सत्सङ्गत्वे निस्सङ्गत्वं
निस्सङ्गत्वे निर्मोहत्वम् ।
निर्मोहत्वे निश्चलितत्त्वं
निश्चलितत्त्वे जीवन्मुक्तिः ॥
भज गोविन्दं भज गोविन्दं
भज गोविन्दं मूढमते ।
satsaṅgatve nissaṅgatvaṃ
nissaṅgatve nirmohatvam
nirmohatve niścalitattvaṃ
niścalitattve jīvanmuktiḥ
bhaja govindaṃ bhaja govindaṃ
bhaja govindaṃ mūḍhamate
Good and virtuous company gives rise to non-attachment. From non-attachment comes freedom from delusion. With freedom from delusion, one feels the changeless reality. Experiencing the changeless reality, one attains liberation in this life. I-AM is the ocean of awareness. Realizing this, one feels “I am not the body and mind, although I have a body and mind.” Realize Govinda, realize Govinda, realize Govinda in your heart, O wise one!
From carpata-panjanka by Shri Sankaracharya. Translation by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
The uplifting community of people searching Yoga is called Satsang. Sat meaning ‘truth” and sanga meaning “association, attachment,” so the word Satsang means “to be associated with (attached to) the truth”. Traditionally the individuals of a Satsang are called Sādhakas. A Sādhaka has a practice that leads to enlightenment, that practice is called a Sādhanā.
The Babemba tribe of South Africa has a remarkable way of strengthening and healing its community. This tribe is said to use a restorative justice approach when someone commits a wrongdoing. Instead of punishing the individual, the entire community gathers in a circle with the person at the center. Each member then takes turns speaking about the positive contributions and good qualities of the person, reminding them of their inherent value and goodness.
The idea behind this practice is that individuals act out of alignment with the community when they feel disconnected or undervalued. By reaffirming their worth and reminding them of their past virtues, the community helps the individual restore their sense of belonging and self-worth. This process not only seeks to heal the wrongdoer but also strengthens the collective bond within the group.
The Buddha too had a great way of ensuring peace within the Satsang (Sangha in Buddhist terminology). Outside of his formal meditation classes and discourses, he never strayed from discussing the Dhamma. — The word Dhamma in its essence refers to the teachings of the Buddha, the natural law that governs the universe, and a path to enlightenment. As the Buddha said, “Dhamma is the best of all possessions.” (Dhammapada 223).
No conversation was too trivial for him to redirect into a spiritual teaching – he called it right speach. Whether the topic was the weather or the state of politics, he found a way to bring the conversation back to Dhamma. This ability to transform any discussion into a reflection on deeper truths is profoundly inspiring to me, demonstrating how living with awareness and presence can elevate the most ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth, if we are open to it.
“Suffering is the result of bondage stemming from bad company, and misperception of the true nature of reality; resulting in the pursuit of sensory entertainment to avoid the gathering sadness. Good association leads to freedom from bad association. When we experience the support and community of good association and the freedom from bad company, we experience freedom from a life of misconception on a level of mental disorder. Then we no longer perceive the world mistakenly we start to perceive the subtle and real nature of the world at an essential level. This process leads to jivanmuktih, or the condition of total liberation from suffering” – by David Life
In the gatherings to come this Christmas, we can make an effort to share small moments of wisdom with an open, inclusive mindset, ensuring our words are thoughtful and respectful. Even if others don’t share our enthusiasm for yoga, their potential for growth and liberation is equal to ours – through the practice of yoga, the yogi sees the Devine Self in all beings and at all time – BG 6.29.
By cultivating understanding and kindness, every conversation can have the heart of a Satsang keeping the story of the African tribe in mind— a space for shared truth and compassion and uplifting intentions. As Swami Śivananda said, “A kind word, a kind deed, or a small service can kindle love and bring joy and peace.” With this approach, we can gently inspire curiosity and light the spark of wisdom within others. Not long ago I got inspired by an 8 year old girl who asked her parents to have her Christmas presents donated to kids in Africa.
A story about Satsang
The Wise Man and the Thirsty Crow
In a small village at the foot of a mountain, a wise old man gathered his disciples each evening under a banyan tree to share teachings about truth and inner peace. One evening, a thirsty crow arrived, prompting the wise man to ask his disciples to offer it water. When they questioned why he would help a bird during their sacred gathering, he replied, “Satsang is not just about teachings, but recognizing the divine presence in all beings—whether human or animal.”
As the crow drank, the wise man explained, “Just as the crow’s thirst is quenched, we too find wisdom and connection in the presence of community. Satsang is being together in truth, compassion, and oneness.”
The disciples learned that Satsang goes beyond words; it’s about the shared experience of truth and service to one another.
David Life describes Jivamukti as “a modern vegan tribe of truth seekers who gather together to experience satsang and empowerment to liberate others from suffering—and to make history.”Do we want “Banana or Nirvana?”— He challenges us to reflect on our priorities. Are we striving for fleeting pleasures, or are we seeking deeper, lasting fulfillment?
The answer lies in our ability to surround ourselves with a community that supports our growth and aligns with our values. When we choose connections that inspire mindfulness and compassion, we not only strengthen ourselves but also contribute to a collective movement toward liberation and harmony.
Śri Ramana Maharśi says “The company of the wise will make you wise. Contact with holy men will make you holy. They will remove your doubts and purify your heart through their words, their gracious looks, their magnetic aura, and their spiritual vibrations.”
Here is practical advice for bringing the spirit of Satsang into your life this month:
Seek Uplifting Company
Spend time with people who inspire you, whether spiritually, emotionally, or intellectually. Look for those who encourage growth and share meaningful insights.
Create a Supportive Environment
Organize small gatherings or conversations where mutual respect, truth, and positive energy are prioritized. Share teachings, stories, or practices that uplift and inspire.
Practice Active Listening
During conversations, focus on understanding others without judgment. This creates a space for genuine connection and wisdom to emerge.
Share Wisdom with Care
In casual interactions, subtly integrate spiritual or philosophical insights without imposing your views. This can turn ordinary exchanges into opportunities for reflection.
Embrace Kindness and Service
Like in Satsang, see every encounter as a chance to uplift others. Small acts of kindness or simply being present can create meaningful connections.
Stay Open-Minded
Approach others with humility, recognizing that everyone has something to teach. Maintain an open heart to new perspectives and ideas.
Take Inspiration from Nature
Reflect on examples in nature, like geese in flight or trees in a forest, to understand how cooperation and unity lead to collective strength.
– Dean Galip