Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

One must take up work, that is of some use to the world. Move into the
village and help to keep them clean. Instruct the women of the village
in the basic principles of childhealth, child-care and child-training.
When health fails, people become despondent and even desperate.
When health prevails, vitality pervades both mind and body. By the
process of loving service, you can become the promoters of much joy.
Do not consider any act of service as demeaning. Sweeping the
streets, for example, is not below your dignity. Do you not sweep the
floor of your home? Do you not scrub and wash off dirt? When you undertake
such tasks, the villagers will also gladly share in them. Why be
ashamed to be good? The ridicule that may be cast on you has been
the reward of many saints. It will soon fade away. Mohammed was
driven out of Mecca by those who could not appreciate his teachings.
Jesus was crucified. But, their names resound in reverence in the
hearts of millions. So, boldly face ridicule and plunge into selfless, intelligent
service. 1.12.82, (25-306)
Education is necessary for both men and women. But, education for
women has to be in accordance with their special needs. Educated
women are really the promoters of right conduct for the whole world.
Parents too must co-operate in getting them equipped with proper education.
Women should not be given freedom in certain matters. I will
not approve of their being given such freedom. They must be made
into ideal women. (...)
Of course there were educated women in the past also, but they never
gave up their duty, they never forgot the goal of Divine order. Education
must be built on the basis of discrimination. Sulabha, Savithri,
Anasuya, Gargi, Nalayani and other such models of chastity, devotees
of the Lord like Meera, yoginis like Chodala, all were born in this Bharata
and by their adherence Divine conduct, they strengthened Divine
law. (...)
It is through the example of great and holy women, that even today
simplicity, humility and devotion shine in the hearts of the women of
Bharata.
Women should draw inspiration now from them; efforts must be made
by them to live as they did in the past. The women must ever have as
her guide the ideal of righteousness and progress in spiritual discipline.
She can master any subject related to the objective world which
has gained prominence today; but the welfare of the spirit should not
be forgotten; she must be interested in Vedantic study which cultivates
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