“In satsang, both the left and right hemispheres of the brain get balanced. The wandering mind comes back to the present moment and experiences a deeper dimension to life.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
The word satsang means sitting in the company of the truth. And no. Many people think that satsang is meant for a specific age group, or for people who are upset with their life or even aliens. All are not true. It’s for everyone who wants to discover the best in themselves. It’s about giving yourself a little ‘me’ time. A time to celebrate and rejuvenate yourself.
“The word bhajan is very precious. Bhaj means to share. Sharing all that the Divine is. It is not necessary to know the words or meaning of any song. Singing helps to bring serenity. Singing is simply merging into the sounds, floating on its waves with a sense of contentment and meditation.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Satsang with Gurudev
Satsangs with Gurudev are a combination of music and reason. With music in the form of bhajans and discussion of topics from the problems of daily living to the subtlest philosophy. Gurudev has emphasized the educational benefit of satsang. The combination of music and reason correspond to the left and right halves of the brain. Satsang helps to develop our faculties.
Satsangs with Gurudev are often accompanied by cultural performances. Gurudev travels tirelessly on peace missions and satsangs carry the same message of peace and love. Celebrating our differences rather than fighting over them.
Watch these videos and enjoy the power of satsang wherever you are:
1. A satsang recording from Bengaluru, India
2. The one thing that can burn down any karma
3. An evening in Germany
Satsangs hasten you towards inner peace
The entire universe is made of rhythms. When sounds are in harmony, there is music; inharmonious sounds create chaos. Similarly, when there is rhythm or harmony in life, the heart blossoms; there is humanism. It is this rhythm that takes us back to our source. We may identify ourselves as officers, housewives, teachers, but these are external identifications. Satsangs help us move beyond such identifications towards our source – from where we came.
Satsangs are not limited to any culture or geographical region. Whether it is the harmonious sound of gongs in Buddhist meditations or Jewish hymns since ancient times, people from all cultures and traditions have used music to further people on their spiritual journey.
The Art of Living satsangs reverberates across 156 countries. One can choose to listen to the bhajans or participate and sing. Either way, satsangs help in centering the mind. The chants in satsang take us beyond music to a silent corner of our inner self.
Satsang frees you from worries
Sound is energy. Our human nervous system responds to the sounds and vibrations of ancient Sanskrit chants. Listening to these sounds has a rejuvenating effect on the body, mind, and spirit.
In between each bhajan is the silence. Still and calm, the mind relaxes. “Doing more satsang and seva is the way to reduce misery. We are so fortunate. We have this opportunity even to think, discuss knowledge and have an experience of that inner space,” explains Gurudev. “If you have any worries, you have to leave it here, that’s the rule of Satsang, you cannot take your worries back. You can go only after you drop them here.”
We have a series on our social media which we thought you’d love.
Start your day with this #8amBhajan.
1. The best way to start your day is to listen to this melodious Shiv bhajan.
Ponder on the mysterious nature of Lord Shiva and uplift your spirit.
2. This morning, listen to a blissful Devi bhajan dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshvari. The positive vibrations in the bhajan will quieten the mind and open your heart to the Divine.
3. Listen to this Ganesha stotram. Isn’t this the most melodious and calming way to start your day? Meditate on this hymn of Lord Ganesh and watch the obstacles vanish before you.
4. Start your day in the name of the Guru with this soul touching Guru bhajan. Chitra Roy’s melodious voice will leave you in a blissful state of mind.
5. This morning, sing and sway to ‘Janani Jagadamba,’ a bhajan dedicated to Goddess Durga. This Devi Song, sung by Bhanu didi, will give your mood a positive boost.
6. A single utterance of Rama is powerful enough to absolve you of all karma. Sing along to this Rama bhajan and experience a sense of contentment.
7. Enjoy Dr. Manikantan’s beautiful rendition of “Madhuranana Krishna.” Start your day with this peaceful Krishna bhajan. Experience oneness with the Divine.
How can you participate?
1. Find out where the nearest Art of Living center is and join the satsangs there. Usually, the centers will have a weekly satsang.
2. Visit The Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru, India and attend some satsangs there. You will simply love the experience.
3. You can also visit The Art of Living ashrams around the world.
4. Connect with us digitally. Subscribe to our youtube channels and enjoy the satsangs: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & The Art of Living.
5. Follow Gurudev’s Facebook page and get regular notifications of live events.