Sathya Sai Baba never allowed any controlled observation of his alleged materialization ‘miracles’ by scientists – most notably refusing Dr. Karl Osis and Dr. Erlendur Haraldsson to do any experimental tests. That is a major reason for doubting the countless non-confirmable personal reports of such things. It does not, however, constitute proof that it was all fraud, but it certainly did no help his cause among most people. Had he passed just one good thorough test, it would have secured his reputation, so – if he were genuine – why did he hold back? Sai Baba’s own explanation was that it is faith in him and his divine nature that was the only test worth making. No one dared ask him why, if faith is the only crucial factor, did he perform such supposedly miraculous acts in the first place?’
Sai Baba spoke of miracles as flowing naturally from his Divine Nature and that they were his ‘visiting cards’ to awaken people to faith, but that they had no real importance, nothing compared to the works he was to perform in bringing the whole of humanity back to a spiritual way of life and religious faith. This religious faith criterion made proof superfluous, unnecessary and even counter-productive. It also could be used as a retort against ‘worldly’ and ‘materialistic’ people and thus press his followers to believe materialization to be genuine divine acts. Or else! All in all, it was most likely simply a way to avoid scrutiny of his ‘unimportant’ materialisation and other acts, which he strictly warned people against repeatedly! Here are his words on this subject:-
“…it is essential that I warn you of another subject also. Do not spend your time trying to understand Me.. It is beyond anyone’s capacity to understand Me.” Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 12, p. 311
To cap it all – and to ridicule human intellect, scholars, scientists and theologists, Sai Baba laid down the dictum on his own total inscrutability: “For example, there are many who observe my actions and start declaring that my nature is such and such. They are unable to gauge the sanctity, the majesty, and the eternal reality that is me. The power of Sai is limitless; It manifests for ever. All forms of ‘power’ are resident in this Sai palm.” 19 June 1974, p. 226 Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 12 new ed. and Sathya Sai Speaks IX, 88-92 old edition) “In truth, you cannot understand the nature of my Reality either today or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry even if all mankind joins in that effort.” 17 May 1968 (Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 8, p. 99 new edition – Vol VI, 210-213 old edition)
See report on the new edition of Haraldsson’s book ‘Modern Miracles’ and criticism of its considerable failing and suppression of known facts.
Sathya Sai Baba Deceptions Exposed 