Consider the meaning of the name, Sai Baba. Sa means 'Divine;' ayi means 'mother' and Baba means 'father'. Your physical parents exhibit love with a dose of selfishness; but Sai, your Divine Parent, showers affection or reprimands only to lead you towards victory in the struggle for self-realisation. You cannot realise God in the outer objective world; He is in the very heart of every being. Gemstones have to be sought deep underground; they do not float in mid-air. Seek God in the depths of yourself, not in the tantalising, kaleidoscopic world. This human birth is granted to you for this high purpose; but, you are now misusing it, like the person who cooked his daily food in the gem-studded gold vase that came into his hands as an heirloom. I desire that you may be inspired to observe the discipline laid down by Me and progress towards the Goal of self-realisation, the realisation of the Sai who shines in your hearts.

- Divine Discourse, Jun 19, 1974.