Life And Teachings Of Sai Baba Of Shirdi

Antonio Rigopoulos is Professor of Sanskrit Language and Literature at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Italy. His previous books include The Hagiographer and the Avatar: The Life and Works of Narayan Kasturi and Dattātreya: The Immortal Guru, Yogin, and Avatāra, both published by SUNY Press.

"This book makes available for the first time to readers in North America and much of the English-speaking world an account of one of the most important Indian saints of recent times. It also has the merit of treating its subject in a manner that is scholarly and at the same time respects both the greatness of its subject and the limitations of his accessibility. I found it informative, thought-provoking, and a great joy to read."The author combines the best features of traditional and modern scholarly techniques. He exposes and highlights the special character of his subject and makes it available for further consideration from a wide variety of standpoints, and contributes to the current scholarly discussion about the relevance and adequacy of the concepts of 'saint' for cross-cultural studies and for contemporary constructive work in the areas of ethics, religious studies, and post-modern philosophy."Sai Baba is exemplary among the great saints of Maharashtra in western India for the ways in which he drew upon and surpassed the categories, concepts, and styles of a variety of conventionally competing religious traditions. Maharashtra is well-known for the integrative spirituality of its foremost figures, and among them Sai Baba of Shirdi is particularly important. The author 'locates' Sai Baba in the contexts of both Islamic and Hindu traditions." — Gene R. Thursby, University of Florida

• Foreword by Mario Piantelli Acknowledgments Guide to Pronunciation Prologue Part One: The Life 1. Sai Baba's Background2. Arrival in Shirdi, Departure, and Final Reentry3. The Village of Shirdi. Sai Baba's Habits and Daily Life in the Early Years. First Miracles and the Beginning of Worship4. Sai Baba's Daily Routine. His "Death" and "Resurrection" in 18865. Expansion of Sai Baba's Fame (1886-1900)6. Shirdi Becomes a Modern Pandharpur (1900-1910)7. 1910 to 19158. His Last Three Years Part Two: The Teachings 9. The Path of Love10. The Path of Knowledge11. The Path of Action12. Modes of Expression in Sai Baba's Teachings13. Sai Baba's Universalism Epilogue Appendix 1: Gods, Goddesses, Demons, and Religious Festivals Appendix 2: The Hindu Calendar Glossary General Bibliography Selected Bibliography on the Sai Baba Movement Index