The Philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi: A Global Perspective by Sigamoney

[Guest guest]

The Philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi: A Global Perspective by

Sigamoney

 

This essay attempts to reveal the possibilities of the philosophy of

Sai Baba of Shirdi for resolutions of the problems faced by mankind

internationally. In attempting to do so, the essay will focus on the

following (i) provide some clarity on the philosophy, (ii) identify

the problems and indicate how those problems could be resolved by

the philosophy of Sai Baba.

 

PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF SHIRDI

 

The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi is universal, based on love and

is dedicated to service to all people of this world. Firstly, the

universal nature incorporates all religious beliefs. That includes

Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and every other religion.

Secondly, the main thrust of the philosophy focusses relates to

love. That love for humanity, love expressed in all relationships

with one another is a central tenet of the philosophy of Sai Baba.

Thirdly, service to humanity is a crucial aspect of living the above-

mentioned philosophy. All these ingredients are pivotal for the

future of an harmonious world, where all people are to be respected

and are able to live their lives free of discrimination, poverty and

exploitation.

 

IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS AND HOW THE PHILOSOPHY OF SAI BABA OF

SHIRDI CAN BE A SOLUTION.

 

An assessment of the current conflicts in the world include the

following categories: (i) religious conflict as is the case in

Northern Ireland and Palestine/Israel, (ii) ethnic conflict in

Yugoslavia, Nigeria and Rwanda, (iii) economic exploitation of third

world countries and economic exploitation of people in third world

situations in first world countries (iv) racial hatred for example,

hatred of foreigners or black people in France, Germany, Britain and

the United States.

 

The philosophy of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving

the above-mentioned problems. The major problem associated with

religious conflict is a lack of tolerance for diversity and a

difficulty with embracing difference. By understanding the

importance of embracing all religions allows one to respect the

rights of different ways in which people understand God. The

universal symbolism projected by Sai Baba of Shirdi can help people

to respect and celebrate diversity. This will help to resolve major

conflicts in countries and allow people to concentrate on the

focussing in the right way. The benefits of this will be enormous in

the development of these countries.

 

Ethnic problems appear to be surfacing in many regions in the world.

In many cases this has caused much harm, injury, death and poverty.

The concept of love and the practice of love for humanity can assist

in the attempt to eradicate hatred and mistrust of people with

different ethnic backgrounds. The genocide during the holocaust in

Germany, the murder of large numbers of Hutus in Rwanda and the

killing fields of Yoguslavia could have been avoided if the concept

of love was understood and practiced in these regions. This problem

is also related to racial hatred as it occurs in most parts of the

globe. Racism is not something that naturally occurs but it is

taught to people. In fact racism, is about the most serious problem

in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany. The only

way one could eradicate racism is through love. This love has to be

nurtured no matter how difficult it is. It has been proved in South

Africa that black people, if given the opportunity can do as well as

anyone else. The myth of blackness being assoicated with

incompetence, crime and laziness has been proved wrong. The majority

of people are socialised into thinking in these ways. Therefore, the

only solution is love. Sai Baba speaks of loving all and serving all

which brings me to my next point about economic exploitation.

 

Whilst it is important for people to progress, it is important that

people do not progress at the expense of someone else. In many cases

cheap labour is used as a basis to justify that those employed would

have not obtained work elsewhere. Sai Baba speaks regularly of serva

and serving all. Therefore the first step is to ensure that no one

earns below the breadline. Those people in senior positions have the

capacity to employ the poor, empower the poor and assist in the

upliftment of the most downtrodden human beings.

 

What becomes quite clear from the above essay is that the philosophy

of Sai Baba of Shirdi can go a long way in resolving the major

problems that confronts world today. It is a matter of understanding

and translating into action the philosophy. Finally, the simple rule

is to love all, serve all and respect all and put that into practice

in our daily living. - End

 

(Sharing with Sai Love)

 

Ram Chugani

Kobe, Japan

rgcjp