Ramana Maharshi on Satsang, proximity with Guru

Ramana Maharshi on Satsang, proximity with Guru

Question : You say that association with the wise [sat-sanga] and service of them is required of the disciple.
Ramana Maharshi : Yes, the first really means association with the unmanifest sat or absolute existence, but as very few can do that, they have to take second best which is association with the manifest sat, that is, the Guru. Association with sages should be made because thoughts are so persistent. The sage has already overcome the mind and remains in peace.

Being in his proximity helps to bring about this condition in others, otherwise there is no meaning in seeking his company. The Guru provides the needed strength for this, unseen by others. Service is primarily to abide in the Self, but it also includes making the Guru's body comfortable and looking after his place of abode. Contact with the Guru is also necessary, but this means spiritual contact. If the disciple finds the Guru internally, then it does not matter where he goes. Staying here or elsewhere must be understood to be the same and to have the same effect.

Q: My profession requires me to stay near my place of work. I cannot remain in the vicinity of sadhus. Can I have realization even in the absence of sat-sanga?
Ramana Maharshi : Sat is aham pratyaya saram, the Self of selves. The sadhu is that Self of selves. He is immanent in all. Can anyone remain without the Self ? No. So no one is away from sat-sanga.

Q: Is proximity to the Guru helpful?
Ramana Maharshi : Do you mean physical proximity? What is the good of it? The mind alone matters. The mind must be contacted. Sat-sanga will make the mind sink into the Heart.
Such association is both mental and physical. The extremely visible being of the Guru pushes the mind inward. He is also in the Heart of the seeker and so he draws the latter's inward-bent mind into the Heart.

Q: All that I want to know is whether sat-sanga is necessary and whether my coming here will help me or not.
Ramana Maharshi : First you must decide what is sat-sanga. It means association with sat or reality. One who knows or has realized sat is also regarded as sat. Such association with sat or with one who knows sat is absolutely necessary for all. Sankara has said that in all the three worlds there is no boat like sat-sanga to carry one safely across the ocean of births and deaths.
Sat-sanga means sanga [association] with sat. Sat is only the Self. Since the Self is not now understood to be sat, the company of the sage who has thus understood it is sought. That is satsanga. Introversion results. Then sat is revealed.