Baba’s Love of Devotees and Appreciation of Prema
The central place of love in Baba’s relationship with devotees.
Sai BabaSpiritual studyVolume 1
The chapter
Sai Baba’s love for devotees is presented as both equal and deeply personal. In principle he looked upon everyone alike, yet he gave special attention to people such as Nana Chandorkar, Tatya Patil and M. B. Rege. The chapter explains this not as partiality, but as the natural response of love, service and long-standing spiritual connection.
Equality and special affection
Baba’s teaching follows the paradox found in the Gita: the Divine is impartial, but those who approach with devotion enter into a closer relationship. Love changes the devotee and draws a corresponding response. Baba’s affection for Nana Chandorkar was connected with their relationship across several births; he repeatedly sent for Nana because of that bond.
He also received Mrs. Khaparde’s food before touching other offerings, saying that its sweetness came from her love. Tatya Patil was treated as a nephew because Tatya’s mother had cared for Baba from his earliest days, running into the fields to feed the wandering fakir. Baba never forgot that service. Tatya slept with Baba and Mahlsapathy in the mosque for years, and Baba watched over his moral, physical and material welfare.
Love that protects and corrects
Baba’s prema was not indulgence. He protected devotees from danger, illness and loss, but he could also delay a request, rebuke a person or refuse a desired result when that response was necessary for spiritual growth. His concern included the devotee’s family, livelihood, conduct and final spiritual welfare.
The chapter therefore distinguishes love from the satisfaction of every passing wish. A devotee may receive help with worldly concerns, but the deeper gift is to become less selfish, less fearful and more capable of remembrance, service and surrender.
The heart behind the offering
Baba valued the feeling carried by an offering more than its material worth. Simple food, a small gift or an act of service became precious when offered with love. The devotee’s mind is shaped by what it repeatedly holds; dwelling on Baba with friendship, trust and devotion gradually makes the devotee resemble the qualities contemplated.
What this account invites us to reflect on
The chapter presents compassion as tender but demanding. Baba loved devotees equally as the indwelling Divine, while responding especially to those whose faith and service had created a living bond. True love protects the soul’s growth and turns gratitude into a more generous life.
Editorial note: This page is a concise paraphrase for web presentation and does not reproduce the complete chapter. Please consult the original PDF for the full account and wording.