Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.Search & Read
Three Random Satsangs
ShiningWorld Reader
Hidden Bhakti
Aylisa: Hello, Sundari. Thank you for taking time to consider my question. I realize that you are continually buried in a landslide of email inquiries, so I really appreciate your time and attention. And this one is kind of a softball, so to speak.
Below is my recent correspondence with Annette in California. It’s little consolation that she was stumped too. I’m hoping you can supply the missing adjective, which conveys the modest and discreet quality of devotion, held within oneself. The (missing) word itself isn’t so important but the condition it describes is intrinsic to those of us who find ourselves as undercover Vedanta agents.
Thank you so much to you both for all that you do. “Gratitude” is hardly sufficient – my indebtedness as a jiva to this teaching is kind of overwhelming. Hopefully, Isvara will supply some way to give back at some point. Meanwhile I remain your grateful adherent.
~ Best regards
Sundari: Hello, Aylisa. The term for “hidden bhakti” is upamsu bhakti, the kind of bhakti where one does show devotion publicly for whatever reason. The Ramayana is one of the classic texts of Bhakti Marga, the literature of the bhaktas. So is Srimad Bhagavatam, Naradi Bhakti Sutras (The Logic of Devotion) and also the Puranas.
I hope this helps!
~ Namaste, Sundari