Welcome to our Thursday evening program,
which is called Satsang.
Satsang means "the
company of truth", "gathering of seekers" or "gathering of saints". We
gather at a satsang to reflect on spiritual issues and to chant and
meditate together.
Format of the
Satsang Program
Our Satsangs are
organized to invite reflection, contemplation, and meditation.
Opening ~ Each
satsang begins with a welcome by our host and the hymn, Jyota se Joyta.
This hymn celebrates the awakening of our consciousness to the Divine
within each of us. The words are in Hindi and are on a chanting card
that includes a translation. A tray with a candle (symbolizing the
light of Divine consciousness) is waved before the Gurus.
Following the hymn, you
will observe some people bowing. They are honoring the “Guru
Principle”; that is, the Gurus reflect back to us our own divinity.
Talk ~ Our host
offers personal reflections on a spiritual interest.
Chanting ~ We
chant for about 30 minutes. The chants are available on a chanting
card and introduced by the host. Most are chanted in "call and
response" format; the musicians chant a phrase and the rest of the
group responds. Generally the chant begins very slowly, becomes
faster, and then ends again slowly.
Meditation ~ We
meditate for about 20 minutes to either the sound of a tamboura (a
musical instrument) or to silence. Often the host offers meditation
guidance.
Closing ~
Satsang closes with further reflections by the host and the hymn,
Gurudeva Hamara Pyara. This hymn rejoices in the “Guru Principle”. It
is on a chanting card in Hindi and English.
Darshan ~
After the program, some will come forward to the area where the Gurus
are pictured (also called a "puja"). They may bow or otherwise offer
respect and gratitude. This is entirely optional.
You may stay in the
hall for further meditation time, leave, or join the community for
conversation and light refreshment.
Sadgurunath Maharaj
Ki Jay! ~ "I hail the Guru who has revealed the Truth to me!"
We say or sing this
phrase several times throughout a program. It expresses our gratitude
for our awakening to the Divine presence that dwells within each of
us, and for awareness of all the blessings that continue to flow
throughout our lives.
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