Satsang is derived from the Sanskrit word sat meaning truth or reality, and sangha means a gathering of people or devotees especially in a temple, private residence or in any other place with a common vision or purpose of seeking truth. In short, Satsang implies brotherhood or fraternity established in a particular locality.
In Indian philosophy Satsang can exist in the following forms: 1) A comradeship of seekers of the “highest truth” who listen to, talk about, and embrace truth. They give importance to the Vedic ways of realizing the fundamental truth of life. 2) A fellowship of gurus, sadhus or saints who guide people how to seek truth. 3) A companionship of religious texts that facilitate people to realize truth. 4) The company of a true teacher or satguru who is within you. That is you are always with the “Truth.” Truth is what is real and what exists in front of you. So all that is there with you is Truth.
Very often, preachers describe the Vedic ideas of truth and encourage people to observe the common moral, ethical, and religious values and beliefs that are beneficial to reform and maintain the honor of realizing truth in life.
Satsang members make a serious commitment to their personal growth in spiritual awareness and practice helping and removing each other’s barriers, prejudices, and ignorance that come in their spiritual quest. They develop relationships of compassion and appreciation across all living creatures and nature. They honor Truth by conquering the conflict and confusion existing in the world and take refuge in the Truth.
They participate actively in the spiritual practices, religious prayers, chanting of sacred hymns, singing of bhajans, kirtan, reciting of the holy writ with or without exposition, listening to lectures or reading quietly or reflecting on or discussing or assimilating the meaning of scriptures, religious or theological topics, or Bhagwat Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata on a regular basis. Being in the company of gurus, saints, religious texts, or pious like-minded people who worship together and hold spiritual discussions helps you to understand the sacred precepts and teachings of spiritual growth and attaining of liberation.
Understanding of ultimate truths of life – birth and death – increases your experience of the Truth. They open up your heart and quieten your mind and make your detachment process from the worldly life easier and help you lead a humble, selfless life in peace. The benefits of Satsang, or being with the Truth, are endless. In Satsang you always seek embracing the Truth. No thoughts, suspicion, fears, or judgments can limit or narrow your experience of the Truth. Satsang of any form creates an environment which is conducive for experiencing the presence of God that is the Truth.
A very high level of importance is assigned to Satsang meet since it is considered essential for the spiritual edification and ethical progress of an individual. Collective worship and prayers in Satsang are considered higher than the isolated individual religious practice as the holy fellowship is all the time morally elevating.
In Satsang, the seeker of the Truth learns to make himself useful to others by engaging in acts of Seva, or social services which are so highly prized in Hinduism.
The seva can take the form of cleaning temple premises, shrines, preparing and serving food to the devotees, and the poor, respecting women, children and elderly, giving away charities, teaching free in temples, and contributing to sustainability and Go Green Initiative.
It is in Satsang that our true spiritual discipline evolves. This is where virtues are learned. Satsang is the Guru’s own school where one practices godlike qualities.
Although Satsangs discuss secular matters affecting self and the communities, its spiritual core makes it stand out in the Hindu society since it is here the Divine Name alone is cherished. Attendance at Satsang brings one near to God which is obtained through the grace of Guru. He who comprehends the Guru’s word realizes this truth.
Joining Satsang helps in conquering the evil propensities of the mind, dispelling ego and getting enlightened in the company of the holy people. It is applauded as a valuable means for our moral and spiritual growth.
Satsang is the place where you are able to ask questions or doubts about spirituality, any practices, and principles and get them cleared. Without this cleansing, one will not be able to practice spirituality wholeheartedly. One gets to share one’s spiritual experiences and their significance in realizing absolute Truth. This gives others a motivation to persevere on this path.
Satsang helps to nurture the sattvikta and win over the rajasik and tamasik elements within and without us as otherwise, it becomes difficult to even think about God and spiritual practices. One also gets the benefit of growth of Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya) and positivity that emanates from the sattvikta.
However the amount of positivity received by each seeker is directly proportional to the seekers spiritual level and lack of ego.
Pt Anil Joshi
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