Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

among the professed followers of the Veda path, their disregard for the
morality laid down in the Shastras and their absence of faith in the ancient
scriptures. What use can a blind man make of a lamp, however
bright it may be?
You may ask why pundits and Veda scholars are passing through hard
times now? They are mostly hungry, ill-clad and homeless; that being
the reason why no one comes forward to join Veda schools. Spiritual
centres are becoming defunct. But I want to tell you that the pundits
and saints have come to this pass because they have themselves lost
faith in the Vedas. (...) The Veda will keep them happy. Because if the
Veda cannot make a man happy, what else can? 23.11.62, (16-253/
154)
Talking of faith, I must issue a warning. Many people are collecting
money in various places using my name for various purposes like arranging
receptions, building temple, doing rituals etc. That is unauthorized
and against my wish and command. Do not yield to such requests
and encourage this practice, which I condemn. Then there is another
set of people who trade on your faith. They advertise that I have possessed
them; that I am talking through a medium or a stove or some
other thing. Treat all such people and their agents or brokers as you
treat cheats; if you do not treat them so, then you are also accomplices
in the cheating process.
There are others who gather groups of followers and admirers and collect
money exhibiting some idol or image that has been given by me
or advertising some other sign of my grace. Some of them even declare:
"Baba sent me to you to take from you some money," or "Baba
has given me this," or "Baba blessed me specially thus and thus," and
then ask for your help or your praise or your purse! I ask you to chastise
all these types of men and turn them away-whoever they are.
25.11.62, (16-270)
You will have noticed that I do not address you as "devotee" at any
time. For, to get that name, devotee, you must have dedication, unwavering
faith and steady discipline.
When the Abstract is available here and now as Avatar, you must use
every moment to earn his grace.
You do not realise your unique good fortune. In the years to come,
people will revere you, for you had a chance that millions could not get;
they will worship your pictures in their shrines! Live and love in such a
way that you may deserve that honour. 26.11.62, (16-273)
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