What exactly is the meaning of ‘Sai Baba’? Sai means Sahasrapadma (the thousand petalled lotus), it means Sakshatkara (realisation or direct experience of the Lord), Ayi means mother, and Baba means father. Thus, ‘Sai Baba’ means He who is both Father and Mother and the Goal of all yogic endeavour; the ever-merciful Mother, the All-wise Father, and the Goal of all spiritual efforts. My advent is to establish righteousness (dharma samsthapana). When you are groping in a dark room, you must seize the chance when someone brings a lamp into the room. You should hurriedly collect your belongings that are scattered there, or discover where they are located, or do whatever else you need to do with the light. Similarly make the best of the chance when the Lord descends in a human form and save yourself from disaster. The undue importance that you now attach to the satisfaction of sensual desires must diminish as a result of your association with sacred books and saintly personages.

– Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1961.