THE MEANING OF SATSANGA
The word ‘Satsanga’
is the combination of the two words ‘Sat’
and ‘Sanga.’
‘Sat’ means
existence absolute, which is Brahman (Truth).
‘Sat’ is
the essential nature of Brahman which is permanent in things that change, which
is the only reality that upholds the world of appearance.
The same ‘Sat,’
with the accidental attributes of omnipresence, omniscience and
omnipotence is called Isvara or Paramatman. In brief, ‘Sat’ refers to Isvara (God) as well as
Brahman, both ultimately being the one and the same reality.
‘Sanga’
literally means company or union.
To be always in
the company of the Lord, or to be established in Brahman, is the literal
meaning of the word ‘Satsanga.’
But, as long as
ignorance or Avidya remains, the direct realization of Brahman is impossible.
Because the company of the wise
leads to the realization of Brahman (with attributes or without attributes), it
is also termed as Satsanga.
When ignorance is destroyed by wisdom, the real nature reveals itself. This is the highest Satsanga.
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