Satsang
Satsang / Satsanga is a Sanskrit term meaning true association with a sat guru or true saint who has both the theoretical knowledge and practical realisation of God. It also means association with devotees in a group or meeting who are within or seeking that association.
The purpose of satsang is to realise that the soul (atma) is divine and a part of God (Paratma) and to perform devotional meditation and chanting on Guru and Shri Radha Krishna for the purpose of God-realisation and divine service.
*If you are new to the philosophy we recommend a preparatory period of learning the philosophy so that your attendance at satsang will be purposeful and your practice will have context.
Additional video lectures can be found here:
JKP Prem Ras Madira
Jagadguruttam Lectures
- Satsang format
The usual format is 1.5 hours of satsang including:
- Prayers
- Kirtans – devotional chanting and meditation
- Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj video lecture
- Bhog – offering of food to Shri Radha Krishna
- Supper
Etiquette
- Silence – the purpose of satsang is to practice divine association and service, and to refrain from worldly association for this short time
- Pranam – humble, reverential bowing to our Divine beloveds
- Offering – seva or service comes in 3 main forms: physical, mental and fiscal. Mental seva is the most important and is practiced by attaching the mind to God during mediation and chanting. Physical seva is performed by offering your physical work to God, such as washing your plate after supper and any other physical work you might perform in devotion. Financial seva is the easiest form of service and Devotees will make some small financial offering at the altar and pranam to conclude the satsang. NB: All proceeds go into running satsang, donations to JKP worldwide, arranging Pracharak visits etc. All JKP centres are not-for-profit organisations.
- Devotional practice
- Roopdhyan – this is devotional meditation on the form of Shri Radha Krishna and Guru and development of a personal relationship with them. It is the heart of satsang and the mental seva practiced for God-realisation.
The Importance of Sadhana and Rupadhyana
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj developed the technique of ‘Rupadhyana’ based on the Vedic Philosophy. He taught us that in order to practice devotion, one must practice ‘Rupadhyana’ where the visualization of God is of utmost importance. It is a simple form of meditation and is part of the daily practice of all sadhaks. During the sadhana shivir, devotees gather to practice ‘Rupadhyana’.
- Access to Pracharaks and coordinators
- Questions, challenges – questions, doubts and personal challenges will all arise on the path of devotion to God. In these cases, our Pracharaks can help answer your questions or give you peace of mind and guidance. They are steeped in knowledge and practical devotion. You may have smaller or general questions which can be answered by the satsang coordinator.
- Satsang format – please note that there may be no time during satsang to discuss general questions particularly when silence is upheld during the session. Please make a time before attending or post attendance to discuss any questions you may have.
- Getting started with satsang
- Please download the free satsang pack which will include the basic materials for satsang. It is important that you come equipped with the right materials or it will be impossible to follow along. Please also ask the satsang coordinator in your area for any other materials needed for selected kirtans.