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contentment
and
thoughtfulness (reflection), association with saints.
Sant Tulsidas Ji sings in the praise of satsang:
Without the association of great saints, there is neither discourse of the Divine nor the understanding of the scriptures. Without these two, selfish attachment does not loosen its grip. And without dispelling attachment to the world one cannot attain the realm of the Divine and the true devotion that is essential to realize the Divine.
Further, he says:
Wisdom, fame, supreme salvation, attainment of all powers and kindliness are all realized by the power of satsang. No other means are prescribed in the Vedas to attain these.
Sant Kabir Sahab elaborates on the purpose of satsang:
Discord and delusion can be removed by the power of the association of saints. For those who associate with saints, suffering dissolves and they will remain immersed in joy.
Joy arises from noble company and pain arises from association with the wicked, says Kabir, go to a place where saints dwell and their association is possible.
A great woman saint, Sahjo Bai, has also said:
Whoever comes to satsang is released from the confinements of individual caste, status and color. Even the flow of dirty water, upon reaching the holy River Ganga, becomes Ganga (loses its impurity and comes to be known as the holy river).
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