From Darshan to Direction - Living with Swami, Then and Now

Centenary Series, Article 11 “For those who saw Him in form and those who came after 2011 — how He still guides devotees.”

For many devotees, the years when Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba walked among us remain etched in memory as the golden age of divine intimacy. Each darshan the gentle wave of His hand, the radiant smile, the fleeting glance was enough to melt hearts and still restless minds. Devotees travelled across continents simply to catch a glimpse of that orange-robed form gliding through the lines, radiating a love that words could never describe. To see Him was to touch eternity for a moment.

Yet the story of Swami’s guidance did not end with His physical departure in 2011. In truth, it entered a subtler and more universal phase. Those who once basked in His physical presence now seek Him within, while countless newcomers who never saw Him in person testify that they too feel His nearness through dreams, intuition, timely help, and the whisper of the conscience. His form may have withdrawn, but His presence has expanded.

Darshan — The Outer Vision

Swami once said, “When I move among you, I am not merely walking; I am sowing seeds of love in every heart.” (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 11, Ch. 33.) Every darshan was a silent discourse. His glance conveyed assurance, correction, or grace. Physical proximity felt like standing in sunlight after ages of darkness. Thousands learnt through His example what it means to love selflessly, serve humbly, and live in constant remembrance of God.

But Swami also reminded His devotees, “Do not crave for the physical form; crave for the principle of Love.” (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 16, Ch. 12.) Even during the years of physical darshan, He was preparing hearts to perceive Him beyond form to find Him in the silence of meditation and in the fragrance of service.

Direction — The Inner Guidance

After 2011, devotees around the world discovered a new way of living with Swami — not through the eyes but through the heart. His guidance now comes through inner stillness, the clarity of conscience, and life’s unfolding circumstances. When one lives with purity and surrender, His direction becomes unmistakable. He declared, “My voice will speak to you through your heart when your heart is pure.” (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 9, Ch. 25.)

His love today expresses itself through acts of service. A student caring for the elderly, a doctor treating the poor, a youth helping children learn — each feels His unseen hand guiding them. Physical darshan has transformed into “action darshan.” The eyes that once sought Him now behold Him in every being.

The Continuing Relationship

For those who saw Him in person, the years after 2011 brought both longing and awakening. They learnt that His apparent absence was only a test of faith. The same Swami who once walked in Prasanthi Nilayam now walks silently within every sincere heart. For newer devotees, His discourses, writings, and projects have become living embodiments of His grace. He remains the inner charioteer guiding each soul from ignorance to illumination.

Swami assured devotees, “I am always with you, around you, above you, below you, and beside you.” (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 8, Ch. 19.) When this truth is realised, there is no separation between “then” and “now.” The form may have disappeared from sight, but His presence pervades every moment, every breath, every act of goodness.

Centenary Reflection

As we celebrate the 100th Birth Centenary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, let us recognise that His Darshan continues not through physical eyes but through awakened hearts that love, serve, and live His teaching. Every smile shared, every act of compassion, every thought of peace becomes His Darshan in motion.

Swami beautifully affirmed: “Wherever My work is done with sincerity and love, there I install Myself.”(Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 14, Ch. 23.)  Whether one lived during His physical presence or was born after it, the opportunity is the same to transform life into His message.

The journey from Darshan to Direction is the journey from sight to insight, from devotion to divinity, and from following His form to becoming the love that He is.

— Ravinder Grover 

(He awakened the light within; this writing is its humble reflection)

Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, New Zealand

More info: https://sai.org.nz/