The Sathya Sāī Bābā Sathya community in Mexico and the role of vibhūti as a healing agent

Abstract

Among the spiritual leaders of contemporary India, Sathya Sāī Bābā has stood out as one of the most influential. His doctrine has transcended the borders of the Indian subcontinent and has reached people across all social strata across the Americas A significant part of the guru’s charisma is attributed to the siddhis he displayed in public, which became a cornerstone of his narratives—ranging from the materialization of jewels to bilocation. However, among his most renowned miracles is the healing of ailments through the sacred ash, or vibhūti, which he materialized spontaneously. This article examines the influence and practice of the Sāī doctrine in Mexico among Mexican adherents of the Śrī Sathya Sāī Bābā Association, as well as Indian migrants residing in Tijuana, Mexico. The methodological approach included semi-structured interviews with Sāī Bābā devotees, both Mexican and Indian, and was established as a multi-sited analysis that incorporates perspectives from both Tijuana and Mexico City. The study focuses is on the treatment of illnesses by the sacred ash.