36. Difficult questions
To be honest, I had many doubts about the appropriateness of discussing crisis situations in the Sai tradition in the pages of this book. I think that an open discussion about difficult situations is important, because then we will be able to more effectively go through difficulties and overcome many crises.
Almost immediately after the passing of Sathya Sai Baba, conflicts and splits began among the leaders of the ashram and the international organization. Administrators of different levels could not agree among themselves.
The first major split came as a result of the activities of Madhusudan, which we discussed in the previous chapter. The leaders of the ashram in Puttaparthi have numerous philosophical and financial claims against Madhusudan. The conflict between the Puttaparthi Ashram and Madhusudan has led to a significant rift in the many millions of Sai devotees around the world.
The official position of the Ashram in Puttaparthi is that Sathya Sai’s «subtle body» is not inside Madhusudan; in other words, he is a deceiver. The question arises as to how exactly the administrators of ashram in Puttaparthi can verify this?
Even if the ashram administrators hold a negative opinion about Madhusudan, it would be appropriate to respect the huge number of Sai devotees around the world who believe that the «subtle body» of Sathya Sai is still inside Madhusudan.
Some consider him a deceiver, and others perceive him as a great saint. I think it would be right to show culture and tolerance, recognizing the right of people to a personal point of view on such a complex issue.
It is not my job to discuss what is really going on. Whether Madhusudan is a saint, or a deceiver is an individual choice. It is about the elementary respect for alternative points of view.
One more problem is that the ashram in which Madhusudan lives (Muddenahalli), has gone out of the legal control of the ashram in Puttaparthi. Alas, this conflict has clear financial and legal foundations.
Another significant split was the division of the international organization of Sathya Sai Baba. This happened in 2022. Although the conflict itself began to mature immediately after the passing away of Sathya Sai Baba. As a result, two international organizations emerged. The first one is called Sri Sathya Sai International Organization. The second one is called Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.
The devotees of Sathya Sai Baba live in one hundred and forty countries of the world. According to some reports, at the time of Sathya Sai Baba’s death, there were about two thousand centers around the world where followers regularly gathered and educational activities were carried out.
The split of the international organization of Sathya Sai Baba into two structures after his death caused a crisis among the followers. Now, in all countries of the world, two organizations function in parallel, which clearly contradicts the fundamental principles of spiritual unity, which were proclaimed by Sathya Sai Baba. Why did this happen? The reason, alas, is obvious – the ambitions of the leaders led to such an outcome.
Some readers may tell me, as the author, not to mention conflict situations. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on the positive foundation of the Sai tradition? It was a difficult decision for me to include references to conflicts and divisions in the materials of this book.
If we openly analyze difficulties, then in the future we will gradually learn to overcome them. In addition, it is important for me to mention the crisis situations in the tradition, because the beginning of the mission of Prema Sai Baba takes place not only against the backdrop of world political crises, but also at a time of difficulties within the Sai tradition itself.
In my opinion, in this difficult situation, Sai devotees should show awareness, mutual respect, love and compassion, wisdom and unity. If administrators at various levels are unable to manifest the principles of spiritual leadership, millions of devotees from all over the world must do so. It is not enough to hang a portrait of Sathya Sai Baba on the wall – it is important to follow his teachings about unity and selfless service.
The tradition of Prema Sai Baba is now beginning to take shape, including his organization as a legal structure. The appearance of a legal structure around Prema Sai Baba is inevitable, because any spiritual tradition must be officially registered in order to develop in society.
We should consider both the positive and negative experiences of our predecessors. It seems to me the legal structure emerging around Prema Sai Baba should demonstrate a high culture of communication, respect for alternative opinions, and be the embodiment of the spirit of selfless service and unity.
The emerging tradition of Prema Sai Baba faces several difficult questions. How to interact with ashrams in Shirdi, Puttaparthi and Muddenahali? How to interact with parallel existing international Sathya Sai organizations? How to interact with other Prema Sai candidates and their organizations? In my opinion, the basis for our relations and communication should be mutual respect and the principle of tolerance.