Satsang and Vivek- requisites for a true seeker
Param Pujya GurumaharajSadhan, October 1997
Preface by Param Pujaya Narendra Kumar Ji
PrefaceTo acquire Vivek (discerning wisdom), obtain a vision of the Almighty, and attain complete freedom, Satsang is needed to supplement the effort we put into our practice of Dharana and Dhyana. The practitioners who do not understand the importance of Satsang and only remain focused on their effort are not doing it right. These words of Gurudev are worth reading and contemplating for people who make the big mistake of trying to acquire true discerning wisdom or Vivek just by reading books and turn up empty-handed at the end.

To carefully observe everything that happens around us, contemplate it, and come to an inference is the definition of Vivek or discerning wisdom. Vivek expands our mental faculties and presents us with true knowledge that helps us differentiate the real from the unreal and the eternal from the transient, thus laying bare the fundamental truths about the physical world around us. Vivek or discerning wisdom also initiates and progressively develops in us detachment and aloofness from the physical world. This power of discernment also gives one an accurate assessment of one’s situation and a good measure of one’s ability and prowess. With the rise of this discerning wisdom, one acquires an understanding of their true purpose and duty and gets inspired to do the right things.
Vivek or discerning wisdom, is a power that resides in the brain. By harnessing this power, we can invigorate our intellect. Our invigorated and energized intellect becomes capable of grasping subtle concepts and imparts unto us true knowledge. The accumulation of this fundamental knowledge leads us to our spiritual self and makes us eligible for complete liberation. Persons without discerning wisdom cannot benefit themselves or society despite possessing a functioning brain.
Dharana and Dhyana ( Concentration and Focus) are beneficial in a Yoga practice but do not directly pertain to one’s intellect; instead, they relate to one’s mind. They help in concentrating and quietening one’s mind. Like in the face of a significant external threat such as a violent storm, our brain cannot function optimally; similarly, the intellect is rendered useless when the mind is disturbed and agitated. Therefore, for our intellect to engage and function to its fullest ability, we have to first focus and concentrate our mind with the practice of Dharana and Dhyan. As we advance in this practice, our mental faculties become sharper, and we are increasingly able to understand the complex and profound concepts that help us detach from things that restrict us. Without the ability to focus and concentrate, true uplifting knowledge cannot accrue.
Satsang
Although Dharana and Dhyana instill peace in us and endow us with extraordinary abilities and powers (sidhis and shaktis), they do not directly lead to discerning wisdom or Vivek. Satsang is required for Vivek to arise. To experience the company of spiritually advanced individuals (Gurus), to listen to and understand their instructions and advice, and to make an effort to imbibe the spiritual energy emanating from them, is the definition of Satsang. The words of these accomplished souls have the power to permeate our hearts and influence us positively. The sublime energy and power that emanate from them help lift our veils of ignorance and illuminate us internally. In this way, with relative ease, the practitioner advances from the darkness of the Chandra Lok, the sphere of the moon, to the illuminated Surya Lok, the sphere of the Sun. For the practitioner who seeks complete freedom and liberation, Vivek or discerning wisdom is a requisite, and for Vivek, Satsang is essential. Only Satsang can help us advance past the Vigyanmaya Kosh (knowledge sheath), and Anandamaya Kosh (bliss body). The advancement of practitioners beyond these expansive oceans remains in serious doubt without Satsang. Complete reliance on the Guru and the Guru’s blessings is the only thing that helps here.
The other thing that is helpful for Vivek is Swadhyaya . To read, understand, and contemplate the texts penned down by spiritually advanced persons, and make an effort to conform one’s life according to them, is Swadhyaya. But the benefits one gets from being in the presence of such enlightened souls is far greater than what one would derive from reading their books and texts. Therefore, whenever an opportunity presents itself, even if we have to endure physical hardships and bear the expenses, we should prioritize Guru-Satsang over other engagements. Otherwise, we risk falling short in our spiritual undertaking.