Satsang literally means ‘truthful association’ and is a central concept to the spiritual development of man. The Shri Raamacharitmanas is rife with references to satsang and its power. In Aaranya Kaand, Shri Raam explained to Sabari Maataa, the nine steps in building devotion (bhakti). He said, “Prathama Bhakti Santana Kara Sangaa”; first among the various devotional practices is satsang.
What is the benefit of satsang and why is this such a powerful practice? Satsang has the ability to transform our lives from negativity to positivity, elevating us when we are on the spiritual path. Whether we are seeking a breakthrough into the world of spirituality or we are spiritual veterans, satsang remains the practice of choice and the basis of spiritual development.
Transformation is defined as a marked change in form or nature. The greatest testimony to the power of satsang is the transformation of Valmiki from a ‘paapi’ or sinner to Adi Kavi or the foremost among poets. Through the power of satsang his life was permanently changed; his nature and appearance exuded spirituality. This conversion occurred while he was trying to perpetrate a crime against a group of saints. Through simple dialogue, the saints were able to bring about this change in the mind of Valmiki.
In the case of the spiritually elevated, satsang remains a tool of choice in maintaining the connection to divinity. This is evident in Shri Raamacharitmanas where Shri Raam always kept the company of the sages and engaged in positive discourse for self development. Shri Raam stated in Uttar Kaand that satsang is necessary for the attainment of bhakti.
What are the mechanics behind satsang? During satsang, the gyaan indriya (senses of perception) are engaged in positive activity. For example, when we attend yagya, our gyaan indriya are immersed in positive experiences as detailed in the table below:
| Gyaan Indriya | Interacting Experience |
| Sight | Gazing upon the murtis, bedi and pundit |
| Hearing | Listening to bhajan, mantras and uplifting discourse |
| Smell | Inhalation of havan smoke and incense |
| Touch | Bowing at the feet of murtis and pundits and accepting aarti |
| Taste | Consumption of prasad and bhojan |
The question is, if satsang is such a powerful tool and we have an abundance of yagya in the country, why are we still seeing such a deterioration in the morality of our citizens? The answer may be simply that the satsang environment, while existing in form is not existing in substance. For example, it is not enough to have a pundit present, but a pundit of substance and depth who is filled with spirituality. Not only must the environment be clean, but the people must be of clean mind. The prasad and bhojan must be prepared by persons who maintain cleanliness of body, mind and speech. Such substance is needed to accompany the physical form of satsang to bring about transformation.
Therefore when satsang exists in form and substance, it remains the greatest instrument in the bhakti toolbox.
Jai Swaha Mata
By Pt. Jaidath Maharaj
