No one can cross alone

In the early days, there was a discussion among a few devotees about the need for a Guru. Some felt that a person could progress on his own, through effort and understanding. Others believed that guidance was necessary, but not always essential.

Each one spoke with confidence, holding firmly to his own view. Sai Baba listened. He did not interrupt their conversation. He allowed them to speak, to reason, and to reach their own conclusions.

After some time, he spoke quietly.

“No one can cross alone,” he said.

There was no force in his words, only clarity. The conversation fell silent. Baba did not argue further. He did not try to convince them. Yet, something in what he said remained with them. 

It was not about winning an argument. It was about seeing what had not been seen before. What seemed like independence began to feel incomplete. The idea of walking alone, once held with certainty, now carried a quiet doubt.

Baba did not give them a long teaching. He only pointed to what was already there... unnoticed. And in that moment, the need for guidance was no longer a matter of debate.

Moral

What we believe we can do alone often reveals its limits.