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SATSANGATWE NISSANGATWAM
NISSANGTAWE NIRMOHATWAM
NIRMOHATWE NISCHALTATWAM
NISCHALTATWE JIVANMUKTIH (Verse 9)

"From keeping good company, detachment follows as a consequence. From acquiring detachment, removal of all illusory relationships follows as a consequence. From removal of all relationships, steadiness of mind follows as a consequence. From the steadiness of mind, liberation of the Jiva follows as a consequence."

Shankara was in the position of a teacher for the entire world and he propagated many ideals amongst the people. Amongst them, was the concept of Non-dualism or the philosophy of ADVAITA, is an important one. Along with his disciples, he taught these things, traveled all over the country, stressed the importance of the aspect of the Àtmà

And explained to people the nature of Paramàtma or God. He stressed the importance of having Satsang or spending your time in good company. He taught that for one's liberation, satsang or good company was an important step and even first step.

When we make an enquiry as to what the word satsang means, we will come to interpret it by saying that it is friendship with good people. We again have to as the question what the word good means. Although in answering this question, Shankara gave many examples, and one is reminded in this context of the very skilful elucidation given by the poet Vemana. In defining good man, Vemana said: that the individual who suffers if he is hungry, who harbours evil, who is burning with anger and who indulges in promoting intrigue may be said to be s bad man. All others are good people. That, man should spend his energy to relieve his hunger has been looked upon with ridicule by the poet Vemana. He draws attention to the fact that even animals and birds do not spend so much effort and time to get relief when they are hungry. When that was so, how is it that man, who is superior to the animals and birds, spends so much time and effort in search of his food. Who provides the food for the birds in the forest? Who feeds the animals in the forest when they are hungry? Who gives water to the trees that thrive in the forest? God, who finds the food for the frog that is trapped between a pair of large stones, will certainly provide food for the human beings, who are so close to Him. Under such circumstances, it is not right that man should hanker after food. On the other hand he should go after realization of the truth and develop faith in God. When our fellowmen are in difficulty, we should go to their help to the best of our ability. You should feel that there is no difference between man and man. You should establish the oneness of humanity and realize the relationship that exists between one human being and another. You should realize that it is the spirit of Àtmà that runs through the entire range of human beings.

This alone will enable you to reach the ideal of "Brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of God.

Today we are using words like brothers and so on in a meaningless way and as mere words. We are not giving any value to either the bodily relationship or the mental relationship that signifies brotherhood. It is only when we can rise above these temporary relationships of the body and of the mind, and get into the aspect of Divinity that we can understand the true meaning of brotherhood. It is only then that we can realize that it is the same Divine Principle that exists in all of us. We should make an effort to realize such truth. It is for recognizing such a truth that this kind of a good company is essential.

You may ask what is the benefit that we shall get out of such good company. Man's good as well bad features receive their final shape when he mixes with other members of the society. Take the example of the dust that settles on the surface of the earth. Although such dust does not have wings and cannot fly away by itself, by acquiring the good company of wind, it can get off the earth. The same dust settles down and cannot move upwards, if it acquires association with water. Iron, which is hard, black and dull, becomes soft, red and shining when it makes friendship with fire. The same iron acquires a lot of rust and loses all its strength when it makes friendship with dirt and moisture. All these modifications are coming because of association with others in the environment. It is generally not possible for anything to change or transform by itself, without the help of external associations.

Sacred students, this is the appropriate age for you to lead sacred life and put yourself in the company of good people. During this age, you will be able to develop good ideas and good conduct and you should make a firm determination to do so. At this important point of your life, you should dedicate yourself to the service of your country and to the service of your parents.