Revered Hindu guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba passed away in Puttaparti, India after spending nearly a month on breathing support and dialysis in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the guru was a spiritual leader who inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life and the nation deeply mourns his passing away. Andhra Pradesh state, where Puttaparti is located, declared four days of mourning which probably goes well with his followers, some of whom are high-placed politicians, movie stars, world-class athletes and industrialists. While the guru with the frizzy hair had been called a symbol of love, affection and passion by some, there had been others who viewed him as a charlatan. There had been reports that he sexually abused devotees and a 2004 BBC television program, Secret Swami, even featured interviews with at least two American male devotees who claimed the guru had fondled their genitals and exposed himself to them. While visiting a Burmese temple in India, most probably in Sravasti, Uttar Pradesh, I remember being pointed out a spot where a woman drowned. The woman who lived during Buddha's time, had alleged that she got pregnant from having an affair with Buddha. It turned out to be a false accusation. Today, I wonder how Sri Sathya Baba tackled his problems and how Buddha tackled his... Have a peep at the Secret Swami...
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