Sathya Sai Baba riches vs. spirituality

The multi-billion dollar question is not really so much how Sai Baba has generated so much wealth – this is after all not so uncommon with Indian swamis and temples. Reputedly the fabulously richest of all temples in Tirupathi, and not far behind it the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Self-styled ‘Baghwan’ Sri Rajneesh was the possessor of similar undeclared riches before he was indicted on so many charges in the USA (and sold off his 84 Rolls Royces in Texas in one cheap lot to a dealer, but remained super-rich even after that). The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi sect is also rich beyond reckoning, apparently having virtually the economy of a small African country.

The priceless question remains why Sai Baba, who says he so disdains money and property, has ever ruled through the Sathya Sai Central Trust and thereby controls one of the biggest fortunes and  property empires

Disgusting ostentation

in that land of such poverty and suffering? This wealth may not be his pro forma, but in fact it is his to use as he sees fit. No Director of his Board would ever dare to contradict him or openly contravene his wishes. As a self-styled representative of true spirituality, he is surrounded by riches, pomp, wealth and has not to lift a finger to feed, clothe or do anything else for himself.

That he claims to own nothing is just a way to disarm gullible believers in him , but is merely a technicality of bookkeeping. Even so, it is all beyond public inspection. One asks whether the money has been truly well-employed, or wasted on too great a scale to build yet more temples and to erect other white elephants, mostly to enhance the fame of Sai Baba himself. Questions about the misuse of huge funds expended in building an isolated Super-Speciality Hospital is cogently discussed in Serguei Badaev’s overview of the Sai Baba Super Specialty Hospitals’ wastefulness. If this had not been so, the answer would have been clear and acceptable. Yet the fact remains, Sai Baba’s wealth is used for gaining influence and political power, without having any visible beneficial effects on politics or politicians, and rather to the contrary if the current decline of political honesty at all levels in is considered. It seems unavoidable to conclude that those who think they ‘know’ the answer – that Sai Baba has divinely good plans that no one can fathom – are foundering in flight from the facts, falsehoods and foolishly placed faith.

Sathya Sai Baba sits on rich thrones designed for him
Avatar Sathya Sai Baba – Pure Gold
Sathya Sai Baba chariots
Sathya Sai Central Trust wasteful and corrupt use of donated funds

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Information on the Public Petition for Official Investigations of Sathya Sai Baba and His Worldwide Organization
See also Devotee attacks on the Sai petition and petitioners