer, and they really do not
have the innate strength which ought to be there. As a result, there is an increase
in the number of cancer cases and heart complaints."50 Modern pesticides
compound this problem, Swami says, and contribute to cancer and other
diseases.51
One step at a time

Sai Baba does not advise asceticism or severe austerity only
moderation. "One step at a time is enough, provided it is in the right direction."52
21
He warns us against those spiritual practices which would bring us bodily harm,
saying, " It is man's primary duty not to neglect this holy temple called the body,
but to take utmost care for its proper maintenance and for using it for the
discharge of one's duties and obligations in life. Persons who do not recognize
this truth subject the body to various ordeals in the name of worship, religious
vows, fasting, and penance. Thereby they are missing the goal of recognizing the
eternal Atmic principle . By subjecting the body to torture, can you realize the
Atma? By giving up good food and water, can you attain liberation? Self-
realization is possible only through knowing your own real nature."53
Discovering one's true reality is indeed a serious task, but it can also be
one that is joyful and fulfilling in every way. Whenever you find yourself stomping
around as if the fate of the world was dependent upon your actions, just loosen
up. Relax. Laugh at yourself and your little games. Forget your worries. Swami
wants us to be happy, not sad or despondent. He says, "Your true nature is
bliss. Know this and be happy always."54 He also tells us, "Take failure, if it
comes, as a challenge to further effort. Analyze the reasons for your failure and
profit from that experience. Learn, as students of truth, how to succeed in the
turmoil of life and how to live your life without causing pain to others and without
suffering pain yourself ."55
References
1
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IV. 1984, Chapter 34, p. 196.
2
3
4
5
Thomas, J. Life is a Dream, Realize It! 1992, p. 165.
6
7
ibid. p. 45.
8
9
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. II. Chapter 7, p. 35.
10
11
12
13
14
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IX. 1987, Chapter 26, p. 141.
15
16
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IX. 1987, Chapter 26, pp. 139-140.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Krystal, P. Sai Baba, The Ultimate Experience. pp. 262-263.
25
26
27
ibid. pp. 4-5.
28
22
29
30
ibid. p. 5.
31
Briefly, the Ceiling on Desires Program tells us, "Do not waste money. Do not waste food. Do not waste
time. Do not waste energy." For further details, see Taming our Monkey Mind by Phyllis Krystal.
Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1994.
32
33
34
Sanathana Sarathi. January, 1995. p. 27.
35
36
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 19:3; Spring 1995. pp. 33-34.
37
ibid. p. 16.
38
ibid. p. 34. (This is an excerpt from the 69th Birthday Discourse in which Swami asked that all His
devotees, regardless of nationality, give up meat, alcohol, and tobacco. See the section on meat in
Chapter 2 for more information.)
39
Sanathana Sarathi. January, 1995. p. 3.
40
41
Summer Showers in Brindavan 1990. (no page number available).
42
43
44
45
46
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IX. 1987 Chapter 29, p. 155.
47
48
49
50
51
Sanathana Sarathi. No. 3, 1993.
52
53
54
55
23
"Everything is judged by us on the touchstone of the ego. The mind is a
double-edged sword. It can save, but it can also bind ."1
Chapter 4
The Mind
Sai Baba says, "The mind is the key to health and happiness and so, food
must be so chosen that it does not affect the mind adversely. Along with Satwic
food the mind must also be given special diet like dhyana [meditation], japa,
namasmarana [rememberance of the name of God], etc., to keep it sound and
steady."2
"The person who is a slave to the mind will not find peace or happiness in
life. The body is a mansion which has been built by the mind for its own joy and
protection. The mind is the cause and the basis of every body every human
being. Some persons are wasting their lives by expending all their energy in
looking after the body, basing their existence entirely on food. Others increase
their attachment to the body through thoughtless repetition of spiritual practices,
reducing them to mere physical exercise. The wise man controls the mind and
purifies the heart by removing bad thoughts and replacing them with good
thoughts. Do not underestimate the power of good thoughts. They are sacred
and divine, having great impact on the individual entertaining them. On that day
when we free ourselves from the evil thoughts which have solidified within us, we
will be able to have a vision of God."3
Cultivate good thoughts

"Whatever you experience depends upon the commands, yearnings,
promptings, and demands of the mind, your thoughts or sankalpas. Every
decision the mind makes, whether to commit a thought to memory, to act upon it,
or to dismiss it altogether, has a tremendous impact on the individual, for creation
and all of its varied contents result from sankalpas. The thought (sankalpa) bears
fruit which conforms to the seed from which it springs. To harvest good fruit,
cultivate good sankalpas. You can easily indulge in bad sankalpas about others,
but remember that you yourself must bear the consequences of such evil
thoughts. Nobody can escape the fruits of sankalpas either good or bad. For
example, one might entertain a desire to harm or injure someone else, and it
might fructify as harm or injury to that other person. But it is certain that the
sankalpa will rebound against the person who originally welcomed it into his
mind, bringing with it a hundred-fold more harm and injury. A bad sankalpa hurts
both the sender and his target. It is vitally important that you realize this fact
about thoughts."4
24
Not only should we watch what we think about others, we must watch the
way we think about ourselves. "You should never use demeaning descriptions of
yourself; such as, I am a mean person; I am a weak person; I am a sinner; etc."5
You are none of these, Swami says; you are Atma. He says, "The realization that
you are the Atma and that there is nothing else except the Atma anywhere at any
time this is Self-realization."6 Of course, humility and discipline are necessary if
we are ever to visualize our true self, but killing ourselves with guilt and self-
condemnation makes us lose sight of that reality. Swami's admonition to "hurt
never; help ever" applies to ourselves as well as to those around us.
Swami also tells us that all we have to do in order to attain purity of

thought, word and deed, is to:
"Think no evil; think what is good.
See no evil; see what is good.
Hear no evil; hear what is good.
Talk no evil; talk what is good.
Do no evil; do what is good."7
Diminish mental worry

Swami says, "Illnesses are caused more by malnutrition of the mind than
of the body."8 One of the most important methods of avoiding illness, therefore,
"is to diminish mental worry. Now, I find people increasing their worries about
things that they do not understand; nor can they correct them or reform them.
The radio, the newspaper and other means of communication or information
cause so much fear and discontent that worry and anxiety are increased and the
mind of man gets weakened.
"Fear is the biggest cause (of) illness. When you have a slight
temperature, you start imagining that it is the beginning of some serious fever.
You remember someone whom you knew had also a slight increase of
temperature, which later became serious and led to complications and so, you
become more prone to illness than formerly. Think rather of the instances where
fever was prevented or overcome; think of the Grace of the Lord that restores
and saves."9
So important is our sadhana in conquering fear and promoting health that

Swami says, "Devotion and morality are as important for physical health as they
are for mental health. They free the mind from agitation. They feed it with joy and
contentment. They quiet the nerves and even help the bodily processes."10 In a
similar vein we are told, "Mere medication will not cure a sick man. He must also
control his diet for quick recovery from illness. There is no single panacea for the
great world sorrow. Each individual has his own specific type of suffering.
Nevertheless, meditation on God is an unfailing remedy for human suffering if it is
supplemented with the practice of dharma and the strict observance of moral
restraints."11
25
Forgive and forget
"The means to prolong or shorten one's life lies in one's own hands. Your
life span is prolonged when you are full of joy, when you are calm and filled with
pure thoughts. But when you are filled with envy, anger, hatred, and conceit, your
life span gets shortened."12 Anger in particular is especially dangerous, for it is
"debilitating in its effects. The nerves become weak; blood is rendered warmer;
its composition changes. A simple burst of fury consumes the strength gained
from food during three months! Anger drastically reduces one's stamina."13 And
every time we give in to anger, Swami says, we hasten ourselves into old age.14
Swami also tells us, "Assume silence when you are invaded by anger, or
remember the name of God. Do not try to remind yourself of things which will
inflame your mind and feelings even more."15 Forgive and forget, the old saying
goes.
"Man's life is wasted in brooding over the past and worrying over the
future. What is the root cause of man's sorrow and sickness? Not being content
with what he has, and hankering after what he does not have, man forfeits peace
of mind. There is no need to think about what is past or about what is in store in
the future. Of what avail is it to think of the past which is irrevocable or to worry
about the future which is uncertain? It is a sheer waste of time. Past is past,
future is future. You can do nothing about either. What is most important is the
present. This is no ordinary present. It is Omnipresent. The result of the past and
the result of the future are both present in the present (moment). You are reaping
in the present what you have sown in the past. And what you are sowing in the
present, you will reap in future. Thus both the past and the future are contained
in the present only. So make the best use of the present. Give up all sorts of
worry and lead ideal lives leading to immortality and fulfillment of the purpose of
human life."16
Losing your mind

Swami says, "It is important to recognize that as long as the mind is there,
desires will not leave you. As long as you have desires, the false notion of 'I' and
'Mine' will not leave you. As long as the feeling of 'I' and 'Mine,' or Ahamkara, is
there, your wrong identification with the body will not leave you. As long as
Ahamkara does not leave you, ajnana or ignorance will not leave you. In effect, it
means that there is no way other than the annihilation of the mind to attain Atma-
Jnana knowledge of the Self, or Atma-darshan vision of the Self, or Atma-
ananda Bliss of the Self, whatever you may choose to call it."17
"How can you expect quick success in the control of the mind? It is very
difficult to overcome its vagaries, for it is many faceted and very adamant .
Steady perseverance alone will tame your mind; and it is only through a tamed
mind that you can experience God. You must become your own tutor; train
yourself by using the spark of wisdom which has been implanted in you. Once
26
you try with all your might, the Lord's grace will be there to help you go
forward."18
"If you cannot control your mind and contemplate God, then engage
yourself in selfless service. Do not worry too much."19 When mind control
becomes especially difficult, we are told to "practice another sadhana the
sadhana of seeing the Divine all around you. Believe that the same Atma in you
is the same Atma that activates everyone else, making him live and move."20
References
1
2
Satya Sai Speaks, Vol. VII. 1985, Chapter 16, p. 76.
3
4
ibid. p. 74.
5
6
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 7. 1985, p. 334.
7
8
9
ibid. Chapter 9, p. 50.
10
11
12
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:2; Winter 1993-1994. p. 29.
13
14
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VIII. 1987, Chapter 40, p. 211.
15
16
17
ibid. pp. 116-117.
18
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. II. p. 34.
19
20
ibid. p. 24.
27
"Men are born with a helpless lamenting cry; they should die with the smile
of happy joy (from knowing their reality). That is the purpose of the years
between."1
Chapter 5
Aging Gracefully
"The body undergoes various changes due to food and other living habits.
Whatever be such changes in the body, the individuality remains unchanged. The
changes of name and form such as childhood, boyhood, adulthood, and old age
pertain to the body and hence (are) illusory. Therefore, you should not consider
the body as real and permanent at all. Nevertheless it is your duty to ensure that
the body is not subjected to diseases and is maintained as a fit instrument. As
long as you sail in this river of life, you must see to it that the boat of your body
does not develop holes or leaks thereby preventing water from entering into the
boat. Remain in the world and attend to your duties, but don't allow worries to
enter your mind and make your body susceptible to all kinds of diseases.
Consider the body as only an instrument."2
"Our ancients wished to live long for the sake of a godly life and therefore
tried to preserve the health of their bodies (and) minds accordingly. Today one is
called an old man if he attains the age of sixty or seventy. But in olden days,
people were considered young even at the age of 80, 90, or 100 . You might
have read in the [Hindu epic] Mahabharata that at the time of the Kurukshetra
war (5,500 years ago), Krishna and Arjuna were 86 and 84 years old
respectively. But they were in youthful condition and participated in the war with
vigor, vitality, and valor. Who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava army?
It was the 116 year old Bhishma. If it were to be today, a 116 year old man would
be confined to his cot, with his body shaking all over and needing others' help
even for getting up from bed. But Bhishma fought fiercely for nine days. How do
you account for this? It was because of their mental strength, nourishing food,
and above all Self-confidence (i.e. confidence in the real Self, or Atma)."3
However, Swami insists that "a godly life is more important than
longevity."4 He asks, "What is immortality? Removal of immorality is immortality.
What is immorality? It means bad qualities like ego, anger, jealousy, desire, etc.
If you remove bad qualities, then you will obtain immortality. This is very
important."5
"Life is a three day fair; it is like a flower that fades by eventide. Old age,
when physical charm is lost and you have to depend on others for everything, will
soon be upon all. Prepare for death, have the equipment to meet it calmly,
joyfully, with quiet resignation to the Will of the Lord. You cannot get it in a trice
28
when you want it; it is the result of long years of practice."6 Baba explains, "That
is why the Lord advised that from birth to death, one must be engaged in the
search for Truth. Instead, if you postpone sadhana until the last moment, you will
be like the student who turns over the pages of his textbook for the first time just
before he enters the examination hall!"7 As the author's grandfather used to say,
"Why do you wait until you're thirsty before you start digging a well?"
In this respect Swami says, "Time is very important. Time waste is life
waste. Whenever you have time, think about God and spirituality not marriage,
etc."8 He warns us, "If there is no spiritual transformation in your way of life over
the years, you are guilty of having wasted all your energies, time, and
opportunities."9
"Death is certain. As long as we have this body, we must discharge our

obligations in an exemplary manner. When a photographer is taking your picture
he tells you to be ready at the time he clicks. If you are not posing correctly at
that instant, the photograph taken will not be a good one. However, the Lord is a
photographer who takes the photograph without cautioning us with the word
'ready.' Therefore, for us to be photographed well in the film-plate of the Lord's
Heart, we should always be ready."10
The fourth stage of life

"Old age is the fourth stage of life. By the time one reaches this stage of
his journey, he must have discovered that the joys available in this world are
trivial and fleeting. He must be equipped with the higher knowledge of spiritual
joy available through delving into the inner spring of bliss through his
experiences; his heart must have softened and filled with compassion. He has to
be engrossed in promoting the progress of all beings without distinction. He must
be eager to share with others the knowledge he has accumulated and to give
them the benefit of his experiences."11
Swami uses our advancing years as an instrument to delve into the

deeper meanings of life. He says, "In India, at age 60, people have a second
marriage as a rebirth of their marriage into spiritual life, directed to God and not
concerned with the senses. Prior to age 60, the couple (is) entitled to enjoy the
fruits of the senses. At the age of 70 seven also has a significance. There are
seven great rishis [sages] and at age 70 a person should be merged with these
saints. At age 80, there are eight Deities reigning over the directions. At age 80
we should be merged with these Deities. At age 90, there are nine special
planets, and we should be merged with them. At age 100, one should be master
of the five working organs and the five sense organs and should be merged with
God. The five working organs are talking, taking, walking, rejecting (excrement),
and eating. The five sense organs are hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell."12
As our bodies change and grow, so also will our lifestyle and habits.
Swami tells us, "It is better not to eat too much when you're over sixty."13 He
29
says, "People can live longer and (lead) more healthy (lives) if they eat only the
minimum."14 Common sense, of course, is still necessary to ensure that the body
meets its nutritional needs during its latter years.
But all this concern over the changes that come with age can lead to an
inordinate amount of worry over the body's frailties. Swami advises us to "drop
the delusion that you have become old or diseased, or that you have become
weak and debilitated. Some people begin to count the years and grieve over
advancing age and shudder like cowards afraid of death. But remember, elation
is heaven, despondency is hell. Have always some work to do and do it so well
that you get joy."15 Swami tells us that we should aspire "not for a long life, but for
a Divine life."16
Like the casting off of old clothes

"We should try to live without being affected by joy and sorrow caused by
birth and death of the body. No one weeps when he finds ice to be cold or when
he is told that fire is hot. It is natural that ice is cold and fire is hot. In the same
manner, death is natural for the body that is born. Why should one weep over
that? We are becoming victims of sorrow by regarding a natural phenomenon as
unnatural."17 Sai Baba says that, just as our clothes are a temporary covering for
our bodies, so also are our bodies temporary coverings for the Atma. "No one will
be anxious to have the same dress on for years and years. Death is but the
casting off of old clothes. When even Avatars leave the body after the Task is
fulfilled, how can man be saved from inevitable dissolution?"18
"It is only when the entire story is unfolded that you will appreciate His
plan, but not until then; for that you must get behind the screen of maya [illusion]
and contact the Director Himself. While you are an actor on the stage reciting
your role, you cannot grasp the meaning of the entire play, which has the 'world'
as the stage and 'ages' as the duration. If by acting your role well, you develop
prema [love] toward your fellow actors, that is more important than bhakti
[devotion] to God."19
Ultimately, it is only the body that dies, for "the Atma does not die . When
man knows this, death loses his sting, death is not feared, death is but a
welcome voyage into the known harbor."20 We should therefore resolve to "let the
death which is coming to you be the last."21
References
1
2
3
ibid. p. 36.
4
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:3; Spring 1994, pp. 5-6.
5
6
7
8
30
9
10
11
12
13
Krystal, P. Sai Baba, the Ultimate Experience. p. 154.
14
15
16
17
McMartin, G. Baba, the Breath of Sai. 1984, p. 127.
18
19
Gokak, V. K. The Advent of Sathya Sai. p. 9.
20
21
McMartin, G. Baba, the Breath of Sai. 1984, p.147.
31
"As science develops and technology advances, humility and love should
also develop to the same extent."1
Chapter 6
The Medical Sciences

"In a healthy body will be a healthy mind, and a healthy mind ensures a
healthy body. Fear is the biggest cause of disease. People are getting anxious
and afraid of things they do not understand. The radio, TV, the newspaper, the
cinema all scare people into a panic regarding their health, the standards of
living, social security, and national safety. Every hour of listening and reading is
an extra dose of anxiety. In the past, illnesses were cured by simple remedies
provided by nature rest, regulation of diet, and spiritual practices. But now, man
lives in an age of tablets and injections. Do not believe that health is retained or
maintained through doctors, nor can drugs guarantee it. If that were the case,
then all the dead should be alive now."2
Hospitals
Swami frowns upon the profit-minded atmosphere of many modern
hospitals, saying that these institutions should instead serve as centers of service
and compassion. He says, "Unfortunately, hospitals that treat patients with love
and care, with dedication and devotion, are very rare. There are hospitals with
costly equipment and expert doctors, huge buildings and spic-and-span interiors,
but they indulge more in profiteering than affording relief. Their services are for
those who can pay large sums of money."3 Baba has told us, "Swami wants more
hospitals to render free treatment to the poor."4
"A hospital's progress is to be judged not by the number of patients

coming for treatment. It must educate the people around in the principles of
health and see that the area is freed from disease."5 Baba says, "Prevention of
disease should be the goal. We should aim at a human society free from
diseases. It will be a happy day when a hospital gets no patients at all."6
"The hospital is for those who have faith in drugs and doctors. But what
can drugs and doctors do without the Grace of God? The day will surely come
when the hospital will be superfluous since all will be healthy and free from
illness, accepting the sadhana way, the Ananda [blissful] way to peace and
happiness."7
Swami's hospitals are the gold standard in service and care for the poor.
And while many devotees know about His Super-Specialty Hospital and the free
services it offers to the poor, fewer people are aware of His other hospitals and
32
clinics. Swami says, "The general hospital (at Puttaparthi) is for those who
believe in doctors and drugs. It is faith that matters, that cures. (The hospital)
also serves to accommodate those who are too ill to move about, yet come over
to this place for cure. Those who are in the hospital will also hear the Pranava
[the sound of Om], the Sankirtan and Bhajan [devotional singing] and will benefit
by the spiritual vibrations that fill the air in Prashanti Nilayam."8
The medical profession

Swami is often generous in the time He spends with those in the medical
profession, as He untiringly seeks to realize the potential benefits they can
provide society. The following are excerpts from several discourses Swami has
made specifically for medical professionals.
" Even more than the drugs (doctors) prescribe, the sweet, soft words
they speak and the love and sympathy they evince can cure better and quicker
the illnesses of their patients. Look upon them as your own kith and kin, as your
special guests and as your closest friends, and attend to them lovingly and with
unflinching care. I call upon you to maintain this attitude in every situation.
Remember that the patient has to cooperate with you in order that you may effect
the cure, and when cured, the patient confers on you satisfaction, joy, and a
sense of elation. Be grateful to the patient for all this."9
"In my view, there is no need for you (doctors) to worry about money and
resources. Treat your patients with love. Duty is God. This love should be
mutually given and taken. You may charge fees for your services, but do it with
love. This is the right course for you. When you render service in this spirit, you
will be successful in all cases. When you treat the patient with love, you will win
the patient's love. Hence, your motto should be: 'Start the day with love, fill the
day with love, end the day with love. This is the way to God.'"10
" Doctors who fight for the patient's purse or tries to grab a patient before
a rival appropriates him is a danger to society. The doctor who despises other
doctors or sticks to his own patient, cures irrespective of the experience of
failure, who is guided more by his whims, fancies, and prejudices, or who
considers the patient's caste rather than his disease as more important such
men are also dangerous."11 In a similar vein, Swami also says, "Some doctors
advise patients against smoking and addiction to alcohol, but they themselves
smoke and drink! This gap between speech and practice raises doubts in the
minds of patients regarding the sanity of the medical advice given to them. Such
doctors who do not observe harmony of word and deed, mislead the patients."12
"Doctors who have been allotted the duty of going round and
discovering persons likely to need your attention must be extra cordial and
considerate. Don't bark questions at the patients; have patience while listening to
their stories as half the cure is effected by kindness, softness, and sympathy.
The scriptures say, 'The doctor is God in human form.' It is in that spirit and with
33
that reverence that people come to you and receive the drugs you give. Live up
to that estimate of your service! Nowadays, doctors have lost the art of soft,
sweet speech; learn to speak with compassion; have in your bag the medicines
necessary for the treatment of all types of illnesses. Do not delay or drift, for want
of the drug. Doctors are not aware of the distress they cause by neglect or by
short temper; nurses are not aware of the pain they cause by angry words, or
even by a gesture of contempt or resentment! Imagine what such a gesture can
do for you, if you were in that position and avoid it. Always try to put yourselves
in the position of the other and judge your action against that background. Then,
you will not be wrong.
"Be pure in word and deed and keep impure thoughts away. I am in every
one of you, and so I become aware of your slightest wave of thought. See Me as
resident in everyone; give them all the help you can, all the service they need; do
not withhold the sweet word, the supporting hand, the assuring smile, the
comforting company and the consoling conversation. If you do not serve man,
who is your kith and kin, with the same feelings, impulses and instincts as you,
who is before you, alive and gladly accepting with a smile of gratitude, how can
you serve God who is so far above and beyond you, so different and potent, so
vast and mysterious? Train yourselves to serve God by serving man, in whom
there is God installed in the heart. Convince yourselves that the service of man is
the service of God.
"The doctors among you can serve the poor by treating them without
insisting on payment; give the poor all the attention and care that you lavish on
the rich paying patients. Do it for the sake of God; feel that it is the worship you
are offering Him. The lawyers among you can help those, who for want of a
skilled (lawyer), have to go undefended or have to suffer at the hands of
unscrupulous men. Do not publish these acts of sympathy; do them
spontaneously without fanfare. That is more precious than demonstrating your
service with the help of headlines and photographs. These reduce the worth of
the deeds of compassion. You must be uncomfortable when those around you
are unhappy; when you ease their discomfort you are making them happy and
making yourself happy, is it not? Similarly, you must be happy when those
around you are happy. This is more difficult than the previous one, but it is the
sign of the truly good.
"Help others as much as lies in your power; if you cannot help them
adequately, at least feel the agony. 'Alas! How much is the suffering they
undergo! Lord, relieve it soon.' Pray thus with all your heart. Remember that the
persons whom you serve are temples where God is installed. Worship them with
the flowers of good words, timely help, and vigilant care."13
Swami warns us to be cautious with those 'miracle healers' who claim to

act as a channel for the healing power of God, for the Lord has no need of such
intermediaries. Swami says, "Any benefit is only a temporary feeling of relief and
34
is not real. If a healing occurs, it is because the person has had a feeling or
thought of God."14
When John Hislop asked Swami if God's power did not flow into a person
during such healings, Swami replied, "Where is God? He is within you. From
within He heals." In any case, Swami advises us to rely on "ordinary medical
means and prayer" for healing.15
Medical education
"The plight of doctors deserves sympathy. Many of them have to spend
large sums to get seats in medical colleges and to complete their education. The
doctor is worried about recovering the money that has been spent on his
education. Something must be done to solve this problem. For instance, no one
should be admitted to a medical college merely because he is able to pay a large
sum of money. Only those who have the talent and aptitude for medical studies
should be admitted. Such students will immensely benefit from medical education
and will be of use to society. Today, you must have either plenty of money or
influential backing to get into a medical college. Students who get admitted this
way sometimes take as long as 12 years to complete the five year medical
course. Of what use are such doctors? The emphasis should be on quality and
not quantity in the sphere of medical studies.
"In earlier times, medical students used to work hard, spending up to 18

hours a day. Without such hard work, no one would have gotten his degree. But
today things are different. Students pass without much study. Such poorly
educated doctors are a calamity to the nation. Not all doctors are of this kind.
There are many competent doctors. It is the duty of the medical profession to
rectify this situation. They should contact the authorities to bring about reforms.
Only then will the nation progress."16
Swami describes gratitude as a virtue, and says that those who forget
their benefactors commit a great sin. "Doctors should realize what they owe to
society. Society has preserved and imparted to doctors the knowledge of medical
science. Medical knowledge has been enriched by the contributions of dedicated
investigators over centuries. Physicians should be grateful to society for all the
knowledge and skills they have acquired from the dedicated labors of others.
They should realize their indebtedness to society for all they have received. Only
then will they use their knowledge and skills in the right way ."17
"Education gains significance only when it is tested on the touchstone of

practice. One must work continuously. It is activity that confers authority. A doctor
gains happiness in proportion to the work that he does. The genuine doctor is
one who delights in work."18
Sai Baba belabors the tendency among some physicians to narrow their
practice to obscure specialties and subjects. He says, "I have to give a word of
35
advice to the doctors present here (at a cardiac symposium in Prashanti
Nilayam). The tendency to specialize in the treatment of heart diseases has gone
to absurd lengths. I would advise the doctors to treat the heart as a whole and
not fragment every part of it for specialized treatment. Specialization has grown
to alarming proportions in the world today. Doctors should be general
practitioners (i.e. generalist physicians) who know how to treat the different
ailments of patients."19
Ayurveda
"Among the four Vedas, the Atharva Veda is the one that has given the
science relating to longevity, known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda transcends time and
space and is valid for all places, at all times. It relates to the spirit, the mind, and
the body, and it has an integrated approach. The allopathic system came much
later. It is based on an objective, external approach while Ayurveda is subjective.
Both have to be coordinated for better results. Since Ayurveda is subjective it is
more efficacious than the allopathic system. There is a superior, artistic sense in
Ayurveda.
"Doctors have to realize the distinction between subjective and objective

approaches. The latter has an external outlook, while the former has an inner
view. The object is a reflection of the subject. Without realizing this relationship
between Ayurveda and allopathy, doctors are wasting their time in arguments.
Ayurveda affirms that purity of mind is essential for one's health, while allopathic
doctors do not consider the mind to be as important. They give importance to
(the eradication of) germs and consider this as the only means to cure diseases.
This does not take into account the role of the mind and the spirit in the
eradication of disease. Allopathy is based on external knowledge and
experimentation, while Ayurveda is based on inner knowledge and experience.
There is a gulf of difference between experiment and experience. Because of the
difference between the subjective and objective approaches, in the course of
time, allopathy resorted to the use of antibiotics to deal with various diseases.
Antibiotics act powerfully, and yield quick results in curing a disease. But, in the
process of curing diseases, they give rise to adverse side effects. Allopathic
doctors experiment only with matter. They do not take the inner consciousness
into account .
"There are three basic factors which are responsible for health or disease
in the human body according to Ayurveda. They are Vata [vital air], Pitta [bile],
and Kapha [phlegm].20 Vata accounts for 36 diseases, Pitta accounts for 98 and
Kapha for 96 diseases. These three factors are essential for the human body, but
they should be in proper balance without exceeding their respective limits. When
they are in balance, there will be no disease. Moderation is the golden rule for
good health."21
Love is the medicine

During the time before the author started medical school, Swami gave me
some time to study such practices as Ayurveda, homeopathy, and various other
36
holistic or non-traditional approaches to health care. After picking my way
through a number of such practices, I found that it was love unconditional,
Divine love that holds the ultimate power to heal. Love is the medicine, Swami
told me, and God is the source. He says, " Even more than the drugs (doctors)
prescribe, the sweet, soft words they speak and the love and sympathy they
evince can cure better and quicker the illnesses of their patients."22
Regulation must come from within

As the world's population continues to increase dramatically, some
officials within the public health arena have championed artificial means of birth
control as a standard adjunct to controlling growth. To Sai Baba, however,
"limiting birth by artificial means is an absurdly wrong step. This is like chopping
off the head since the door is too low and you do not want to enter with a
stoop."23 He says, "(Although) such methods may appear to succeed, they are
fraught with much danger; they will inevitably lead to large scale demoralization
of character and weakening of moral stamina, stamina upon which the ultimate
strength of the people depends. The regulation must come from within, not from
without. People must control themselves through their own innate strength, not
get controlled through fear of someone or desire for temporary gain. Self-control
promotes self-reliance, self-knowledge and self-advancement. Only the
immediate consequence is considered by the partisans of family planning; the
long term consequence is ignored."24 Swami says that "those who encourage
these dangerous tactics must rather encourage sense control and self-restraint
through yoga and seva [service], methods advocated in the scriptures by sages
who knew the calamities that are the consequences of irresponsible fatherhood
or frustrated motherhood."25
To the author's knowledge, Swami has never listed over-population and its
concomitant difficulties as one of the world's problems. Rather, we are told
through the scriptures of all religions that, "God is able to make all grace abound
toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to
every good work."26 To make that abundance available, humanity need simply
put Swami's teachings into practice: "There are three supreme maxims which
should be ever remembered: have love for God; fear of sin; and observe morality
in society."27
References
1
2
3
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. X. 1987, Chapter 12, pp. 70-71.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18: 3; Spring 1994, pp. 38-39.
37
11
12
13
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VII. 1985, Chapter 20, pp. 104-105.
14
15
ibid. p. 145.
16
17
ibid. p. 37.
18
19
20
These definitions are crude translations only. No accurate English approximation exists.
21
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:3; Spring 1994, pp. 3-4.
22
23
ibid. Chapter 19, p. 99.
24
25
26
Holy Bible, II Cor. 9:8.
27
38
"Become aware of your reality and you will lose the sense of identification
with your body. That will make you disease-free. You will have perfect 'ease.'"1
Chapter 7
Of Faith and Healings

Almost anyone who has read about Sai Baba knows about the miraculous
healings He has performed for those suffering from various disorders. Swami
says, "I have come to help all acquire the Satwic nature. You might have heard
people talk about the miracles, of my 'making' this and 'giving' that, of my fulfilling
all your wants, of my curing your illnesses. But they are not so important as the
Satwic guna (that) I appreciate, promote, and instill. Of course, I confer on you
these boons of health and prosperity but only so that you might, with greater
enthusiasm and with less interruption, proceed with spiritual sadhana."2 Such
boons are expressions of His limitless love for us, His children.
When illnesses arise, Swami says, "Give each problem the attention it
deserves, but don't let it overpower you."3 He says "When suffering, try to raise
your thoughts as much as possible to the many gifts (the Lord) has given you
the beauty, the love, the patience and forgiveness, and that incomparable grace.
Remember those incomparable moments of grace and sweetness the Divine has
blessed you with. Seek the good in everything so that you may see the God that
is everything."
Faith
Swami reassuringly tells us, "Faith is power . It is the very breath that we
live by."4 He says, "Faith in God is the secure foundation on which hope has to
be built. The faith has to be stable and strong. The feeling that God will come to
our rescue has to be vivid and vital, motivating and activating all that we do,
speak, or think."5
"Transfer the faith that you have in drugs to God; put your trust, not in
medicine, but in Madhava [God]. I am astounded at the number of people
resorting to tablets and tonics. Resort to prayer, to sadhana, japa [repetition of
the Divine Name] and dhyana [meditation]. They are the vitamins you need; they
will restore you. No tablet is as efficacious as Ramnam [the name of God]."6
As Swami often says, "Where faith meets love, there is a cure." And when
our faith and surrender in God is complete, the Lord Himself will take over the
burden of our welfare. Baba tells us, "I will ever be with you, wherever you are,
guarding and guiding you. March on. Have no fear."7
39
Faith versus professional care
When John Hislop asked Swami about the use of vibuthi by some
devotees as their only form of medication for their ailments, the latter replied, "Do
not give any importance to minor sickness and injury. In more serious matters, it
is best that prayer be made to Swami. This is important. Vibuthi may or may not
be used, but there should be prayer." Mr. Hislop continued his line of questioning
by commenting that "some people are afraid that if they do anything except use
vibuthi they are demonstrating lack of faith in Swami." Swami replied, "Actually,
both can proceed together. The doctors can be consulted, and vibuthi can also
be used. But, regardless of the degree of faith, it is best to pray to Swami for His
Grace...."8
When Swami says that we should not give "any importance to minor
sickness and injury," He is not telling us to ignore them. Rather, we should fulfill
our duties to our bodies by caring for our ailments, but we should be wary that
such ailments do not overshadow our ultimate purpose in life. Sai Baba says, "Do
not worry about temporary trifles and tribulations. Do not exaggerate the
inconveniences they cause. Bear them with courage and a smile . Why become
too considerate about the body, too concerned about the state of health, too
worried about material possessions? Be anxious to win the status of Immortality!
Struggle for Eternal Truth, though the victory may be distant and difficult."9
Swami has also said that "for those who rely on the Supreme Doctor, His
name is enough drug. I advise you to avoid disease, to avoid drugs and hospitals
by strengthening your spiritual urge and invoking the grace of God."10 Should
illness come despite these measures, however, "Swami's preference would be
that ordinary means of help be given their due place."11
Cancer
The causes of cancer can be many, but Swami warns us sternly that
"sugar causes cancer" due to the bone char (also known as bone black) that is
used in the bleaching process when white sugar is made.12 Swami says,
"Cancer... often (develops) from a small pistule. There is inflammation, some gas,
and from this cancer develops."13
Of great importance to those suffering from cancer is the admonition that

cancer "can only be cured by the grace of God and by love."14 This doesn't mean
that we abandon all medical treatment and take the next flight to Puttaparthi, of
course. God's grace works through all channels, and we should be ever alert to
see Him working through everything around us.
The never-ending grace

Once when Sai Baba was asked about His miraculous cures and
blessings of health, He said, "It is not always done. It is my experience that I am
40
in the heart of every living being. I am there whether he acknowledges me or
not . Therefore, I love everyone, for in a sense, I love Myself. If I do this, and
the other person also loves me and responds to me, then the negative and the
positive meet. My love and his love flow into each other; there is a conjunction,
and then there is a cure. Where there is no response in love, there is no cure."15
But why is it that Swami will heal one person but seemingly ignore the
afflictions of another? Many have wondered, and Swami once told a devotee who
asked Him this question, "It depends on the people involved. In the case of a
devotee who has pure thoughts and a pure heart and who has surrendered to
Bhagavan [God], then Swami takes full responsibility for that life and takes care
of that devotee. But where a person has a big ego, relying on ego desire and not
on Bhagavan, then Swami keeps at a distance and does not interfere."16 In other
words, "If Swami is pleased with the person, He heals that person at once.
Karma can have no effect on that . If the person has a pure heart, and is living
Swami's teachings, Swami's grace is automatic. No karma can prevent that."17
When the suffering continues

"Troubles occur from time to time to warn us to be on our guard.
Recognize the truth that whatever happens is for your own good by saying, 'It is
good for me, good for me, good for me.' Realize that even what seems to be bad
is for your good."18
"Do you think I would confront you with pain were there not a reason for it?
Open your heart to pain, as you do now to pleasure, for it is my will, wrought by
me for your good. Welcome it as a challenge. Do not turn away from it. Do not
listen to your mind, for mind is but another word for 'need.' The mind engenders
need; it is manifested as this world, because it needed this. It is all my plan, to
drive you by the pangs of unfulfilled need to listen to my voice which, when
heard, dissolves the ego and the mind with it."19
That is why Swami says, " grief is the real preceptor, teaching caution,
circumspection, discrimination, detachment, awareness, and vigilance. Death is
not the merciless foe he is made out to be. He is the friend and companion, the
teacher, the kindly kinsmen who takes you into his fold and clothes you with the
halo of remembrance. The heart of man has to be toughened, not hardened; it
has to be made soft, not slithery; this can be achieved only by the blows of loss,
grief, and distress. It is God's way of shaping us in the Divine mold. But man is
blind to His mercy; he revolts at the first blow of the sculptor's hammer!"20
"When confronted by calamity, you must attach yourself to (repeating the

name of God) more firmly, instead of losing faith in it and slacking off. The drug
should not be given up when it is most needed."21 Sai Baba says we must, "never
give up on God, holding Him responsible for your ills. Believe, rather, that the ills
draw you closer to God."22
41
But ultimately it is "ignorance (that) is the cause of all suffering. When you
come to know that there is only the One, that all there is, is God, then there can
be no more problems. Problems come only when you think that you are different
from God."23
The most chronic disease of man

"The most chronic disease of man is ajnana, ignorance of the undying
Atma within him. One must know the reason why he caught this amnesia and try
to get cured. The general cause of this illness is infatuation for the objective
world and subservience to the senses. There is even a deeper cause the
undue prominence given to the body, imagining it to be the touchstone of value.
The body is like a temporary shelter where you reside for a short while on your
journey . The goal is liberation. Liberation gives the highest bliss."24
"If you want to enter the palace of liberation, you will find that at the main
entrance there are two guards. This entrance is the place where you offer
yourself, and it may be called the gate of surrender. The two guards who are
there are called Srama [effort] and Dama [patience] . However much you offer
yourself in surrender, it is not possible for you to enter God's abode without effort
and patience."25
Beyond health
"And what is beyond health? What is the fulfillment that you must seek?
To get back whence you have come. Atma is your destination. Until the time that
you reach this destination, spend your time, spend your body, spend all that you
have in good deeds and in doing good to others."26
References
1
2
3
4
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XI. 1986, Chapter 19, pp. 107-108.
5
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VII. 1985, p. 232.
6
7
8
9
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VIII. 1987, Chapter 9, pp. 49-50.
10
11
12
Samuel Sandweiss quoting Sai Baba at the Pacific Region South Sai retreat in Santa Barbara, California
on July 3, 1994. Also see: Sathya Sai Newsletter. 8:4; Summer 1984; and Sanathana Sarathi.
November, 1983.
13
14
Krystal, P. Sai Baba, the Ultimate Experience. p. 266.
15
Gokak, V. K. The Advent of Sathya Sai. p. 9.
16
17
ibid. p. 144.
18
Sathya Sai Newsletter. 18:2; Winter 1993-1994, p. 29.
19
Sanathana Sarathi. August, 1974, p. 185.
42
20
21
22
23
ibid. pp. 126-127.
24
25
26
43
Appendices
Appendix A
The Satwic diet
The three attributes, or gunas, are inherent in various combinations
throughout Creation. The Satwic guna (or Satwaguna) is that attribute which
facilitates harmony and equanimity; the Rajasic guna (or Rajoguna) is that
attribute which leads to arousal, excitement, and action; and the Thamasic guna
(or Thamoguna) is that which brings sloth, dullness, and inertia. Sai Baba tells
us, "Spiritual health is preserved and promoted by attention to the three gunas:
Satwa, Raja, and Thamas ."1
The Satwic diet is essential for the spiritual aspirant, but "diet" here is
meant to include that which is taken in through all the five senses. Note also that
while the food we eat is certainly a significant component of our overall diet, the
thanksgiving and love with which we receive such food is its vitalizing
component; food offered to God as an expression of our gratitude and love for
Him renders that food pure and sacred. The following passages from Swami's
discourses are offered here only as a general guide and should not lead to
unyielding rigidity in one's food habits. Harmony and love are the essential
ingredients here, and ultimately God and His grace make up the only true "food"
that we really need.
The food we eat

With regard to the physical food that we take in during meals, Swami says,
"There are three 'purities' to be observed; purity of the provisions; purity of the
vessels in which food is prepared; and purity of the persons who serve the
prepared food.
"It is not enough if the provisions are pure and of good quality. They
should have been procured by fair means; no unfair, unjust, untrue earnings
should be used for one's maintenance. These are fouled at the very source. The
source as well as the course and the goal must all be equally pure. The vessel
must be clean, free from tarnish. The person who serves must not only be clean
in dress, but clean in habits, character and conduct. He should be free from hate,
anger, worry, and indifference while serving the dishes; he should be cheerful
and fresh. And he must be humble and full of love. While attending on those who
are dining, he should not allow his mind to dwell on wicked or vicious ideas. Mere
physical cleanliness or charm is no compensation for evil thoughts or habits. The
sadhaka [spiritual aspirant] who has to secure concentration has to be careful
about these restrictions. Otherwise, during meditation the subtle influences of the
wicked thoughts of the cook and the servers will haunt the sadhaka. Care should
be taken to have only virtuous individuals around. Outer charm, professional
excellence, reduced wages these should not be allowed to prejudice you in
44
favor of dangerous cooks and attendants. Examine carefully their habits and
character. The food you eat is such an important constituent of the physical and
mental stuff with which you have to struggle in the spiritual field. The purity of the
mind can be, and has to be, supplemented by the purity of the body as well as
purity in its important function, speech. That is the real Thapas; physical, mental,
and vocal."2
Satwic food is fresh, mild, simple, and free of superfluous additives. Sai
Baba says, "Food to be Satwic should be capable of strengthening the mind as
well as the body. It should not be too salty, too hot, too bitter, too sweet, or too
sour. It should not be taken while steaming hot. Food which fans the flames of
thirst should be avoided. The general principle is that there should be a limit, a
restraint. Food cooked in water should not be used the next day; it becomes
harmful. Even fried articles should be consumed before they develop unpleasant
odors."3
Keep in mind, however, that even Satwic food can become Thamasic if
taken in excess. Swami says, "A good feature of Satwic food can be described
by referring to the light manner in which we sit down to take food. After taking
food we should be able to get up in the same light manner."4
"Rajasic food is the opposite of the Satwic. It is too salty, too sweet, too
hot too sour, too odorous. Such food excites and intoxicates."5 Meat, excess
salt, excess hot chili peppers, excess lemon, lime, or tamarind, eggs, strong
onions and garlic all imbue Rajasic qualities to food. Swami even comments
specifically about one popular food item among Indians pickles! He says, "We
call ourselves Brahmins [those who foster spiritual living] yet we eat pickles which
bring tears to the eyes. What we call pickles are literally soaked in salt and an
excess of salt is worse than wine. That is why those who have high blood
pressure are advised not to eat salt. Salt tends to contaminate the blood. So we
should eliminate items which have excessive salt, sourness, and pungency."6
Thamasic food, on the other hand, "dulls, inebriates, blunts reason, and
induces sloth and (sleep, causing the mind to be) callous, inert, and useless for
uplifting man."7 Alcohol, most illicit drugs, foods that are old, stale, spoiled or
extremely spicy, and re-cooked foods are all Thamasic in quality.
Satwic vision
"Satwic seeing is seeing the worshippers of the Lord, seeing the portraits
of saints and sages, attending festivals in temples, etc."8 Swami says, " The
sight of temples and houses charged with Divinity, of idols and sculptures
depicting the mystery and majesty of God in His various forms, of scenes that
instill in your mind the littleness of humanity before the vastness of God's
handiwork these have a salutary effect on the formation of one's character and
the direction of habits and attitudes."9
45
"Rajasic seeing is seeing scenes of luxury, pictures of sensuous joy, of
pompous pageantry, of the exhibition of power and status and the display of
egoistic authority."10 Thamasic seeing includes scenes of death, lust, violence,
and other grotesque images.
Satwic hearing
"The ears too need pure food. This means that we should listen only to
sacred words and to accounts relating to the Divine. Let us always hear good
and pleasant things about others. In this way, we must safeguard the ears from
being polluted by hearing bad things. Only thus can we ensure consuming Satwic
food through the ears."11 Swami describes Satwic hearing as, "listening to the
stories, experiences, and messages of sages and saints who aspired after God
and realized Him ."
"Taking delight in the description of sensuous scenes and incidents, in the

demonstration of power and authority, in the assertion of might and prowess
these are to be classified as Rajasic listening. Others take delight in listening to
gruesome adventures, stories of wicked ogres and vicious deeds. Such are
Thamasic individuals. They admire cruelty and terrifying tactics and they take
pleasure in keeping such pictures before them. They worship demonic blood-
thirsty gods and they revel in the lore of ghosts and eerie forces."12
Satwic odors
"Only sweet-smelling scents should be absorbed through the nose.
Inhaling bad odors will result in disease. If you inhale foul air, you will be
breathing in disease-producing organisms. You must inhale pure air, in a clean
open space."13
Satwic actions
"The hand also should be used to consume pure food. In other words, you
must perform only good acts with your hands, befitting the appellation of temple
used for your body."14 Swami also says, "The tactile sensation or the sense of
touch should be satisfied by coming into physical contact with the feet of holy
men. Contact with evil men must be avoided. Their contact promotes bad
thoughts."15
The bond between two individuals

"There can never be a bond of understanding between two individuals if
one of them is taking totally Satwic food and the other is taking totally Rajasic
food. For awhile they will be on speaking terms of saying, 'Hello! Hello!' to each
other, but it is only a question of time until they part. There can be a lasting
friendship between two individuals eating Satwic food, or between (two)
individuals eating Rajasic food. For example, water readily mixes with water, but
not with oil. So the kind of relationship that exists between water and oil is the
kind that will exist between individuals with any two of these qualities. Only when
46
all men take Satwic food will men of all minds and all kinds be able to establish a
bond of brotherhood between them."16
One must be pure in Satwic qualities if one is to make spiritual progress,

but eventually, even these must be left behind, as "the three gunas are bonds
(and) all three bind effectively."17
References
1
2
Sadhana, the Inward Path. 1986, pp. 209-210.
3
ibid. p. 211.
4
5
6
Wing, P. An Article on Food and Health From the Teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. p. 10.
7
8
ibid. p. 220.
9
ibid. p. 217.
10
ibid. p. 220.
11
12
13
ibid. p. 220.
14
ibid. pp. 15-16.
15
16
Wing, P. An Article on Food and Health From the Teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. p. 11.
17
Sadhana, the Inward Path. 1986, pp. 220-221.
47
Appendix B
Sprouting seeds and nuts
Swami has commented that one of the best ways to eat legumes and
other seeds, including lentils, dals, and some nuts, is to sprout them. When a
seed begins to sprout, specific biological mechanisms within the seed are
activated and convert the stored energy of the seed into nutrients that will be
used for its growth into a healthy, vibrant plant. This same nutrient energy can be
utilized by humans to take advantage of this natural powerhouse of protein and
vitamins.
Begin with a small quantity of seeds, beans, dal, etc. that are free of
additives, are whole (split beans will not work), and uncooked (roasted seeds
have lost their life-force and will no longer sprout). Soak them overnight in a
glass or stainless-steel container in a quantity of water that is 3-4 times the
quantity of seeds that you wish to sprout. Drain the water (house plants love this
water!) using your hand or a clean sieve to prevent the seeds from spilling out,
and rinse well with fresh water. Rinse again every few hours, up to 2-3 times per
day, so that the seeds are moist, but not soaked. Most seeds sprout best in a
dark or dimly lit environment, but you may want to expose them to sunlight as
they mature (which activates mechanisms that produce chlorophyll and other
compounds).
Most seeds take several days to sprout completely, although the amount
of time depends on the type of seed used, the frequency of rinsing, the
temperature of the rinse water, and the temperature of the environment in which
they will sprout. Sprouted seeds can be kept in the refrigerator for several days.
For maximum nutrition, enjoy these living foods uncooked.
48

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By Srikanth Sola, M.D.

The Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba

1st edition 2000

Copyright 2000 by Srikanth Sola, M.D.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted

Correspondence with the author may be addressed to:

This book is intended primarily to serve as a collection of the teachings of

Drishti, not deha

Use common sense

The Satwic diet6

Food for the body

Some of Swami's dietary do's and don'ts, as well as a more detailed

Although moderation varies with each individual, in general "the correct

Even the manner in which we eat is to be regulated. Swami warns against

"Eat at regular intervals, according to a well-established timetable. Move

Meat and dairy products

To the author's knowledge, the above paragraph constitutes Swami's most

Swami prefers that eggs not be consumed, although He has occasionally

White sugar causes cancer

Some people, however, may find uncooked foods difficult to digest,

Because water also provides us with an easily assimilated form of prana,

Have firm faith in yourself

In addition, it's best to avoid a self-righteous or superior attitude due to

Less talk and more work

During a Discourse to foreign devotees assembled at Kodaikanal in 1991

"Have only one thought, 'Less talk and more work.'"12

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

We've all heard at one time or another that cleanliness is next to

"Five types of bath are prescribed in the Hindu scriptures in order to

Exercise and energy

Hurry, worry, and curry

Purify the environment

Alcohol and tobacco

"Some people smoke cigarettes in addition to drinking. Smoking tobacco

"So true devotees of God should give up (alcohol and tobacco)

Although we now know that addictions to substances such as drugs and

Good posture, then, is essential during all of our activities, including

Vitamins, minerals, supplements, and tonics

Yet somehow we get deluded into thinking that objects outside of

One step at a time

Cultivate good thoughts

Swami also tells us that all we have to do in order to attain purity of

Diminish mental worry

So important is our sadhana in conquering fear and promoting health that

Losing your mind

"Death is certain. As long as we have this body, we must discharge our

The fourth stage of life

Swami uses our advancing years as an instrument to delve into the

Like the casting off of old clothes

The Medical Sciences

"A hospital's progress is to be judged not by the number of patients

The medical profession

Swami warns us to be cautious with those 'miracle healers' who claim to

"In earlier times, medical students used to work hard, spending up to 18

"Education gains significance only when it is tested on the touchstone of

"Doctors have to realize the distinction between subjective and objective

Love is the medicine

Regulation must come from within

Of Faith and Healings

Of great importance to those suffering from cancer is the admonition that

The never-ending grace

When the suffering continues

"When confronted by calamity, you must attach yourself to (repeating the