Remain in Satsanga

March 27, 2015 11:13 pm | Updated 11:13 pm IST

When caught in Samsara, one automatically comes into contact with the world of objects, people and places which are a mix of both evil and good. One has to beware of evil effects that are always waiting to influence people. Evil association leads one further into the cycle of birth, while association with the pious and realised souls can lead one towards the path of spiritual realisation, pointed out Swami Paramasukhananda in a lecture.

Kaikeyi who loved Rama came under the influence of Manthara and was motivated to turn against Him. But association with realised souls is always beneficial, as it helps one know more about God, learn to love Him for His sake and yearn to be united with Him. When Rama went to the forest, He was happy to be in the company of the pious and holy sages. Such pious association teaches by example the virtues accruing from renunciation of worldly pulls and instils devotion to the Lord. Satsanga alone can help to mould the mind that is the cause of both bondage and liberation. When the mind is attracted to worldly pulls, it is in bondage; when it yearns to feel the delight of the Lord, it moves towards salvation. Worldly attractions lead to the sense of ‘I’ and ‘Min,’ and generate the impurities of mind such as lust and greed. Krishna describes the Jnani as a ‘Knower of Truth.’ This implies that the knowledge of Truth is revealed to the Jnani. He is always aware of the Supreme Brahman as everlasting and the source of all creation and hence he does not get attached to worldly objects and remains steadfast in his bhakti to the Lord. That is why the Lord advises that ‘whatever one does, whatever one eats, whatever religious offering he makes, whatever one gives others, whatever penance he does, let it be done as an offering to the Lord.’

Realised souls practise this bhava of renunciation and devotion even when engaged in worldly activities. Remaining in satsanga helps to imbibe this bhava which purifies the mind and gain equanimity.

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