Preface

To be living as a contemporary of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is itself a unique chance, for His is the authentic Voice of the Lord Himself; and He is easily accessible and eager to receive pious souls and persons afflicted with physical handicaps or spiritual confusion. His advent is itself to restore Dharma in human relationships and instill courage in the hearts of Sadhakas and purity in the ranks of Sadhus. He began this mission at the tender age of fourteen, when announced Himself as the Saint of Shirdi, Sri Sai Baba come again, according to the promise the Saint had made that He would re-appear to complete His Work eight years after His Maha-samadhi. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba unostentatiously proclaims His Divinity by a continuous manifestation of miracles beyond the reach of the categories of science; He counsels, consoles and confers boons; and above all, encourages the faltering aspirants to march forward towards Him; for He is the Absolute, the Goal. Every word of His, spoken or written, is a Mahavakya; for He has the authority to make it so.

This book is the translation into English of His Invaluable Advice to all Sadhakas, which was first publised in the "Sanathana Sarathi" as a series of articles in Telugu by Him. Baba's Telugu is sweet and simple and goes straight to the heart. To translate it into English is indeed to squeeze out much of its native nectarine taste. But for those unacquainted with Telugu, this is the best means of listening to His Directions and so this book is presented to all such aspirants.

May success come to all who read and follow the teachings of Baba and may they be led to His Holy Presence by His Grace.

N. Kasturi, Editor, Sanathana Sarathi