The word Satsang might be new to many of you, or some of you might have heard it mentioned during yoga classes or presentations about holistic medicine or religion. However, Satsang's true meaning and essence frequently eludes us.
Satsang: Sat+Sang
The word Satsang is a union of two words, Sat and Sang. Sat refers to the transcendental energy or transcendental light and Sang means to be with. When put together, Satsang means "to be with or in the presence of the universal uplifting positive energy".
Satsang can also be defined as "living your Truth, being one with the Truth". The word Satsang can also be used for a group of conscious beings collectively seeking the Truth. It also means to be with someone who has achieved the target state of always being with transcendental energy, in form of light love, and peace.
Most of us focus on succeeding in our daily activities as we go about our lives. We direct all our energy, intelligence, and effort toward living comfortably, caring for our families, and thriving at work. Not many people think beyond what it takes to succeed in the affairs of the world. You, sitting here listening or reading about Satsang, are in the minority among most people who spend their entire lives without even glancing in this direction. This quest to learn about Satsang and seek peace and love cannot be attributed to pure chance. The collective of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences influences our thought processes and shapes our future course in life. Appropriate concepts and revelations come to us when we are ready for them. That you are here now, trying to learn about Satsang, must mean that this is your time of realization, regardless of whether you had heard about Satsang before and could not gain a deeper understanding at that time, or are hearing about Satsang for the first time.
Satsang respects all religions as it believes in the existence of universality, transcendental energy, and spirituality that transcends all religions. It believes in the interconnectedness of all living beings on this Earth. One should bear in mind that the concept of Satsang transcends all religions but does not disrespect any of them; on the contrary, Satsang respects and honors every religion and every saint, prophet, and savior who founded it. It believes that all religions come from the same source and that the same Truth permeates all religions, with only superficial differences that allow for the social and cultural values of the people who follow it. The same Truth has been transmitted for centuries through various civilizations, in different ways, while always being rooted in following the path towards achieving light, love, and peace.
The practice of Satsang enriches us with personal experience and knowledge and brings us in harmony with all living beings.
Light, Love & Peace
Satsang can get one to the target state of light, love, and peace. One can attain light (knowledge), love, and peace through yoga and meditative practices, which are the basic postulates of Satsang.
Light essentially represents knowledge. Just as darkness disappears in the presence of light, the darkness of ignorance disappears with the dawn of knowledge, and we start looking at things around us differently. With the help of knowledge, we become more aware; and new vistas and concepts become apparent to us that we were previously oblivious to. Knowledge is the essential ingredient that contributes to our spiritual development and instills in us the steadfast belief that all of us are interconnected and come from the same source. When this concept of universal brotherhood blossoms within us, we are filled with nothing but love, and we attain inner peace. In this way, Satsang transports us to the land of light, love, and everlasting peace.
Practice
If you want to start with ‘simple’ but powerful spiritual changes both on an individual and a collective level, then Satsang practice is your practice.
One must however understand that this process does take some time, and requires a process. One must not rush anything; it just requires that one does everything with a pure heart filled with love for oneself and others.
Satsang - A Path to Light, Love, and Peace