The glory of Satsang
There are two paths: pātan (fall, distraction) and uṭhān (upliftment, development).
Both paths sprout from one seed. That seed is saṅga, the company kept. Negative company leads to downfall; positive, spiritual company leads to development. Movement itself brings achievement, but the direction of movement is determined by association. The same source can manifest as divine energy or demonic energy, both dormant in consciousness. Culture and saṃskāras received on a parent’s lap guide this potential. Yet destiny, shaped by those associations and actions, ultimately determines the outcome. A story from scripture illustrates this. Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī tested a wealthy merchant’s devotion. Viṣṇu came as a sādhu seeking a fixed seat for four months. Lakṣmī came as a sādhu demanding the same room and throwing away everything after a single use. The merchant, choosing the allure of māyā over his given word, expelled Viṣṇu. Then Lakṣmī also left, revealing the merchant’s devotion was never to the divine but to worldly wealth. Thus, one’s company reveals one’s true devotion. The street of love is too narrow for two; duality must dissolve into oneness. Satsaṅg—true company—is the path to that unity. Neither happiness, heaven, nor Brahmaloka are difficult to attain, for everything is found in satsaṅg.
“Prem Gali Ati Shankari, Jisme Do Nahi Samay. When I was here, God was not here. And now God is here, I am not here.”
“Neither happiness, nor pleasure, nor heaven, nor Brahmaloka are difficult to attain — all is found in satsaṅg.”
Filming location: Wellington, New Zealand
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Bhajans with Swami Gajanandji
Archive 20230122 09 Edited
Musical recording.
Bhajans from Poprad
Life is a vast ocean; the goal is to find the right direction and reach the harbor.
The world is an illusion, a dream, and a person clinging to it is like a captain sailing aimlessly. To attain self-knowledge, seek a true guru. Upon finding such a one, fear not in the ocean, for knowledge dries it up and one crosses with dry feet to the harbor. What holds a person is love for the master’s lotus feet; nothing else has value. When the guru shows mercy, all pain vanishes and worldly illusion leaves only true joy and reality. Repeating the sacred name of the incarnation crosses the ocean of ignorance. True devotees bow to the lotus feet; touching the dust of those feet grants liberation. All efforts succeed through receiving grace. Day and night, repeat the sacred name; the guru removes all obstacles. The guru is the supreme bestower, the lord of destiny, the embodiment of the world’s lord, the supreme liberator. With that grace, no karma can harm and māyā loses power. Grace purifies destiny, bringing success and liberation. During meditation, focus on the guru’s form; then fear nothing. The one upon whom grace rests is already on the other side of the ocean. Keep the guru’s image in the heart; then death is only awakening, a new dawn.
“If you receive the grace of Gurudev, then no karma can harm you, and māyā will lose its power over you.”
“Whoever has the form of the guru in their heart need not fear death. He will realize that it is only awakening—a new dawn.”
Filming location: Poprad, Slovakia
A Gathering in Grace
It is good to see everything, to understand fully the practices and mantras. This understanding brings greater happiness and allows one to see all spiritual activities clearly.
The mind often works in confusion, attached to worldly things and selfish actions, which leads to suffering. The sincere prayer is to be awakened from this sleep, to be turned toward selflessness and real knowledge, and to become a giver. The gathering itself is a beautiful opportunity, a reason for happiness, with the promise of more to come.
"O Lord, bless me that I do not waste my life."
"Turn me into the lover of selflessness."
The calling of Sri Alakhpuriji
Evening satsang with Vishwaguruji from Strilky Ashram, Czech Republic. Bhajan Sataguru Alakha Puriji Avo.
