 Sai Baba has more followers in India than any other living Master. Sai Baba claims to be an avatar, the middle incarnation in a three-life saga, being preceded by Shirdi Baba, and to be followed by Prema Baba. Sai Baba is probably most well known in the West for his often-spectacular demonstrations of Sidhis, especially his ability to "materialize" things from seemingly out of nowhere. In addition to recommending a number of his books, we highly recommend you purchase the video, "Man of Miracles," which is narrated by Rod Serling, of "Twilight Zone" fame. You have to decide for yourself if there is trick photography here, or if Sai Baba is pulling things out of his sleeves, but I think some of the scenes, especially when he is pulling out pounds of vibhutti from an urn, are pretty compelling. This is a video well-worth owning and viewing. 
$17.95PaperbackSai Baba Man of MiraclesHoward MurphetWritten in 1971, yet it still remains, at least in my opinion, the best book to start with if you have not read about Sai Baba. It is an almost perfect introduction to a reader who wants to know Sai Baba’s personal history and explore a reasonably objective view of his miraculous powers and his devotional teaching. Murphet tells the story in a straightforward and highly credible manner. This book is fun to read and an exciting journey for those who have not explored the story of Sai Baba. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$9.00PaperbackSai Baba the Holy Man and the PsychiatristSamuel H. Sandweiss M.D.Written in 1975 but remains timely. This is a very personalized account of a western psychiatrist who goes to India, spends time with Sai Baba and feels compelled to relate the story of an avatar "who can materialize objects from thin air and is capable of remarkable clairvoyant, telepathic, and healing powers; who is able to transform himself into other forms and identities and transport himself great distances instantaneously; and who has been seen in two or more places at once." Sandweiss wrote this at a time when it was an "off the wall" position for a respected psychiatrist to not only attest to these miraculous powers, but also embrace the spiritual message from this avatar. This is a classic first person narrative, well-worth reading. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$9.00PaperbackMy Baba and IDr. John HislopOne of many first person narratives written about Sai Baba. What makes this one a little special is that Hislop and his wife not only met Sai Baba, but they had previously met Yogananda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and other great masters. Hislop’ s personal history of having met these other great spiritual luminaries of our age adds a depth to this account that I found most appealing. Describing his first meeting with Baba, the author says: "It is difficult, and probably impossible to express in words the effect upon myself of that first meeting with Baba. My entire being was profoundly affected and changed. Immediately Baba became the center of my life and has remained so. In his presence, at that first meeting, the world fell away from me, my entire consciousness was drawn inward and, at a most subtle level of awareness, Baba appeared in my heart as love." This book is very compelling and focuses on the spiritual teachings of this "miracle man." Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$19.95PaperbackWake Up Laughing: My Miraculous Life with Sai BabaConnie ShawPublished in 2000, making it a relative newcomer to the first person accounts of meeting with Sai Baba. For some reason I found this to be the most enjoyable book I have read on the topic of Sai Baba. Her writing style is very charming and captivating. It feels as if the author is being flat out honest and candid. Very often, I find books written by devotees to be too carefully orchestrated. This book flows, and has drama, love, joy, and humor. Everyone will enjoy reading this account. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$12.00PaperbackWhere the Road EndsHoward MurphetThis book is really an autobiography of Murphet, but it was inspired and endorsed by Sai Baba. The title is inspired by a quote from Sai Baba, "Where the road ends God is attained and the pilgrim finds he has journeyed from himself to himself." Murphet was born in 1906, in Tasmania, Australia. The book was first published in 1993, when the author was about 87. Murphet led a very interesting life during very interesting times. This is a delightful book, which captures some very interesting times during the life of a lucky seeker. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$14.95PaperbackKali Yuga Odyssey: A Spiritual JourneyJT Ross JacksonIf you have any interest in personal anecdotes of being with Sai Baba, Swami Muktananda, Rajneesh, various healers, fortune tellers and other representatives of the mystical world, then I suggest you read Kali Yuga Odyssey by JT Ross. JT has a deep scientific background, having received a degree in Engineering Physics. This is a story of his personal quest, propelled by his deep curiosity for things of the spiritual realm. He begins his story with encounters with the renowned psychiatrist Stanislav Grof. With Grof the author has a powerful experience of elevated consciousness. This dramatic shift causes him to seek answers which lead him to encounters with many varied teachers and exponents of mysticism. His trips to ashrams in India and to various other power centers such as Findhorn in Scotland, makes this a welcome edition to any spiritual seeker’s library. My favorite sections were the ones in Muktananda’s ashram in India and the intense therapeutic session he encountered with devotees of Rajneesh (Osho). The writing can be a little dry at times, but the book does maintain one’s interest throughout. The author is currently one of the founders of Gaia Trust. The trust gives grants to over 80 ecological projects in 20 countries and has established a network of eco-villages. Review by Tony Kainauskas |
