Sayings of Sathya Sai Baba.

Lisa Arsenault is a high-school English teacher who is involved in
several ministry campaigns to increase literacy.

Sathya Sai Baba is an extremely influential spiritual leader whose inspirational words and works have positively impacted thousands of lives. He is based in India, and the world comes to him to witness the miracles he performs and listen to his anecdotes and maxims. Those who can’t make the pilgrimage to India can access the many books he has written.

The editor has allowed the master’s words to speak for themselves; there is little commentary. His ideas have been roughly sorted into categories: self-help, essentials, teachers, being and doing, deleting and desisting, and enlightenment. The thrust of his teachings, which combine elements of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, can be summarized in the quotation “There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity. There is only one religion, the religion of Love. There is only one language, the language of the Heart.” One achieves the ability to live by these principles through self-abnegation, meditation, and good works. Several anecdotes from famous writers, scientists, and inventors are sprinkled throughout the text and reinforce the themes. A bibliography directs the reader to further related material.

This is a pocket-sized collection of sayings. Its small format makes it very accessible for quick reference. I can see the reader taking it out during lunch or a work break for an inspiring and uplifting perusal. It is probably best suited to committed devotees of the Baba, as there is minimal commentary and elucidation of the text, so some familiarity with Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings is advisable.