Satsang - Company of the Holy - Satsang, a Spiritual Discipline

March 1, 2008

Part 04

Can we call the practice of choosing our company a spiritual

discipline? The methods that help us to evolve spiritually

are designed to purify our hearts and minds. Meditation, service,

study all spiritual training has this aim as its purpose. Similarly, the company

we keep directly influences our purity of mind.

The discipline of attending regular gatherings of aspirants, such as

study circles, circles or devotional meetings, is a great aid on the

spiritual journey. We better understand the practical aspects of

spirituality when we see them practiced by others. As we learn by

observing Sri Sathya Sai baba's actions, we also learn by observing

the lives of our peers. Practical demonstration is necessary for our

education, as well as our own study and devotion.

" Ascetic practices, years of constant recitation of the name,

pilgrimages to holy places and shrines, study of scared books-these

will not help the aspirant to spiritual victory as much as communion

with the goldly and good. " Baba

The best way to Combat wrong, tendencies is to keep them out of

sight and out of mind. The untrained mind seeks out inferior sights

and sounds. To deter the mind from attaching itself to unwholesome

influences, we must keep such influences far away. The recommended

wayb to learn virtue is to keep it always sight. High ideals inspire

us to noble action. Mahatma Gandhi was inspired to live a life of

truth after he witnessed a holy play about the life of the avtar of

Sri Rama.

" You are molded by the company of you relish. When you make friends

with the blacksmith, you are bound to collect black dust on your

clothes and skin. That is why Sangam, association, is held to be so

crucial in spiritual life " Baba

Continued...Satsang - Company of the Holy - Satsang Or Socialzing? Part 05

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