Books on experiences
with Sathya Sai Baba
 
 
 
 

Om Sai Ram

 


ADVENT OF SATHYA SAI
By Prof. V.K. Gokak

This is a book of essays about Sathya Sai Baba by a true man of letters. V.K. Gokak is an eminent Indian poet, professor, author of over 30 books, and the first Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The portrait of Swami and the landscape of his accomplishments are described with a poetry that captures the very perfume, sweetness and poetry of Swami himself. These are wonderful insights into Swami's personality. His role as world teacher, the goals of his educational system, the meaning of his miracles, as well as the impact of Swamion the common man. (S)
 

CONVERSATIONS WITH BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA *
By Dr. John Hislop

In this remarkable book, the former president of the American Sathya Sai Baba Organization asks Swami many of the questions you've always wanted to ask, including: what prevents us from seeing the truth; the limit of one's responsibility; how can one develop love?; what does 'surrender to the Lord' mean; how does one get devotion to God; what is the short cut to self-realization; how does one determine the dharma (right action) appropriate to oneself; what does Swami see when he looks at us; and hundreds of additional questions. The dialogues, taken from 10 years of interviews, are presented in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. The book provides valuable insight into our own lives, and Swami's answers are sometimes unexpected but always sweet, profound, and deeply illuminating. (S)(G)
 

DIVINE MEMORIES OF SATHYA SAI BABA
By Diana Baskin

This is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the daily world of Sathya Sai Baba as told by an American woman whose family members were blessed to live as permanent residents in the ashram for over 20 years. It is a book of remarkable detail and panoramas of life at the Swami's lotus feet. As in few other books, the reader is given vivid insights into Swami's personality as well as his teachings. The author generously shares the details of her personal hardships as well as the extraordinary grace shown to her and her family by Swami. The pages are filled with insights, surprises, and countless beautiful memories of Swami. Seldom are the joys of the path of devotion so vividly revealed. Many photos of Swami with family members.
 

FINDlNG GOD
My Journey to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, by Charles Penn

This is the autobiographical account of a devotee of 25 years, who also authored My Beloved and Sai Ram. Here, he relates his lifelong search for God and his road to Sathya Sai Baba. Swami guided the writer through the process of creating this book, and it is studded with many thought-provoking messages from Swami, as well as moving personal stories, such as the time Swami saved Penn from a 20-foot shark and the time Swami miraculously healed one of the author's co-workers. Perhaps the book is best described by the eloquent title of the final chapter, "Yearning for God's Grace."
 

GOLDEN AGE 1979

On the occasion of the first anniversary of The Kingdom of Sathya Sai, the alumni organization of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, this book was created as a garland of Sai remembrances. Students and professors share their moving Swami devotional experiences.

GOLDEN AGE 1980

This is an exuberant collection of poetry and prose assembled for the celebration of Sathya Sai Baba's birthday in 1980. Among the 55 contributors are Prof. Gokak, Prof. Kasturi, Howard Murphet, Peggy Mason, Ravi Shankar, Hilda Charlton, V.K. Narasimhan, Dr. Samuel Sandweiss, V. Balu, Indulal Shah, Richard Bock, Dr. John Hislop, Dr. William Harvey, J. Jagathesan, Dr. Bhagavantam, Dr. Erlandur Haralsson, Richard Bayer, and Charles Penn.
 

LIFE IS A GAME, PLAY IT!
By Joy Thomas

On one level, this book by a frequent contributor to the Sathya Sai Newsletter (US) appears to be the engaging story of one woman's many journeys to see Swami. The descriptions of those travels, her radiant interviews, and Swami's miracles are recorded by the author with patience and fine detail. On another level, Life is a Game is about the joys of practical spirituality --the many curious, intriguing spiritual lessons the author received from Swami in India and in her daily life in America. She shares with us her process of using every word, thought, glance, and memory of Swami, as well as every spiritual experience in her life, as an exercise to enrich her life, health, and spiritual understanding. There are numerous, outstanding Swami quotations and excellent color photos.

LIFE IS A CHALLENGE, MEET IT!
By Joy Thomas

The spiritual adventure of Life is a Game, Play It! continues in this sequel. There are detailed descriptions of meetings with Swami and beautiful darshans ("to see the form of the Lord and receive his blessing" - SSB) mixed with a continuing cascade of lessons from Swami received at home in America. The various "challenges" covered in the spiritual context of being a devotee include: doubt, anger, resistance, attachments, lack of confidence, discrimination, being a wife, being a mother, and surrender. Colorful photos and quotations abound.

LOVING GOD
85 Years Under the Watchful Eyeof the Lord, by N. Kasturi

This is a spiritual autobiography by one of Swami's most famous devotees, who was also the author of The Life of Sathya Sai Baba as well as editor of Sanathana Sarathi and numerous Swami volumes. This book covers the adventurous and fascinating early years of Prof. Kasturi's scholarly life in South India as well as the many blissful years of personal relationship in service to Swami at Prashanti Nilayam. One is amazed throughout the autobiography by the prodigious accomplishments and remarkable industry of this gentle man. The stories, the joy, the miracles, flow continuously. This is a life story filled with many spiritual rewards. (S)

MY BABA AND I *
By Dr. John Hislop

Sathya Sai Baba has said that "Dr. Hislop has had more face-to-face confrontations with him than any other western person." (SSB) In a straightforward and graceful style, Dr. Hislop narrates endearing "Happenings" (Part I), discusses "Baba's Teachings" (Part II), reports his "Conversations with Baba" (Part III), and shares actual copies of "Baba's Letters" (Part IV). The book is a treasure of Swami experiences and information as well as a very thorough and illuminating introduction to Swami's grace and profundity. It contains numerous color photos. (S)(G)

MY BELOVED
By Charles Penn

This book, the first by the Australian-American author of Sai Ram and Finding God, is a charming medley of memories of Sathya Sai Baba encounters with other devotees, as well as reflections on the constant presence of Swami in our lives. It opens with wondrous letters from Sathya Sai Baba ("Know that I am always with you, prompting you and guiding you" - SSB), which are so filled with Swami's sweetness and light they almost lift off the page. Indeed much of the book is filled with Swami's divine nectar, notably the spiritual teachings "given through the ether" over the years, as the author puts it. The volume also contains selected letters from Prof. Kasturi.
 

SAI AVATAR *
Vol. I, compiled by C. L Gandhi; Vol. II and III, compiled by Tumuluru Krishna Murthy

Handy for finding just the right Sathya Sai Baba quotation, these diminutive books, convenient for purse or pocket, contain a treasure of brief excerpts on topics ranging from the soul and God to cleanliness and diet. Volumes II and III include an index and headings for easy reference. Excerpts in both volumes are taken from Swami's writings and discourses; Vol. I also draws from Kasturi's four-part Life of Sathya Sai Baba. (S)
 

SAI BABA AVATAR *
A new Journey into power and glory
By Howard Murphet

This is the second book on Sathya Sai Baba by the Australian author of Man of Miracles and the later volume, Invitation to Glory. This book contains Murphet's further spiritual adventures plus an exceptional array of uplifting Swami stories and miracles. In the most engaging chapters, Murphet introduces us to a cast of intriguing Swami devotees, who share with us the narratives of their coming to Swami. The author writes with a reporter's eye and a certain detachment, and this stylistic trait adds more emotional impact to the stories. Reading these accounts of spiritual rebirth, it feels as if we intimately know all these Sai brothers and sisters; very often we feel that their spiritual adventures are actually our own. Rounding out this volume are excellent Swami quotations and photos. (G)

SAI BABA GOD INCARNATE
By Victor Kanu

Mr. Victor Kanu is former High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Africa, to Great Britain, as well as a preacher, a magistrate, and a devoted worker in Swami's Education-in-Human-Values program. This book was written as an introduction for new members. It opens with a chapter on Jesus and Swami and the biblical prophecy of the coming of Sathya Sai Baba. This is followed by a descriptive sketch of Swami's life, miracles and teachings. (G)

SAI BABA GOD INCARNATE, VOL. II
By Victor Kanu

Victor Kanu has collected 25 inspiring personal stories that illustrate Sathya Sai Baba's omnipresence in the lives of devotees in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia. It is a great delight to read the inspiring memories of Sathya Sai Baba's followers in Africa. One of the most enthusiastic stories comes from Mrs. Kanu. Included in the book are selected teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. (G)

SAI BABA, INVITATION TO GLORY
By Howard Murphet

This is the third book on Sathya Sai Baba by the author of Man of Miracles and Avatar. Howard Murphet concentrates on Swami's teachings, especially the path of sathya, dharma, shanthi, prema (truth, right action, peace and love) and their relation to the teachings of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. There are stimulating stories regarding Swami's appearances in diverse forms, his power over nature, and his divine healings. There are appendices on vedanta (philosophies based on the Vedas), theosophy (religion based on Hinduism and Buddhism) and perennial philosophy (belief in an eternal divine Principle).

SAI BABA, MAN OF MIRACLES *
By Howard Murphet

This is the book that first introduced Sai Baba to thousands of westerners in the 1970's. And it continues to be one of the most popular Swami books for newcomers around the world. Man of Miracles is the exhilarating and fact-filled chronicle of an Australian's remarkable encounters with Sathya Sai Baba in the late 1960's. Throughout the book, dramatic eyewitness accounts detail extraordinary Sai phenomena and numerous personal healings and transformations, as well as stories of lives that have been changed forever. Because it is written in the logical, objective tone of a reporter, this book has had great impact on people who have little acquaintance with the spiritual.

SAI BABA, THE HOLY MAN AND THE PSYCHIATRIST *
By Dr. Samuel H. Sandweiss

This book, perhaps more than any other, has brought countless devotees to Sathya Sai Baba. It is a stirring introduction to Swami and His teachings and a confirmation of His profound influence on so many people's lives. The Holy Man tells the story of an American psychiatrist in the 1970's, who suddenly realizes that he doesn't have all the answers for his patients, or himself; this leads him on a journey of discovery at the feet of Sathya Sai Baba. Dr. Sandweiss writes in an easy-to-read, personal style about his initial resistance to the idea of divinity in human form and his transformation after meeting Swami. The author's moving and compelling description of his spiritual awakening as he comes closer to Swami, as well as his ability to relate it with devotion and humor, account for the book's worldwide success. The loving accounts of the author's encounters with Swami, as his teachings naturally unfold, reveal wonderful facets of Swami's personality. The book also contains inspiring photographs, stories, Swamiquotations,
 

SAI BABA, THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE *
By Phyllis Krystal

The author, known for her counseling and writings on spiritual techniques, shares her experiences with Sathya Sai Baba in visions, dreams, and physical encounters. Covering the years 1972 to 1983, she weaves a spellbinding tale of her spiritual travels and personal tragedies along with descriptions of her numerous interviews and rare close observations of Swami's daily activities. What ties these elements together is the author's ability to see all her life experiences as lessons designed by Swami. This moving and engaging book contains abundant, simple explanations of Swami's teachings and special insights into ashram procedures. (See also Cutting the Ties That Bind and Cutting More Ties That Bind. (G)
 

SAI DARSHAN
By Mrs. Vimla Sahni, as narrated to Raj Kumari

The instructions and spiritual guidance Sathya Sai Baba gave to Mrs. Sahni, the author of Sai Glory, over the course of almost forty years are to be found in Sai Darshan. Swami's instructions came to the author both in interviews and dreams, and they are recounted here with tremendous exuberance and devotion. Various colorful paintings and collages of Sai, Krishna, Rama, and Prashanti Nilayam are included. (S)

SAl RAM
Experiencing the Love and Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
By Faith and Charles Penn.

Charles Penn, the long-time devotee and author of My Beloved end Finding God, and his wife Faith, have compiled an appealing volume of Sai memorabilia including: beautifully handwritten prayers and messages from Swami, a retreat panel discussion on Swami, letters from various devotees, talks at Sai centers and retreats, letters from Kasturi, Gokak, and Indulal Shah, radio and TV programs on Swami, and an appealing selection of photos.

SAI VANDANA
Edited by Prof. Somnath Saraf

This book is a rare bhakti (devotional) experience. It is collection of 108 salutations to Sathya Sai Baba on His 65th Birthday. The effect of reading these essays poems and recollections by famous devotees, students, alumni, and instructors of Swami's University is a great spiritual yearning to be at Swami's lotus feet. Guest contributors include: Antonio Craxi, Prof. Gokak, Victor Kanu, Dr. Fanibunda, Phyllis Krystal, Dr. Goldstein, Dr. Hislop, Indulal Shah, Peggy Mason, Dr. Sandweiss, Robert Bozzani, Charles Penn, Al Drucker, Lucas Ralli, and J. Jagadeesan.
 

SATHYA SAI BABA, THE EMBODIMENT OF LOVE *
By Peggy Mason and Ron Laing

Here is a loving compendium of Sathya Sai Baba memories written in an easy-to-read anecdotal style by a British couple who discovered Swami late in life. Subjects range from remarkable interviews with Swami to a wide range of issues relevant to spiritual seekers, including: Sai principles, the mystery of Jesus, the practice of love, omnipresence, miracles and teachings, the nature of the animal world, and the authors' transformational first experience with Swami. This British couple's love and devotion to Swami comes through on every page. The first half of the book was written by Peggy Mason; the second, by Ron Laing.

SATHYA SAI - THE ETERNAL CHARIOTEER

Joy and devotion overflow on every page of this 65th birthday album. The editors have gathered 89 riveting Swami stories of Sai devotees from all over the world. They range from leaders of ashrams, judges, writers, industrialists, scholars, and doctors to housewives, soldiers, lawyers, engineers, biochemists, monks, and social workers. Some devotees relate the dramatic way Swami entered their lives. Others share how Swami has transformed them forever through his omnipresence and miracles. The memories are so vivid that it appears as if you are right there as they happen. The impact of this unity of mankind for the love of Sathya Sai Baba is overwhelming. (8)
 

SMRUTI '82 and SMRUTI '83

Smruti means "to remember" and what is remembered in these two offerings are the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba. The books contain essays and memories of professors, students, and alumni of the Brindavan, Prashanthi Nilayam, and Anantapur Campuses of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.

SPIRIT AND MIND
By Dr. Samuel H. Sandweiss

The author of The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist continues his experiences with Sai Baba while attempting "to investigate spiritual reality and put it into language which is relevant to psychiatry". The book investigates the growing need to integrate the spiritual and mystical insights of consciousness into western psychology. It suggests the type of education and training necessary for the development of consciousness in this age. Sathya Sai Baba's words are italicized and therefore easy to find. Many exquisite, rare color pictures are included. (S)

SRI SATHYA SAI BABA
For Those who Seek To Know Him, by Sathyadasan

Short and concise, this book gives a sweeping description of the miracles and wonders of Sathya Sai Baba, with much emphasis on the many people who have personally experienced his grace. There is particular accent on the sages, gurus, and spiritual leaders of our time who have acknowledged Swami's powers. The book contains interesting details on Swami's youth as well as guidance for attaining spirituality. (S)
 

TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEART *
Edited by Judy Warner, illustrations by R. C. Makino

This is a loving compilation of personal stories by 12 devotees whose lives have been significantly touched by Sathya Sai Baba. The book relates how different Americans from all walks of life, educational backgrounds, and philosophies found Sathya Sai Baba and how Swami transformed their lives through his example and teachings. These intimate narratives offer a powerful confirmation of the love and peace that accompany the lives of those blessed by the awareness of Sathya Sai Baba.
 

WE DEVOTEES
By Indulal Shah

The Chairman of the World Council of Sathya Sai Organizations wrote this deeply personal book about his own quest on the path of devotion. He asks, "How do we become true devotees of God?" and proceeds to give many clues to the spiritual path. There is stimulating information on the importance of the Nine Point Code of Conduct given to us by Swami, the meaning of singing bhajans (devotional songs), as well as various spiritual and service guidelines of the Sathya Sai Organization. (S)