Satsang 5

Meaning of Satsang

Satsang = Sat + Sang

Absolute Truth

Company

Satsang refers to company of God or an environment favourable to experience the company of God

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Chanting
The foundation of spiritual practice in the current era

Chanting simply means repetition of the Name of God. It is the recommended foundation of spiritual practice in the current era. Chant the name of God according to religion of your birth - We are born into that religion which is most conducive to begin our spiritual practice.

Prayers can be along the lines of: Lord please help me to imbibe maximum from this satsang so that I may grow spiritually. Please insulate me from any negative energy that can affect my ability to comprehend and imbibe spiritual knowledge

Chanting according to religion of birth Buddhist Christian Hindu Om Manipadme hum, Namo Buddhaya Roman Catholic: Hail Mary Anglican and other Christian denominations: Hail Jesus The family deitys Name or if one does not know the family deity then one needs to chant Sree Kuldevtayai namahaa. Method of repeating (chanting) the family deitys Name: Sree should prefix the Name of the family deity, the Name that follows should be in dative case (chaturthi pratyay) and should conclude with namahaa. For instance, if the family deity is > Ganesh then Sree Ganeshaya namahaa > Bhavani, then Sree Bhavanimatayai namahaa or Sree Bhavanidevyai namahaa

Chanting according to religion of birth Islam Jain Jew Ya Allah, Allah hu Akbar, Rahim etc. Navakar Mantra (Om Namo Arihantanam) Jehovah, Yahweh, Adonai or one of the many Names of God as per Judaism Vahe Guru, Shri Vahe Guru, Sukhmani Saheb, Japaji Saheb

Sikh

Zoroastrian There are 101 Names. The seeker is asked to chant the Name corresponding to the number obtained in meditation.

Chanting according to religion of birth Islam Jain Jew Ya Allah, Allah hu Akbar, Rahim etc. Navakar Mantra (Om Namo Arihantanam) Jehovah, Yahweh, Adonai or one of the many Names of God as per Judaism Vahe Guru, Shri Vahe Guru, Sukhmani Saheb, Japaji Saheb

Sikh

Zoroastrian There are 101 Names. The seeker is asked to chant the Name corresponding to the number obtained in meditation.

Some tips on Chanting

Chant in whichever way you are comfortable with

Any time and any place

Increase quantity of chanting

Be regular with your chanting

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences (as per level) Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

About us - Aim
The aim of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) and the objectives of this website 1. To educate humanity on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our lives. 2. To provide people with tools for: Knowledge: Understanding the spiritual dimension. Experience: Experiencing the spiritual dimension. Problem Solving: Understanding and overcoming problems where the root cause is spiritual in nature. Happiness: Achieving everlasting happiness. Having said this, SSRF gives priority to guiding seekers with intense desire for Godrealisation rather than just creating curiosity in the minds of millions about the unknown subtle realm.

Introducing ourselves and getting to know each other

Tell us about yourself: Name Your current spiritual practice One thing that you want on your spiritual journey

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Topic of discussion

Benefits of chanting

Topic of discussion Benefits of Chanting

A quick recap from last satsang: Chanting helps to purify our mind by reducing the impressions and establishing a Devotion centre Mind = Feelings, emotions and desires Impressions = Any repeated thought or action forms an impression, example of a beaten track forming a pathway Centre = Categories of impressions that are classified under centres such as like and dislikes, temperament, give-and-take etc.

The effect of the spiritual practice of chanting

The effect of the spiritual practice of chanting

The effect of the spiritual practice of chanting

Special features of Chanting

Continuity in Spiritual practice can be accomplished best through chanting. Worldly talk increases the impressions in the sub-conscious mind. It makes the speech spiritually impure. Hence chanting should be done for purification of the mind. The brilliance generated by chanting the Name destroys the impurities of the mind

Topic of Discussion Benefits of chanting

As a therapy in psychiatric illnesses Introversion and introspection Developing a liking for chanting and purification of the sub-conscious mind Reduction of impressions Increase in concentration Physical benefits resulting from tranquility of the mind Control over the 6 foes and reduction of worldly problems

Topic of Discussion Benefits of chanting

Acts as a spiritual remedy Internal purification and purification of speech Development of faith and devotion Increase in merits and reduction in sins Overcoming destiny and ancestral problems Dissolution of ego Benefits even after death

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Clarification of doubts
Q. How can I overcome ill feelings/reactions that I have for certain people? 1. 2. Feelings or reactions are due to deep rooted impressions in our mind based on give-and-take, reactions, our likes, dislikes, temperament, etc. Consistent & regular spiritual practice such as chanting is the best way to bring about complete purification of the mind and permanently overcome such reactions. 3. Make conscious efforts to reduce reactions by first increasing the awareness of your thoughts. This can be done by regular monitoring of ones chanting and noting why we react in those situations, how long the reaction lasts, etc.

Clarification of doubts
Q. How can I overcome ill feelings/reactions that I have for certain people? Focus on spiritual practice rather than just trying to overcome ones shortcomings. Strengthen your spiritual practice with regular satsang of other seekers if available and if not, that of Holy books, spiritual texts and audio/video tapes, etc. whilst making conscious efforts to overcome ill feelings. Gradually any ill feelings will disappear automatically.

Clarification of doubts
Q. Can spiritual practice help me to attain peace of mind? How? Due to the constant flow of thoughts, most of which are unnecessary, the mind is constantly restless, thus depriving us of a peaceful state. Majority of these thoughts stem from sub-conscious impressions. For dissolution of all these impressions from the subconscious mind & in order to attain peace, the aim should be to have only God's Name in our mind. Spiritual practice of chanting reduces & ultimately eliminates the undesirable impressions in the sub-conscious mind, effectively imparting peace of the mind.

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Narration of Spiritual experiences

Definition: An experience that is beyond the understanding of the five senses, mind and intellect. Many ways - For example subtle smell. Spiritual experiences are Gods way of encouraging us. Spiritual experiences enhance our faith. Sharing spiritual experiences inspires others to do spiritual practice.

Experiencing sandalwood fragrance without any external source

I had recently undergone intensive Ayurvedic treatment. During the treatment I had not been able to speak to other seekers & missed being in satsang. When I was feeling slightly better, I switched on the computer and began to read a few articles on the SSRF website. While reading the article on the reason for difficulties in life, I had an immense feeling of gratitude emerge within me. I thought that due to the Guru, we had access to this spiritual knowledge, which equipped us to understand and deal with difficult situations in life. As I was feeling this immense gratitude, I began to get the fragrance of sandalwood and also could subtly taste it. There was neither any incense burning at the time nor any other cause for the fragrance. Almost immediately tears of spiritual emotion welled up in my eyes and I experienced a superlative form of happiness in me that lasted for almost half an hour.

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Spiritual view point on life issues

I often tend to procrastinate in my spiritual practice what can I do to overcome it? Obstacles mainly arise as the importance of spiritual practice is not completely understood. Our personality defects are also responsible. They can be overcome by regular spiritual practice, satsang and study which help in building a firm conviction about Spirituality. Till such conviction is built, use short-term measures to overcome procrastination. For example Plan to do only as much spiritual practice as can be reasonably completed and maintained every day.

Spiritual view point on life issues

I often tend to procrastinate in my spiritual practice what can I do to overcome it? Try to increase it step wise once a certain minimum amount of spiritual practice is done daily. List a few key points that motivate to do spiritual practice & read them few times a day at pre decided intervals, like on waking up, after meals, after returning home from work, etc. Just as we push ourself to do our daily duties like going to work, regardless of obstacles like not feeling up to it physically or psychologically, we should push ourself to do our daily spiritual practice.

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Evaluation of spiritual practice Is it as per the basic principles? Am I doing it on a daily basis? Am I regular, consistent and honest? Do I introspect? Has there been any change in me or the way I deal with situations in life?

Evaluation of spiritual practice How & what do i introspect?

Introspection should be done on a daily basis rather than a weekly or a monthly basis. Devote each day at least 10 minutes initially for introspection and be honest. Increase the introspection time step by step. Points to introspect on what spiritual practice did I do today? for example chanting, reading holy texts etc. Did I utilise my available time efficiently? for example - I had 2 hours of free time but I used only 15 minutes of that for chanting. why? Have I done something better than yesterday or last week with regards to my spiritual practice if not what were the reasons? What am I going to do overcome my obstacles? Did I have any reactions today?

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Common mistake Not asking questions or clarifying doubts

Possible reasons thinking what will people think about me, shy nature etc. Only the curious are deserving of Knowledge. Asking questions not only quells our doubts, but also increases our curiosity/learning attitude & thus, expedites our spiritual progress. Spiritual practice does not become smooth unless doubts are clarified. Our questions not only benefit us in our individual spiritual practice, but also other seekers or attendees benefit from the learning. It also encourages them to seek clarification on their doubts and participate more in the satsang. One should note that one benefits maximum from asking spiritual practice-oriented questions as opposed to worldly or intellectual questions.

Topic Minutes Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do Theoretical discussion topic Clarification of doubts Narration of spiritual experiences Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life (positive and negative) Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week Gratitude Total

Time mins 5 5 20 15 10 10 8 10 5 2 90

Planning for spiritual practice

Time available during the day Time utilised for spiritual practice Obstacles faced Introspection of daily efforts

Paying gratitude

Whenever one thinks about the self and / or the world, unconsciously harbouring awareness of God or one of His forms and offering the credit for even this awareness to God, is termed as gratitude Gratitude is a means of offering the doership of an act to God, hence it helps in reducing the ego.

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