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The Avatar
CHAPTER F I V E
SATHYA SAI Baba is considered by some 30 million people worldwide to be a full Avatar1— in Western terms, a spiritual teacher of the stature of Krishna, Buddha or Jesus Christ. His reported miraculous capabilities, which have been well- documented by thousands of credible witnesses, and his Christ-like way of life have attracted the attention and following of a large number of scientists and educators from around the world. Many of them believe he is the clearest living proof that our human potential is unlimited and that our essential human identity is pure spirit, unbounded by time, space or a material body. His message challenges many of the basic beliefs widely held among behavioral scientists.
The significance of an Avatar should be emphasized at the start, for the full meaning of the word is difficult for many Westerners to grasp with any degree of credulity. It would be a great mistake to consider such a being simply a charismatic spiritual teacher, guru or even saint. The Avatar is not just a cultural phenomenon either, having special significance only for India or the East. After all, the
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