Indian spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba dies at age 84

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Indian spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba dies at age 84

2011-04-25 19:50:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indian spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba died at a hospital in southern India on Sunday. He was 84.

Sathya Sai Baba, born in Puttaparthi of Andhra Pradesh state, has claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a 19th and 20th century spiritual guru who mixed his teachings with Muslim and Hindu beliefs.

Throughout his life, Sathya Sai Baba reportedly performed miracles and was regarded as a god by some; however, critics accused him of fraud and sexual abuse. Some of the reported miracles included levitation, bilocation, physical disappearances, and changing water into a different drink or into gasoline.

Documentaries by Denmarks Radio and the BBC have contained interviews that reported abuse allegations by Sathya Sai Baba, as well as faked materializations. Several international journalists and media outlets have also written articles based on extensive investigations, criticizing fake miracles and alleged abuse.

Through his organizations, Sathya Sai Baba supported several free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in India and around the world, as the Sathya Sai Organisation reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries around the world.

On Monday, the Dalai Lama said he was saddened by the passing away of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who he descried as a "respected spiritual leader."

"I would like to convey my condolences and prayers to all the followers, devotees and admirers of the late spiritual leader," the Dalai Lama said.

Approximately one month ago, Sathya Sai Baba was admitted at the hospital due to respiratory issues, and the gradual deterioration of his health and multiple-organ failure finally led to his death.

Indian authorities have set up barriers near the hospital as police expect hundreds of thousands of followers to pay their respects. Following his death, the hospital released a statement saying "Sai Baba is no more with us physically," avoiding the use of the word dead.

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also expressed "deep and profound sadness," saying Sri Satya Saibaba was a spiritual leader who "inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life even as they followed the religion of their choice. His teachings were rooted in the universal ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence."

Singh described Sri Satya Saibaba as a preacher of the highest human values, who was an iconic figure for over five decades.

"He endeared himself to the people through various institutions, with headquarters at Prashanthi Nilayam, that promoted egalitarian values, education and public health. He believed that it is the duty of every person to ensure that all people have access to the basic requirements for sustenance of life. Sri Satya Saibaba was an inspiration to people of all faiths."

"The passing away of Sri Satya Saibaba is an irreparable loss to all and the nation deeply mourns his passing away. I express my sincere condolences to the millions of his followers, disciples and well wishers," Singh stated.

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