Indian culture and civilization are the only ones on Earth that have been promoting the concept and experience of avatarhood from the very beginning. In Sanskrit, the word "avatar" means descent. Avatar, or He who descends, is the divine incarnation of the Absolute that descends to the level of human senses and experiences. He comes to help humanity emerge from its neglected or collapsed consciousness, transforming it with the light and power of truth and love.
In Indian epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, avatars are the main characters. The first and oldest epic of world literature, the Ramayana, is about the avatar Rama, and the longest epic ever written, the Mahabharata, is dedicated to the earthly visit of the avatar Krishna.
Avatar Satya (Truth), Sai (Mother) Baba (Father) /embodied 1926 – left the body 2011/ was a Teacher of the world, the source of unconditional Love. His teachings on universal Love, acceptance, and unity of all people have found their way to millions of human hearts in India and around the world, transcending all barriers of race, religion, culture, and tradition. Sai emphasizes the need for selfless service in everyday life as the fastest way for a person to develop compassion and encourages them to live human virtues.
If you lose money and wealth, you have lost nothing. If you lose health, you have lost something. If you lose character, you have lost everything, Sri Sathya Sai emphasized.
Sathya Sai Baba established many institutions in the fields of education, health, and social services. Through the educational system of schools, colleges, and university institutions, he educated many generations of young people to participate in projects of selfless love and service to the community, transforming minds, enlightening hearts, and discovering the greatest of all treasures – the immortal soul or Atman.