S A T S A N G S
Important note: these satsangs are transcribed as they were given at the time of the event.
If a satsang indicates a practice that differs from that which Swami Ajay has personally advised you, there is no need to take it into account.
These are general explanations aimed at a public of varied ages and beliefs... Practices change over time and the date at which the satsang was given is important in this context. Each explanation also contain Swamiji's personal point of view and experiences on certain subjects such as the message of Jesus and the worship of the Virgin Mary for example. He expresses himself according to his inspiration and his vision of the spiritual teachings. A satsang is a library, we just have to take the 'book' that interests us.
Satsangs are guidelines to encourage us and help us to progress. Discrimination is a fundamental quality in order to rightfully understand and integrate the spiritual teachings, encouraging us towards tolerance and introspection. Reading and listening are the first step, then comprehension, then practice. This process is called: "shravanam, mananam, nidhidhyasanam" - "listen, digest, meditate and practice".
EXPLANATIONS ON SATSANGS
" Satsang is a library.
One can choose the subject that deems fit for oneself "
- Swami Ajay -
The satsang is an ancient spiritual tradition which means:
(1) to be in the company of Truth,
(2) to be in the presence of an enlightened, benevolent and wise person
(3) to be in the company of an assembly in search of Truth.
the importance of satsang in life
devotion comes by listening
DEFINITION OF THE WORD 'SATSANG'
Composed of the Sanskrit words SAT and SANG, the meaning is as follows:
SAT means "truth, good" and "that which does not change" or "absolute, eternal".
SANGA means: "being in the company of."
"Binu Satsang, Vivek Nahoi"
"Ram Kripa, Bina Sulabh Nasoi"
This quote from the Ramayana means:
“ Without satsang, one cannot have knowledge,
neither discernment nor wisdom.
And without the grace of God, there can be no satsang. »
A satsang is a conference which aims at spiritual elevation. This type of exchange helps us to cultivate qualities like humility, innocence, sincerity. Often, satsangs explain big concepts in a playful format, with little stories (Chinna Katha) and anecdotes or experiences, sometimes with question / answers sessions and devotionnal singing.
In the nine types of devotion which is called Navavidha Bhakti, the first stage is called: SHRAVANAM. This type of devotion consists of listening attentively to hymns and stories about the glory of God. The nourishment of the human body is not limited to what we eat: it includes all of the influences present around us, what we hear, what we see... one can thus filter what one consumes. These energies embed themselves within us and shape what we become over time, as the saying goes:
« Yad Bhavam, tad Bhavati. » (as is the feeling, so is the result.)
Surrounding oneself with goodness is a crucial step in the path of any spiritual aspirant; not only at the social level but in all types of actions. Only by listening, faith can emerge in us. To meet a truly wise being like Swami Ajay triggers a very deep transformation... and accelerates the change in oneself.
"Tell me what your surroundings are made of, I will tell you who you are."
- BHAGAWAN SHRI SATHYA SAI BABA
LISTEN TO THOSE WHO SECURED DEVOTION, AS THEIR WORDS SOFTEN THE HEART.
Swami Ajay started giving conferences in his native country, Mauritius, when he was quite young. He enjoyed listening to priests' satsangs to learn and take notes, and he would then share with others what he had learnt. When he met Sri Sathya Sai Baba a few years later, he studied the teaching deeply, practiced it and began to spread it through satsang.
In Europe, these conferences began with the first Yagyas in Portugal, in 2000. This is when the European mission really begins - and Swami Ajay now gives spontaneous satsangs on important topics like devotion or daily behavior. He realized very quickly what Europeans needed : not to simply listen to spiritual teachings. What they actually need is love and an example to show them the way. Thus, he focuses his speeches mostly on everyday life and explains how to practice spirituality in the modern world. Swami also organizes meetings in France with question-answer sessions, he grants interviews, he teaches simplified rituals and gives prayers to all those who wish to transform themselves through Sadhana.
SATSANGS WITH SWAMI AJAY
WORK IN EUROPE
“Here, we are in European countries. You're not used to this teaching, so we organize fairly simple things. These activities do help people with their own spiritual evolution and are also made for the transformation of their family: how to plan, and Love… so much love. So, I started to organize this type of events which would not disturb the local culture and their lifestyle. Just trying to give spirituality a nice accessible form… our idea is to do something in Europe to help people continue their life, and mostly to stabilize their daily life. To encourage them, to help them transform themselves internally. We came here to perform rituals that can give more energy… to have more understanding, more compassion, because there is everything here, materially speaking. But what is missing here is Love.
We need someone that would come, yes, but not just to talk! Not just to lecture. It's too easy! you have to give them your time... to be honest. Listen to their problems. Let them eliminate all their problems. Let them SPEAK… But for that, one needs the patience to listen to them. And without listening to them, it's really difficult to help them. Even when we do the Yagyas, I can't say that it will help or relieve everyone... But we have to give them all of our time because that's what they actually need. You have to sacrifice yourself for them.
What they need is not just rituals. They really need you to talk to them. They expect something from you...
What are they waiting for ?
Love.
So many conferences take place in Europe. It's good ! They learn something. But they need someone who can be an example of the teachings, of the speeches. They also need an example that represents what was said in this conference. They need someone to BE with them…to help them, step by step. To eliminate their problems. We cannot solve all the problems, but we can give good advices, tips, which Bhagawan has already given us.
We can teach the right lessons. One has to work very hard to create that love and then give it to them selflessly. Because what they need is love. And it is not an easy task... It's not an easy thing to do. But with Swami's divine blessing, we asked him to help us and he helped us to do all these activities.
It's still not enough though, we need to do more and more ! We are not only thinking of the population but even of the leaders of these countries. ”
- excerpt from an interview in London, 2011
THE ESSENCE OF THE MESSAGE
Many times, when I went to the supermarket in France, I saw that they sell sugar from Mauritius but they gave it another name. However, we cannot say: “this sugar comes from France. » ... the name is in French but the sugar stll comes from Mauritius. It's normal, it's logical. We adapt. Unfortunately, we deviate, we drift, we appropriate and we divide.
The same goes for Faith : Faith is just God. He looks at purity of the heart, not at the external.
For example, when you go to Belgium there are a lot of people with beliefs other than Hinduism who are there. Especially Catholics. People are not forced to practice sanskrit mantras: we tell them to practice their personal prayers, we encourage them to continue to pray the Virgin Mary. Because, what does God listen to ? The faith that you have in him. Even if someone does not know a mantra and does not know how to pray, if he has Faith then it is enough to communicate with God. Because God doesn't know languages. Mantras, Yantras, Tantras… yes, they are useful, but God knows how much love you have for him. That's what really counts.
The bond… what is the relationship and the bond between you and him?
This is the most important thing in all that exists on this Earth. ”