Importance of Sangat: Difference between revisions

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* "His sorrows are dispelled…" (p1218)
* "His sorrows are dispelled…" (p1218)


==See Also==
* [[Sangat]]
==External links==
* [http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1159 allaboutsikhs.com]
* [http://www.gurmat.info/sms/smsarticles/essaysonsikhvalues/congregation/ Sikh Missionary Society U.K.]
* [http://naam-jor.blogspot.com/2006/09/sadh-sangat-ransbhai-kirtan.html Naam Jor Blog]
* [http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/news62.htm Sikh Spirit]
{{Sikhism}}
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[[Category:Bani]]
[[Category:Bani]]
[[Category:Guidance]]
[[Category:Guidance]]

Revision as of 20:52, 20 October 2007

"Sangat" is congregation. "Sadh" is saint. "Sat" is true.

All these three words refer to a gathering of, or a meeting with, God-oriented people. The company may come together to say prayers to God, sing kirtan, listen to kathas or discuss spirituality and religious matters. They may meet in a Gurdwaras, the Sikh place of worship, or at home, or anywhere else. Most commonly sangat would gathers in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib - the Sikh Holy Book. Wherever people gather to sing the praise of the Lord, or to talk about Him, they are referred to as "Sat Sangat" or "Sadh Sangat" – "holy gathering". Sangat is any gathering, but within the field of a religious faith, it refers to a true, wise or holy gathering.

Man is known by the company (or sangat) that he keeps. Man is the result of his environment. So the company that one keeps is a great force and it plays a big role in shaping the person. Those who live in the company of thieves, robbers and evil persons, acquire evil ways of life and are bound to become thieves, robbers, etc. Those who keep the company of saintly people are shaped in the saintly mould and destined to follow the path of spirituality.

In the presence of the sangat the novice receives the Guru's instructions and acquires the qualities of the Sadh Sangat through the Bani (word) recited from the Holy Granth. Like children consciously and unconsciously imitating their parents, the Sikhs become imitators of their masters, the ideal human being and acquire some of their positive traits.

The Guru tells us that in the Sat Sangat is found "Satgur chatsal" or Satguru's school. It is in this school of the holy congregation that the "har gun" or "virtues of the Lord" are learnt by the Sikh or "student of spirituality" thus:

"ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗ੝ਰ ਚਟਸਾਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਤ੝ ਹਰਿ ਗ੝ਣ ਸਿਖਾ ॥ Saṯsangaṯ saṯgur cẖatsĝl hai jiṯ har guṇ sikẖĝ. The Sat Sangat is the school of the soul, where the Glorious Virtues of the Lord are studied." (SGGS p 1316)

It is clear that the Sat Sangat is a training ground for the Sikh and that it is here that the guidance is found for the beginner. As on learns the rules of spirituality, then you come to a position where you can teach others. In this way the newcomers become the new teachers and the teachers become grand-masters or brahmgyanis and provide spiritual direction for humanity.


How does one find Sangat?

In Kaljug, it is difficult to find good company let alone Sat Sangat. So how does one find this "good holy company" and how does one recognise the company that you have found as Sadh Sangat ie. How do know that the company that you have found is true and holy? This answer to the first part is not easy. However, the second part has been answered by the Guru thus:

"ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਝ ॥ Saṯsangaṯ kaisī jĝṇī­ai. How is the Sat Sangat known?

ਜਿਥੈ ਝਕੋ ਨਾਮ੝ ਵਖਾਣੀਝ ॥ Jithai ėko nĝm vakẖĝṇī­ai. Sat Sangat is where the Name of the One Lord is recited." (SGGS p 72)

Sat Sangat is where the Name of the One Lord is recited. If you go to a gathering and all you find is discussions, arguments and socialising, then that is not "Sat Sangat" – turn around and leave. In the Sat Sangat, the true name of the Lord will be chanted or sang or discussed!

Benefits of Sangat?

The Sikh Holy Scripture refers to the many benefits of keeping good company. Many hundreds of shabads in the Guru Granth Sahib are devoted to this facet of human life. The Guru has advised the Sikh in great details on this matter, which is of great significance to a person's life and well being. These numerous shabads can be grouped into various categories as follows:

One becomes Pure

In many places in Gurbani, the Guru tells us that by keeping company of Sadh Sangat, ones negativity and sins are dispelled and one become pure and more aligned with the Guru.

"ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਕਟੀਝ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸ ॥ Sĝḝẖsangaṯ ho­ė nirmalĝ katī­ai jam kī fĝs. In the Saadh Sangat, you shall become absolutely pure, and the noose of death shall be cut away." (SGGS p 44)

The Guru tells us that when we keep company of the holy Sangat and sing his praises then,

  • one becomes "…immaculate and pure" (p45) ; "…very pure and sacred" (p392) "…becomes spotlessly pure" (p747)
  • "….the Lord Himself will take care" of you (p45)
  • the "noose of death shall be cut away"; (p44)
  • your lifestyle will become "pure and true" (p431);
  • "….even a sinner …will become pure". (p631)
  • "….you shall not come to be reincarnated again". (p1220)

Fear and doubt depart

In this day and age, the world is gripped with fear and doubt. One does not know which way to turn and what is around the next corner. Everyone is looking for happiness and peace. This cannot be found in materialist items. Levels of stress are increasing by the day and illness and disease is on the rise. Only by turning inwards can one steady this trembling mind. The Guru tells us that peace can only be found by meditating on the Lord that: "… meditate on the True Lord, my foolish mind. Only then shall you find peace" (p1176).

In the company of the Sadh Sangat one gains confidence and trust and fear, sorrow and doubt are dispelled. The Guru tells us:

"ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਭੈ ਭਰਮ ਮਿਟਾਇਆ ॥੩॥ Sĝḝẖsang bẖai bẖaram mitĝ­i­ĝ. ॥3॥ In the Saadh Sangat, fear and doubt depart.॥3॥" (SGGS p 193)

In this Shabad, the Guru tells us to keep company with Sadh Sangat so that our worries, fear and doubt disappear. This is further reinforced and expanded in other similar shabads where Guru adds that by joining with the Sadh Sangat…

  • "My fear of birth and death has been abolished …" (p207)
  • "… all your relations shall be saved" (p461)
  • "… the fear of death departs." (p598)
  • "… the fear of reincarnation is gone" (p899)
  • "…my pains have been taken away" (p899)
  • "…and then one is not afflicted by deadly pain." (p1085)
  • "His sorrows are dispelled…" (p1218)

See Also


External links

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