Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 35

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message
that knowledge alive in one's own conscience. Satsang is an important element of the path to liberation.
All great revolutionary spiritual leaders have interpreted and analysed the path for spiritual ascent in their own way and expressed it accordingly for the benefit of the world at large. Similarly, Shrimad described satsang as the holy river that is the source of true happiness and an integral part of spiritual development.
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In this respect, Shrimad first explained the difference between satsang and kusang - worthy and unworthy company. Our mind creates various forms of associations to suit the occupations it wants to pursue. At times, it seeks pleasure in music and other forms of entertainment and at other times, it seeks pleasure in delicious food and so on. The mind's demands tend to be uncontrolled fantasies. Shrimad states that such materialistic pleasures are clearly nothing but kusang and definitely not satsang. To attain satsang, an aspirant must have a keen desire for liberation and experiencing the soul and not merely a curiosity or a desire for religious knowledge. Souls absorbed in materialistic pleasures may find that satsang which is devoid of true devotion is enjoyable, pleasant and joyous. However, Shrimad warns that this is not satsang but kusang despite its appearances. Such kusang will arouse passions and negative emotions in a person, leading one down the path of sectarianism and eventually to deep sorrow. Pre-conceived notions, dogmatism, hubris, laziness and sensual desires are the major obstacles to satsang. Shrimad Rajchandra described how his detachment from material life grew as he progressed in his spiritual development. He noted, "The true happiness in life is not in attachments, but in detachment". A person's behavior should be driven by such detachment. If one