While Sathya Sai Baba teaches that we must find God within our own hearts, many feel drawn to Prashanthi Nilayam to see and hear Him and receive His blessings. He walks daily among the assembled people who come to see Him in an activity called darshan (sight of a holy person). During this time, He takes letters, gives advice, and grants personal interviews. He touches the hearts of all who come, some through personal interactions and others by the powerful impact of simply being in His presence. Often, people come to see Him with doubts and apprehensions and return home with love in their hearts, peace in their minds, and the capacity to live a more giving, spiritual life.

As people are inspired by His love, they seek to emulate the example He sets. In fact, He invites people to study and observe Him as He lives a life of selfless service for all.

In addition to His constant service on an individual basis, He has undertaken a number of massive projects for the benefit of mankind.

Sathya Sai Baba places immense value on education. In order to demonstrate the Five Human Values and exemplify the practice of His teachings, He has built a number of elementary and secondary schools as well as a complete university system in India for both men and women. The education offered at these schools is provided free of charge.

"Education must impart elevating ideals and kindle the lamp of wisdom. Character is the most precious gift of education."

Baba's schools teach a curriculum of science, business, and arts as well as a character building program called Sathya Sai Education in Human Values, or Sathya Sai EHV. This program stresses the importance of service to society and tolerance for people of other races, cultures, nationalities, and religions.

"Politics without principle, education without character, science without humanity, and commerce without morality are not only useless but positively dangerous."

Sathya Sai Baba is also demonstrating to us that medical care of the highest quality can also be provided free of charge, even in highly specialized fields such as cardiology, nephrology, and urology. He has established a General Hospital at the ashram, which provides free medical care to the residents and visitors. In 1991, He opened a Specialty Hospital, which is equipped with the latest equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and is supported by a team of highly qualified surgeons, physicians, technicians, and nursing staff. Hospital services are free of charge to anyone in need, especially for the poor.

Sathya Sai Baba has also undertaken a large project to bring drinking water, the very life source, to millions of people who live in chronically drought-stricken areas in villages and towns of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This monumental project covers 20,000 square kilometers and more than 750 villages hitherto without water.