Devotee Essay Archive

“The best guru is the Divine within you. Yearn to hear His teaching.” ~Sathya Sai Baba~ Swami often reminds us that peace is within. Recently, this teaching has taken on richer meaning in my

An Homage by Somar Sundarum Cooppan Recently I awoke at three-thirty in the morning. I lay awake thinking about the presence of Bhagavan, a unique being on earth at the juncture of the 20th

In 1896, Ramana Maharishi (then called Venkataraman), who was just sixteen years old, felt motivated by an inner urge to leave everything and go to Arunachala, a holy mountain in Southern India. Upon arrival

Self-confidence is essential in order for one to achieve all of life’s goals, particularly the ultimate goal of oneness with the Absolute. Humility—which builds patience, and tolerance—helps develop a balanced, positive, and healthy sense

The following article is adapted from a contribution by Professor N. Kasturi, published in the commemorative issue of Sanathana Sarathi, titled Garland of Golden Rose, released on Sathya Sai Baba’s fiftieth birthday. “You cannot

Paramhansa Yogananda’s unshakeable and sincere message of devotion and prayer is best stated in his own words, “Your greatest necessity is God.” Forming a bridge between the two hemispheres, East and West, his life

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is one the most remarkable and inspiring spiritual figures in the history of mankind. In the introduction to The Life of Sri Ramakrishna, written by the monks of the Ramakrishna Order in

Guru is a concept unique to Hindu philosophy. The word literally means one who dispels the darkness of ignorance. As Swami explains it, “gu” stands for gunaatheethaya—one who is beyond attributes, or gunas. Ru”

In the last year or two, I have had the great fortune of being in the physical presence of Swami—our most beloved Lord—for several months at a stretch. As I reflect back on that

Teresa de Ahumada y Cepada was born into a very wealthy Avila family in 1515—a time when Spain was at the height of its glory. One of eight children, Teresa became deeply attracted to

“If you want to find God, serve man”                                                    

India—a land blessed with the virtuous and divine minds of many great souls—was once bestowed with the enchanting presence of Surdas. Born to a poor Brahmin couple in 1473, Surdas spent his early years