A ‘Guru’ is defined as one who removes darkness caused by ignorance. He is one who takes the seeker beyond the gunas or traits (purity, activity and indolence) to “knowing which all this is known” (vijnate sarvam idam vijnatham). The ‘Sadguru’ (Universal Teacher) is actually none other than the self. He is God in human form. Such a Guru is the living personification of the Vedas and the Upanishads.
A ‘Satsang’ (togetherness) is not truly as simple as it seems to be. It is in reality deep sense connectivity with the Self. ‘Sat’ means ‘awareness of our divine core’ and ‘Sang’ means ‘association or company’. Only association with the holy and the wise will ignite this spark of awareness in us. Reading scriptures or spiritual books, discussing or thinking about divinity, practicing spiritual techniques or meditating is also Satsang, because we are connecting to our inner core, the Soul. This nourishes our mind and soul and is the doorway to the Kingdom of God, which is always within us.
When we come in contact with a Sadguru, we should understand that such an encounter happens as a result of positive sayings in the bank of karma accrued from previous lives. The way (visa) to moksha or liberation from body consciousness cannot be secured without the passport issued by the grace of the Sadguru. He should be treated with the greatest of reverence respect and adoration. To do service to such a master is the greatest blessing that can be conferred upon a human being in his lifetime.
Hindu concept of worship and reaching moksha has undergone changes from the vedic times to present. The sages of the Upanishads considered that liberation from the miseries and continuous changes in this life could be reached through the knowledge of the truth concerning the nature of the Self and of brahman. This will get a devotee a complete release (moksha) from all worldly attachments and from the cycle of rebirths.
Satsang enables the sharing of spiritual aspirations. Many do realize that the quest for material comfort and security is empty, without inner peace. It isn’t as though everybody who joins a spiritual community is a saint. Different individuals, according to their own nature, talent, faith and devotion, will apply spiritual principles at different levels. Those who were able to serve God and others wholeheartedly are the most self-fulfilled. Those who have most resisted these principles have had the most trouble in their personal lives.
Every minute, our peace is shattered by the chattering of the mind. This is the biggest problem for all of us. When we are in the presence of enlightened beings, the vibrations of peace, bliss and love that they radiate stills the mind completely.
For ordinary individuals like ourselves, the only sign that by which we can recognize that we are in the divine presence of a Sadguru is the experience of securing peace of mind. The mind is stilled, thought waves subside and it experiences peace of mind that it has not experienced before. It is difficult to recognize a realised master. This is because they appear like ordinary individuals performing ordinary tasks that individuals elsewhere perform. When it is necessary to think, our thoughts are focused and orderly and do not create any conflict, chaos or confusion.
It is said that the mere presence of a Sadguru is enough to rescue the universe. Such is awesome nature of his power, might and glory. A supplication is made in humility is certain to invite the grace of the Guru. The seeker should maintain a respectable distance and address the master with humility. The Sadguru’s instructions must be carefully followed both in letter and spirit. It is said that neither the study of scriptures or pilgrimage to holy places, neither rituals nor penance can provide a gateway to salvation.
Life is impossible without grace because everything in the universe is powered by it. The deluge of grace during Satsangs also cleanses the mind of karmic residues and purifies us so that we too become channels of divine grace.
When we regularly cultivate the association of divine masters, we always feel fully energized and our efficiency reaches its peak. Our goal is revealed to us and we realise that seeking our inner core and experiencing the constant bliss that flows from there are what life is all about. Through our inner transformation, we attain materialistic success and also become channels of grace to bring peace, contentment and bliss to others in this world.
This article is the ‘Ashirvachana’ given by His Holiness Sri Balagangadaranatha Mahaswamiji, 71st Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamstana Math on different occasions