“I had a Guru. He was a great saint and most merciful. I served him long – very, very long; still, he would not blow any mantra in my ears. I had a keen desire never to leave him but to stay with him and serve him and at all cost receive some instruction from him.”
- November 23, 1926 – April 24, 2011
- Indian
- Spiritual Leader, Guru, Philanthropist, Founder of the Sathya Sai Organization
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Quote
“I had a Guru. He was a great saint and most merciful. I served him long – very, very long; still, he would not blow any mantra in my ears. I had a keen desire never to leave him but to stay with him and serve him and at all cost receive some instruction from him.”
Explanation
This quote reveals the deep devotion, humility, and patience required in the guru-disciple relationship, a sacred tradition in Indian spirituality. Sathya Sai Baba recalls his unwavering dedication to a great saintly teacher, whom he describes as “most merciful,” even though no immediate instruction or initiation (mantra) was given. This underscores a key teaching: true spiritual learning is not transactional, but transformational, requiring inner readiness rather than outward rituals.
The line “still, he would not blow any mantra in my ears” highlights the idea that wisdom is not always granted on demand. The guru, aware of the disciple’s inner state, may delay verbal instruction until the student is prepared to truly absorb its meaning. The focus on service (seva) reflects the principle that selfless action and surrender purify the heart, making one receptive to higher truths. The disciple’s resolve to stay and serve regardless of reward demonstrates faith in the process, not just in the goal.
In today’s fast-paced, result-driven world, this quote speaks to the value of patience, dedication, and spiritual humility. Whether in formal spiritual practice or in mentorship, the lesson is clear: transformation takes time and sincerity. Just as the disciple in the quote trusted the journey without demanding immediate results, seekers today are reminded that true wisdom often arrives quietly, when the soul is fully prepared to receive it.
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