A satsanga (), also rendered satsang, refers to the practice of gathering in the company of good people for the performance of devotional activities.
It also refers to an audience with a
Satguru
''Satguru'' ( sa, सत्गुरु), or ''sadguru'' ( sa, सद्गुरु), means the 'true guru' in Sanskrit. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on ...
for yogic instruction. Satsangas are group events, organised by various spiritual organisations.
Etymology
The word satsanga is derived from
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; attributively , ; nominally , , ) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had diffused there from the northwest in the late ...
, where ‘Sat’ means “purity or truth” and ‘Sanga’ meaning “in group or association”. 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
* Chanting of mantras
* Meditation
* Tree planting
* Cleanliness programmes
* Spiritual stories
* Weddings
See also
*
Guru
Guru ( sa, गुरु, IAST: ''guru;'' Pali'': garu'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: traditionally, the guru is a reverentia ...
*
Rishi
''Rishi'' () is a term for an accomplished and enlightened person. They find mentions in various Vedic texts. Rishis are believed to have composed hymns of the Vedas. The Post-Vedic tradition of Hinduism regards the rishis as "great yogis" or ...
*
Pandit
A Pandit ( sa, पण्डित, paṇḍit; hi, पंडित; also spelled Pundit, pronounced ; abbreviated Pt.) is a man with specialised knowledge or a teacher of any field of knowledge whether it is shashtra (Holy Books) or shastra (Wea ...
References
{{Reflist
Rituals in Hindu worship