The Sai Evolution

The history of civilization in most countries, with perhaps one exception, may be epitomized in one word, namely, ‘fear’. That fear has to do with losing one’s standard and security of life at a desired level, or one’s property, and what one prizes most etc. These fears have led to the present acquisitive society, capitalism, profit‑mongering competition, exploitation, envy, hatred, theft, violence, and a host of other evils at the individual level, and to wars at the national level. All these features were accentuated by the Industrial Revolution in the West.

A political reaction to this sought to abolish capitalism, profit motive, competition, and exploitation of one individual by another, and to ensure equal distribution of wealth. But the basic reason and the urge remained the same, namely, fear of loss of security for the individual and the state. Granted that the enormous progress in science and technology has doubtless made man’s living easier; however, man’s state of life has remained largely unchanged, namely, at the animal level.

The one exception referred to above was in the case of ancient India. It was the Indian sages, as revealed through their teachings embodied in the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas [Hindu scriptures], who clearly laid down that man does not live by bread alone; his primary duty is to discriminate the true from the false, and to realize the fundamental truth of divinity underlying all creation; that exercise alone will enable him to cultivate universal and selfless love for all creation and activity. Such love would banish, once for all, the fear from the heart of man and enable him to lead a life of contentment, peace, prosperity, and happiness. The elaborate code of conduct laid down by them [the sages] in this connection is known as Sanathana Dharma [the eternal code of living].

It is this capacity to discriminate that divinity underlies all creation and hence, cultivates universal love on that basis that distinguishes man from the animal. Unless man utilizes this capacity fully, he tends to degenerate into the animal, and history will repeat itself. The ancient rishis [sages] accordingly devised their educational system of gurukulas, [residential schools] wherein education was imparted to the young by the gurus [spiritual teachers] through personal example and precept; the goal was to equip the young to cultivate the qualities of love and appreciation of divinity, along with other academic studies.

Unfortunately, over a period of time, these ideals and institutions were confined to a lesser and lesser percentage of the population; additionally, as a result of foreign invasions and the establishment of British rule, these institutions were almost completely obliterated, and in their place, the western type of education was imposed. This system of education was conceived primarily with the object of producing a body of clerks for helping the British rulers to administer India.

In other more advanced countries, the object seems not very much dissimilar, though the product turned out may be for higher positions, such as technocrats, scientists, industrialists, administrators, etc. In all cases, the ultimate objective seems by and large to be the same, namely, to earn one’s livelihood at the highest level possible. If that is to be the only end of education, are we humans any better than animals? In fact, are we not even worse off than animals, since animals can in any case earn their livelihood without any of the costly investments involved in the case of the humans?

Regardless, there were periodic attempts to transform the direction in which education was proceeding, and the need for change. From time to time, great minds have appeared on the scene and pointed the way; but the resulting action was confined largely to a few and did not trickle down to the masses. It is in this context that the example and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba have relevance and importance in current times. The main aim has been to restore our ancient system of education and values side by side with the teachings of modern science and technology, to ensure peace, prosperity, and happiness and thus, help man to appreciate and realize the goal of life.

With a view to bring up the next generation of young people imbued with these ideals, a chain of model educational institutions and service organizations in different parts of the country have already been set up, and more are proposed to be set up in the future. The large numbers of young people that will be turned out by these institutions and organizations will be the torchbearers of the new way of thinking and living in the future. In this manner, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has started a new kind of silent, peaceful metamorphosis in man’s thinking regarding his manner of living, based on truth, love, and service.

The salient features of this transformation can be summed up as follows:

1. Spirituality is not a preserve of the ascetic and the recluse, but a necessary vehicle that lets man reach his rightful goal by leading a fully integrated life.
2. The study and observance of Sanathana Dharma, the basic guidelines for man’s conduct in life, should be insisted upon, to provide the required discipline to reach the desired goal.
3. All religions should be respected as they represent only different facets of the one universal religion of love.
4. The universal religion of love should be translated into practice in our daily lives through service to humanity, and adherence to the truth, righteousness, peace, and universal self-less love.
5. Devotion and faith in the Divine should be developed by constant remembrance of God through prayer, meditation, etc.

What are the implications of this transformation? The realization of the intrinsic divinity underlying all creation will lead to one universal religion—the religion of love. Psychology will talk not of suppression and freedom, but intelligent control of emotions. On the educational front, the entire system will focus on achieving man’s supreme goal in life, which will automatically result in peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Problems will be simplified on the law and administrative segments, as there will be no jealousy, hatred, etc. with the disappearance of fear. The economic sector will also transform through selfless service and fair competition. Hence no exploitation or competition, and consequent conflict of interests, will arise. On the other hand, as man fully exploits his potential talents through contact with the divinity in him, he will improve his efficiency immensely regardless of the station he is in. The effect of such improvement on production and service will be obvious.

The result: An action will be guided by love on the basis of the one divine force permeating all beings, and will therefore be free from fear, which as stated earlier, is the basic cause of all problems. As Bhagavan has said, “Man should learn to love to do the work in whichever station he is placed, instead of trying to do only that work which he loves.” All activities will be directed toward service to humanity in the interests of the general well‑being, peace, and happiness.

Sage Aurobindo wrote about the evolution of the human being into a higher stage of development with supra‑mental powers. According to Darwin, improvement in creation goes on all the time. Progressive spiritual evolution of the human being, and the transformation of human society based on the spiritual outlook as outlined above will transpire under the divine inspiration and guidance of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

~D. Hejmadi
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, April 1978