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

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