Sathya Sai Baba

skk

Ahhh, yes, but what's the tariff ? one 14 year-old boy is worth 1 ward in a hospital, 1 young man for a 2500 cistern in some village ? There's a moral relativism trap here, IMO, that I stay aware of.

Here in the US, the going rate for famous director Polansky for raping and drugging a 13-year old girl was USD500,000; for Michael Jackson and his sleeping witha young boy was USD 22 million. But, in both cases, the kids+guardians+lawyers got the money, and the govt. authorities prosecuted and there is still quite a stigma about both of them in normal adult circles - nutty "luvvies" of Hollywood, and nutty Michael Jackson fans excepted - the "doing good" argument is not voiced too loudly.

Now I recognize that the realities on the ground in India is wayyy more dire; but it STILL stinks and I for one won't let it cloud my views - I'd take his money and STILL sue, perhaps at sentencing time we can take cognizance of his good works but not before.

-skk

Hyderabadi

Yes it does, no doubt about that. I have several relatives who are ardent devotees of Sathya Sai Baba, I think one of them even had vibhoothi (holy ash) 'growing' on SSB's photo at home, and another has his kid at school there. I don't take them seriously, and they don't take me seriously too, to be fair.

India Today did a cover story in 2000:
http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20001204/cover2.shtml

Aupmanyav

Is it the jain baba? Jarring, but perhaps his followers like his style.

Aupmanyav

Agree. But there have been murders in the Ashram.

rahulcal

Don't know about the Puttaparthy Sai but Shirdi Sai was a human being who actually never asked for much , never had much and as someone said just came one day and stayed back in a non descript Maharashtra village.

Whether he was god or not , today I see thousands eating a full meal at Shirdi for as little as Rs 5 . Lots of schools , colleges etc in his name - some may be scams but others do a lot of good work.

Reason enough for me to respect a human being who without having much or asking for anything for himeself has provided succour for millions

cityMONK

Yes, i have also seen lecture by kind of person you are discribing.I also thought at that time, Now what is this happening. Waves of Softness and Anger flowing periodicaly.

Goran

I remember the ex prime minister (Vajpayee) paying respects to him. Well, makes sense as the BJP as other rightists wants to be linked to religion and popular religious figures, a good way of accumulating votes on empty words connected with strong emotions. Wouldn't than be a little embarrassing for such people in power to admit that he is what he is even if they privately are aware of it? It wouldn't surprise me coming from people that were not embarrassed to put forged (photoshoped pictures of nonexistent objects) "evidence" of historical "facts" in approved school books in accordance with theirs hindutva version of history, not to mention all the violence in the name of "religion and nation (typical rightist talking)". But it is not something specific for a single party anyway..
Probably a lot of people in power do genuinely believe in him, however politicians being politicians I'm not sure it is always just that, going with the flow of public opinion for the votes is almost unavoidable

Goran

and what about Vrindavan ashrams and their authorities selling young widows to landlords and brothels (besides what you mentioned which they are also supposedly doing)?

Goran

well there were some about trafficking in human organs in the hospital, but I don't remember much so I can't say for sure how serious it is

cityMONK

What is trafficking human organs is to do with babaji , mafia of doctors managing hospital should be responsible for this.

Goran

everything is possible, but the hospital was built and is probably run by Baba's organization...

but again I'm not sure about this stories in the first place, so I wouldn't insist much on this unless someone is willing to look for more info ..

Aupmanyav

Which God, hindu or muslim? Had the temerity to call himself God, said he would fulfill everyone's desire. Made a fool of people. Fueling superstitions. The trustees of Shirdi make a fool of people even now. What difference does it make if they provide 5/- rupee meal to some, when millions do not get that. It is a trick to make people give donations. Why, then, a gold statue or a gold crown for him? Respect a decent human, but do not make him into a God. You too, are that only (Tat twam asi).

Aupmanyav

Politicians love such people, believe in them or not. Going to them brings votes from the devotees. Sonia and Rahul also will visit them when the need arises. And the temple authorities would garland them or give saropas (in case of sikhs). It was Indira who propped Bhindranwale.

cityMONK

You are right if Baba can take credits for healing of ailment, done by Hospital staff, due to his blessings.He should be bold enough to face the music on misdeeds happening there.

PeakXV

According to that BBC Doc, 'Secret Swami' - he exercises the right to rub 'holy oil' onto the private parts of all his new male devotees. Nothing wrong with that I guess, assuming all above the age of consent .... and although this act in particular comes across as a bit pervish .... he does 'make' water, provide facilities for sick people to get better & apparently spits out golden lingams at a rate as fantastic as that equally famous fairy tale goose lays eggs ....... only in Mother India, God(men) love her.

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