Indian spiritual guru Sai Baba dies [Archive] - The Project Avalon Community Forum

Pagan

25th April 2011, 19:40

Sathya Sai Baba (Telugu: సత్య సాయిబాబా) born as Sathyanarayana Raju (23 November 1926[4] – 24 April 2011[5]) was an Indian guru, spiritual figure and educator.[6] In 2011, he was listed by the Watkins Review as one of the 100 most spiritually influential people in the world.[7][8] He was described by his devotees as an avatar, godman,[9] spiritual teacher and miracle worker.[4][10][11][12][13] The apparent materialising of vibhuti (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces and watches by Baba has been a source of both fame and controversy – skeptics consider these simple conjuring tricks while devotees consider them evidence of divinity.[14] Sathya Sai Baba claimed to be the reincarnation of the spiritual guru, Sai Baba of Shirdi, whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs.[15]

Sathya Sai Baba and his organisations support a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in India and abroad. The number of active Sathya Sai Baba adherents was estimated in 1999 to be around 6 million, although followers' estimations are far higher.[16] Since there are no formal ties of membership, the actual figure may never be known.[15] The Sathya Sai Organisation reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centers in 114 countries worldwide.[17][18] In India itself, Sai Baba draws followers from predominantly upper-middle-class, urban sections of society who have the "most wealth, education and exposure to Western ideas."[19] He was a cultural icon in India and drew an audience with presidents and prime ministers from India and beyond who have become his devotees; in 2002, he claimed to have followers in 178 countries.

(from wikipedia)

I have no pros or cons. Just stumbled upon the news by coincidence.