“I am the Attributeless, Absolute, Nirguna. I have no name, no residence.”
- November 23, 1926 – April 24, 2011
- Indian
- Spiritual Leader, Guru, Philanthropist, Founder of the Sathya Sai Organization
table of contents
Quote
“I am the Attributeless, Absolute, Nirguna. I have no name, no residence.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sathya Sai Baba describes his ultimate spiritual nature, aligning himself with the Nirguna Brahman—the formless, nameless, and quality-less Absolute Reality as defined in Advaita Vedanta. By saying “I am the Attributeless, Absolute, Nirguna,” he claims identity with the pure consciousness that transcends all duality, form, and limitation. Nirguna means without gunas (qualities)—beyond creation, beyond personality, beyond even divinity in a personalized sense.
The phrases “no name, no residence” signify the infinite, omnipresent nature of the Self, which cannot be confined to identity, place, or appearance. Sai Baba, often seen by his followers as both the personal and impersonal Divine, uses this expression to direct the seeker’s mind beyond the physical body or individual persona to the eternal, changeless essence. It is a teaching designed to awaken in the devotee the recognition that the true Self is beyond ego and attributes.
In modern spiritual life, this quote invites deep reflection on non-attachment to labels, roles, and identities. For example, someone overwhelmed by societal expectations or personal struggles may find peace in realizing that their core self is beyond all definitions. Sai Baba’s words call us to rise above limited self-concepts and remember our unity with the vast, silent, and eternal consciousness that underlies all existence.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
