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| ==Controversy== | ==Controversy== | ||
| Sathya Sai Baba is the subject of intense controversy. | |||
| Sathya Sai Baba is the subject of intense controversy. Some allege that he is a ] and ] eve thought he claims to be pure and free of desires. There are also mysterious deaths at his compound. Supporters claim these charges are manufactured by industry cartels concerned about the effect of his teachings on their operations. Critics in their turn claim the accounts are credible and to have recorded him on film receiving objects he subequently claimed to "manifest". | |||
| Some allege that he is a ] and ] even though he claims to be pure and free of desires. | |||
| In 1993 there were also mysterious deaths at his compound. | |||
| Critics claim that the materializations are fake and done by sleight of hand as, they say, can be seen on footage. Skeptics believe him to be a charlatan. On the other hand it is very difficult to find a rational explanation for some of the miracle stories. Some ex-followers believe in the truth of the allegations but at the same time continue to believe in his ability to perform miracles. Usually these ex-followers believe that he has occult powers or is a powerful demon or the anti-Christ. | |||
| Supporters claim these charges are manufactured by industry cartels concerned about the effect of his teachings on their operations. | |||
| He says that his followers should not use the internet but focus on the innernet (do spiritual practices). | |||
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Revision as of 09:41, 8 February 2004
Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is regarded by millions of followers as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. He has a global following with devotees from all over the world and Sai Samithis in many countries. He was born under the name Sathya Narayana Raju. He claims to have been born on 23 November 1926 but according to his school register, he was born in 1929.
He resides in his Ashram called Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Beliefs and practices
He is said to cure many diseases and materialize rings, vibhuti etc. with spiritual powers. He preaches love and the unity of all religions. He proclaims that love is his form, and the only way man can emancipate himself is through self-less loving.
He has revived the bhajan culture in Hinduism with his compositions. He runs a number of educational institutions and hospitals on charity. He was solely responsible for drinking water project for the whole of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
Controversy
Sathya Sai Baba is the subject of intense controversy.
Some allege that he is a homosexual and pedophile even though he claims to be pure and free of desires.
In 1993 there were also mysterious deaths at his compound.
Critics claim that the materializations are fake and done by sleight of hand as, they say, can be seen on footage. Skeptics believe him to be a charlatan. On the other hand it is very difficult to find a rational explanation for some of the miracle stories. Some ex-followers believe in the truth of the allegations but at the same time continue to believe in his ability to perform miracles. Usually these ex-followers believe that he has occult powers or is a powerful demon or the anti-Christ.
Supporters claim these charges are manufactured by industry cartels concerned about the effect of his teachings on their operations.
He says that his followers should not use the internet but focus on the innernet (do spiritual practices).
Quotes
- Hands that help are holier than lips that pray.