MUNI THE BOSS

Who is Sai Baba? What is he like? The answer he himself gives is: "He is Love, Love, Love." The people who come within his vicinity speak, above all else, of the overwhelming waves of pure love that emanate from him constantly, plunging the devotees into the bliss of his presence. Sai Baba is widely known as a miracle worker and healer. He "takes" small objects out of thin air and gives them to devotees to bind them to him. Over the years he has manifested countless rings, jewelry, pictures, flowers, fruits (often out of season), and other objects along with flows of his healing ash (called vibhutti) which he dispenses as he would medicine. Doubters come to expose him but go away with a heart newly filled with love and a mind shaken out of materialistic smugness. He never asks for anything from those who come to him and in fact refuses to accept gifts or money. Yet he gives constantly from a seemingly inexhaustible mysterious store. Accommodation and food are free at the ashram to visitors. He runs schools, hospitals and universities, which are also free of charge. His greatest gift of all, though, is the miracle of change which he brings about to those who come to him.

Sathya Sai Baba was born in 1926 and even as a young child in school, his classmates called him "Guru". He had a spiritual luster about him then, was always generous, kind, helpful, and truthful. In fact Sathya, his name, is Truth in the ancient Sanskrit language. Those lucky ones who grew up with him or knew him in the early years of his advent were blessed with a unique opportunity to get his time and attention, his love and blessings in great abundance. Nowadays anyone going to his place of residence finds thousands lining up for even a glimpse of him or to share in the singing of sacred songs (bhajan) in his presence. On the event of major festivals, hundreds of thousands, even millions, come from all over the world to renew themselves in his presence and join in the observances. Still he finds the time to meet with groups and individuals to bless and guide them and to circulate among the crowds that gather. He knows what each has come for and he has drawn those who are ready for the medicine he has come to give. He bestows the bliss of his love, his warmth and humor, his blessings, his sacred ash, his guidance and advice, his healing touch - to all those who have come to receive it. Even those who are far away can receive the same blessings through an inner contact if they have the faith to keep him "near" in their own hearts.

The miraculous stories that circulate about him are as numerous as the people who claim him as their own. Whether they refer to him as Baba, Sai Baba, Sai Ram, Bhagavan, or Swami, each feels a loving closeness. What follows are a few examples of his devotee's stories.