If you are new to SYC, you might be wondering, “What exactly is satsang?”

Satsang or Satsanga is a Sanskrit term derived from sat meaning “true” and sanga/sangha meaning "community/company/association".

We chose this name for our organization and our seasonal programs because of the emphasis on connection. At Satsang Yoga Collective we believe something special happens when we come together to support and witness each other on our personal journeys of self-inquiry. Something special happens when we are brave and show ourselves to each other. We become greater than the sum of our parts. Satsang is where the magic happens!

But don’t just take our word for it…

Satsang:

“It can be translated as ‘associating with good people’ or simply ‘being in the company of truth,’ and refers to the act of gathering with like-minded, uplifting people, especially those on a spiritual path.”

Yogapedia.com (1)

"A community of spiritual seekers. Satsanga, Satsangam, Satsang (Sanskrit: sat = true, sanga = company) in Indian philosophy means (1) the company of the "highest truth," (2) the company of a guru, or (3) company with an assembly of persons who listen to, talk about, and assimilate the truth. This typically involves listening to or reading scriptures, reflecting on, discussing and assimilating their meaning, meditating on the source of these words, and bringing their meaning into one’s daily life."

Easternspirituality.com (2)

“The term satsang is coined from Sanskrit language, with ‘sat’ meaning ‘the ideal; pure and true essence’ and ‘sang’ meaning ‘association’. Hence satsang promises association with one’s true essence.

…Satsang is the best source of overcoming mental distress as the model works as a holistic healing therapy as well. Thus it may fall into the alternative healing category as it helps rejuvenating mind, body and soul”

Hinduscriptures.com (3)

“Satsangatve nissangatvam

Nissangatve nirmohatvam

Nirmohatve nischalatattvam

Nischalatattve jeevanmuktih” 

“Through the company of the good, there arises non-attachment; through non-attachment there arises freedom from delusion; through freedom from delusion there arises steadfastness; through steadfastness, there arises liberation in life”

From the Bhajagovindam by Adi Shankara (4)

“Take responsibility to uplift people around you. That is real satsang! A wise person is like the sky where all birds can fly!”

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (5)

Sound good?

Consider joining one of our Seasonal Satsang programs or live weekly Zoom classes. We can go further together! Visit our Offerings page to learn more.

Ali + Anna

Satsang Yoga Collective

Anna and Ali are both graduates of Yoga North’s International SomaYoga Institute 1000 hour Yoga Therapy program in Duluth, MN. They are passionate about practicing Yoga and sharing it with their communities.

Recources:

(1) https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4997/satsang

(2) https://www.eastern-spirituality.com/glossary/spirituality-terms/s-definitions/satsang

(3) https://www.hinduscriptures.com/vedic-culture/way-of-life/satsang/importance-of-satsang/1925/

(4) https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/sath-sangathve-nissangathvam

(5) http://www.anandway.com/quotes/gurudev-sri-sri-ravi-shankar/Satsang