Talk:Satsaṇga (Association with the Virtuous)
By Vishal Agarwal
Even in a general sense, the type of people we associate with has a profound impact on our character. Our scriptures say-
Just as clothes, water, sesame seeds, and soil kept next to flowers acquire their fragrance, likewise the company of good or evil people surely imparts virtues or evils in oneself. Mahābhārata 3.1.24
Said Parashara said – Understand it well that just a white garment acquires the color of whichever dye it is treated with similarly one acquires the nature of whatever type of people he associates with. Mahābhārata 12.293.4
A man becomes like the company he keeps, like the people he serves, and like what he wants to become. Mahābhārata 12.299.32 Just as a piece of cloth assumes the color in which it is dyed,. Likewise, a person becomes just like the master he serves, whether the master is a virtuous person, an evil person, an ascetic, or a thief. Mahābhārata 12.299.33
Satsanga means keeping company with virtuous and spiritual people and avoiding evil and materialistic people. It is a group activity in which people collectively[1] In order to-
- Discuss or chant scriptures
- Practice Puja, Yog, Yajna etc.
- Listen to a sermon from a Guru, a scholar, or a Sadhu and learn to apply Dharmic principles in their everyday lives.
To facilitate this spiritual practice, numerous Sampradāya-s and Gurus have constructed Satsaṇga Bhawans, Dharmshālā-s, and temples where Bhakta-s can meet and listen to or discuss spiritual topics. In modern times, these discussions are also carried out digitally, enabling individuals spread out far geographically to meet each other. Satsanga pools the collective spiritual energies of its participants and helps us stay away from evil tendencies. The practice of Satsaṇga is mentioned in the Veda-s, and families are asked to worship together, while the priests and the larger society are asked to be of one accord.
Common be your water store, common your share of food; I bind you together to a common yoke; United, gather around the sacrificial fire, like spokes around the nave of a wheel. Atharvaveda 3.30.6
From Rigveda 10.191.2-4 (last verses)
O worshippers! Walk together. May your thoughts be harmonious.
May your minds and knowledge be in harmony with each other.
Just as in the past, the devas have shared offerings from their worshippers, so may all men share their possessions and worship the Devta / Devi! || 1 || May your prayer be uniform, May your assembly be common.
May your hearts and minds unite with each other!
I tell you just one secret instruction,
I will instruct on just one great offering to the Bhagavan. || 2 ||
That your desires and longings be in harmony, that your heart remains united always. Your minds should always work in unison So that all your tasks may get fulfilled and help you attain the desired goals! || 3 ||'
In the Gita, Krishna mentions Satsanga and lists its benefits- They who devote their minds to Me, whose lives are given up to Me, enlightening each other and speaking about Me constantly, they are contented and rejoice in Me. Gita 10.9
References[edit]
- ↑ Group practices like Kīrttana and Satsaṇga disprove the exaggerated claim that Hindu Dharm is a non-congregational religion. Hindu traditions are very diverse, and congregations, as well as individual sadhana (spiritual pursuits), are both a part of it.