Satsang () is an audience with a
satguru
''Satguru'' (), or ''sadguru'' (), means a "true guru" in Sanskrit. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. A ''satguru'' has some special characteristics that ...
for the purpose of spiritual or yogic instruction. The ''satsanga'' is a gathering of good people
for the performance of devotional activities.
Meanings
The word is derived from the
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
''sat'' meaning "purity or truth", and ''sanga'' meaning "in group or association". Thus the literal meaning of ''satsang'' is "the company of Truth", but it holds multiple meanings within the
Sant and
Bhakti
''Bhakti'' (; Pali: ''bhatti'') is a term common in Indian religions which means attachment, fondness for, devotion to, trust, homage, worship, piety, faith, or love.See Monier-Williams, ''Sanskrit Dictionary'', 1899. In Indian religions, it ...
traditions of northern India.
Charlotte Vaudeville
Charlotte Vaudeville (1918 — 28 April 2006) was a French Indologist, best known for her researches into the ''bhakti'' traditions and literature. Her treatises on the medieval saint Kabir have been lauded. She retired as a professor at the Unive ...
defines Sant as a distinct tradition because of its emphasis on devotion to the Divine Name (satnam), the Divine Guru (satguru), and the importance of the company of devotees (satsang). "
Sat
The SAT ( ) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and Test score, scoring have changed several times. For much of its history, it was called the Scholastic Aptitude Test ...
" (truth) in Indian traditions refers to that which is eternal and changeless. Along with "
Cit" (consciousness) and
Ānanda
Ānanda (Pali and Sanskrit: आनंद; 5th4th century BCE) was the primary attendant of the Buddha and one of his ten principal disciples. Among the Buddha's many disciples, Ānanda stood out for having the best memory. Most of the texts of ...
(bliss), it is a quality of
Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' (; IAST: ''Brahman'') connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality of the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part XII In the ...
(supreme being). In this context, Satsang represents an experience of Brahman, particularly as the personal Lord residing within the human heart.
In
bhakti
''Bhakti'' (; Pali: ''bhatti'') is a term common in Indian religions which means attachment, fondness for, devotion to, trust, homage, worship, piety, faith, or love.See Monier-Williams, ''Sanskrit Dictionary'', 1899. In Indian religions, it ...
traditions, satsang takes on a communal aspect, signifying gatherings of devotees for inspiration and focus amidst worldly distractions. It includes listening to spiritual discourses and singing praises of the divine.
The main purpose of conducting satsanga by any organisation is for marking an important event in its history.
Participating in any satsanga is considered pious in yogic sciences due to its benefits in spiritual upliftment of an aspirant.
Satsangs are generally conducted by any non-religious or spiritual organisations in large groups.
Activities
The following activities may take place in a satsanga:
* Spiritual discourse
* Bhajans
* Chanting of
mantras
A mantra ( ; Pali: ''mantra'') or mantram (Devanagari: मन्त्रम्) is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words (most often in an Indo-Iranian language like Sanskrit or Avestan) belie ...
*
Meditation
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state, while not judging the meditat ...
* Tree planting
* Cleanliness programmes
* Spiritual stories
* Weddings
See also
*
Guru
Guru ( ; International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''guru'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian religions, Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: tr ...
*
Rishi
In Indian religions, a ''rishi'' ( ) is an accomplished and enlightened person. They find mention in various Vedic texts. Rishis are believed to have composed hymns of the Vedas. The Post-Vedic tradition of Hinduism regards the rishis as "gre ...
*
Pandit
A pandit (; ; also spelled pundit, pronounced ; abbreviated Pt. or Pdt.) is an individual with specialised knowledge or a teacher of any field of knowledge in Hinduism, particularly the Vedic scriptures, dharma, or Hindu philosophy; in colonial-e ...
References
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Rituals in Hindu worship