Easwaramma Day Procession, UK, 2014

Every year devotees around the world celebrate May 6th in honour of Easwaramma, the mother of Sathya Sai Baba. This event often features children who enact dramas and songs about her unique, noble qualities and attributes. Inspired by the children, we give thanks and appreciation to all mothers for the divine qualities they personify.

Throughout His numerous discourses, Sathya Sai Baba stressed the key role of parents, especially the mother, and the importance of giving respect, honour and returning the love of the mother. Sathya Sai Baba emphasised that our future happiness, the sanctity of the home and the wellbeing of the nation depends on this vital relationship of love and respect for the mother.

When you lose the love and affection of your mother, your life will lose its direction like a rudderless boat. Mother is the source of all your strength. So, respect your mother and obey her command. If your mother is happy with you, the whole world will be happy with you. If the mother is not pleased with you, you will become cheap in the eyes of the world. Do not be proud of your youth, beauty and physical power. Realise that very soon you will have to pass through old age. If you neglect your parents now, your children will neglect you.

Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 33, November 8, 2000

As an example, Sathya Sai frequently referred to the qualities and life of His own mother, Easwaramma, when relating stories and giving guidance to devotees. In various discourses, He gave examples of the guidance that she gave to Him as a boy, encouraging Him to follow sacred principles and respectful behaviour towards others, having no enmity or hatred towards anyone.

Easwaramma was initially guided by her maternal feelings and attachment towards Sathya as her son.  Subsequently, she assumed the role of a devotee and, finally, saw Him in His role as an Avatar. Millions of followers, came on a pilgrimage to see Him from all over the world. This unselfish act of relinquishing Sathya Sai as her son and accepting His divine role as an Avatar shows her love and sacrifice for humanity.

Sathya Sai Baba demonstrated His own great love and respect for His mother when He lovingly granted her the three wishes dear to her heart —all of which centred around her concern and compassion for the wellbeing of the poorest families in the little village of Puttaparthi. She wanted the needy residents to have a school, a hospital, and clean drinking water.  In His infinite love, Sathya Sai Baba fulfilled His mother’s wishes..

Mother Easwaramma (meaning mother of Easwara or God) demonstrated the divine qualities of sacrifice, compassion, patience, devotion, forgiveness and forbearance. She possessed no formal education, being born in a small rural village in India, but demonstrated profound wisdom, which she used for the upliftment of others. Mother Easwaramma gave love and guidance to the children around her and to the many devotees who flocked to visit Sathya Sai Baba. She expanded her boundaries and shared her love and her divine son with one and all.

We are indeed blessed to have the example of Mother Easwaramma, who was the embodiment of wisdom, love and humility. Sathya Sai adored His mother and loved and respected her greatly. We pray that we can follow His example and remember our own mother with gratitude and dedicate our life to her happiness. A mother’s love endures forever.