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8/3/2019 Satsang 5 Benefits of Chanting
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Satsang5
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Meaning of Satsang
Satsang= Sat + Sang
Satsangrefers to company of God or an environment favourable toexperience the company of God
Absolute Truth Company
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10
Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhanaand sevafor the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10
Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Chanting
The foundation of spiritual practice in the current era
Chanting simply means repetition of the Name of God.
It is the recommended foundation of spiritual practice in the current era.
Chant the name of God according to religion of your birth - We are born into
that religion which is most conducive to begin our spiritual practice.
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Prayers can be along the lines of:
Lord please help me to imbibe maximum from this satsang so
that I may grow spiritually.
Please insulate me from any negative energy that can affect my
ability to comprehend and imbibe spiritual knowledge
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Chanting according to religion of birth
Buddhist Om Manipadme hum, Namo Buddhaya
Christian Roman Catholic: Hail Mary
Anglican and other Christian denominations: Hail Jesus
The family deitys Name or if one does not know the family deity thenone needs to chant Sree Kuldevtayai namahaa.
Method of repeating (chanting) the family deitys Name: Sree should
prefix the Name of the family deity, the Name that follows should be
in dative case (chaturthi pratyay) and should conclude withnamahaa.
For instance, if the family deity is
> Ganesh then Sree Ganeshaya namahaa
> Bhavani, then Sree Bhavanimatayai namahaa or SreeBhavanidevyai namahaa
Hindu
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Chanting according to religion of birth
Islam Ya Allah, Allah hu Akbar, Rahim etc.
Jain Navakar Mantra (Om Namo Arihantanam)
Jehovah, Yahweh, Adonai or one of the many Names of God as per
Judaism
Jew
Sikh Vahe Guru, Shri Vahe Guru, Sukhmani Saheb, Japaji Saheb
Zoroastrian There are 101 Names. The seeker is asked to chant the Name
corresponding to the number obtained in meditation.
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Chanting according to religion of birth
Islam Ya Allah, Allah hu Akbar, Rahim etc.
Jain Navakar Mantra (Om Namo Arihantanam)
Jehovah, Yahweh, Adonai or one of the many Names of God as per
Judaism
Jew
Sikh Vahe Guru, Shri Vahe Guru, Sukhmani Saheb, Japaji Saheb
Zoroastrian There are 101 Names. The seeker is asked to chant the Name
corresponding to the number obtained in meditation.
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Some tips on Chanting
Any time and any place
Increase quantity of chanting Be regular with your chanting
Chant in whichever way
you are comfortable with
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences (as per level) 10
Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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About us - Aim
The aim of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) and the objectives of
this website
1. To educate humanity on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our
lives.
2. To provide people with tools for: Knowledge: Understanding the spiritual dimension.
Experience: Experiencing the spiritual dimension.
Problem Solving: Understanding and overcoming problems where
the root cause is spiritual in nature. Happiness: Achieving everlasting happiness.
Having said this, SSRF gives prior ity to guiding seekers with intense desire for God-
realisation rather than just creating curiosity in the minds of millions about the unknownsubtle realm.
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Introducing ourselves and getting to know each other
Tell us about yourself:
Name Your current spiritual practice
One thing that you want on your spiritual journey
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10
Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Benefits of chantingBenefits of chanting
Topic of discussion
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A quick recap from last satsang:
Chanting helps to purify ourmindby reducing the impressions and
establishing a Devotion centre
Mind = Feelings, emotions and desires
Impressions = Any repeated thought or action forms an impression,
example of a beaten track forming a pathway
Centre = Categories of impressions that are classified under centres such
as like and dislikes, temperament, give-and-take etc.
Topic of discussion Benefits of Chanting
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The effect of the spiri tual practice of chanting
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The effect of the spiri tual practice of chanting
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The effect of the spiri tual practice of chanting
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Special features of Chanting
Continuity in Spiritual practice can be accomplished best through
chanting.
Worldly talk increases the impressions in the sub-conscious mind. It
makes the speech spiritually impure. Hence chanting should be done
forpurification of the mind. The brilliance generated by chanting
the Name destroys the impurities of the mind
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As a therapy in psychiatric illnesses
Introversion and introspection
Developing a liking for chanting and purification of the sub-conscious mind
Reduction of impressions
Increase in concentration Physical benefits resulting from tranquility of the mind
Control over the 6 foes and reduction of worldly problems
Topic of Discussion Benefits of chanting
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Acts as a spiritual remedy
Internal purification and purification of speech Development of faith and devotion
Increase in merits and reduction in sins
Overcoming destiny and ancestral problems
Dissolution of ego
Benefits even after death
Topic of Discussion Benefits of chanting
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Clarification of doubts
Q. How can I overcome ill feelings/reactions that I have for certain people?1. Feelings or reactions are due to deep rooted impressions in our mind
based on give-and-take, reactions, our likes, dislikes, temperament, etc.
2. Consistent & regular spiritual practice such as chanting is the best way tobring about complete purification of the mind and permanently overcome
such reactions.
3. Make conscious efforts to reduce reactions by first increasing the
awareness of your thoughts. This can be done by regular monitoring of
ones chanting and noting why we react in those situations, how long the
reaction lasts, etc.
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Clarification of doubts
Q. How can I overcome ill feelings/reactions that I have for certain people?
Focus on spiritual practice rather than just trying to overcome ones
shortcomings.
Strengthen your spiritual practice with regular satsang of otherseekers if
available and if not, that of Holy books, spiritual texts and audio/video tapes,
etc. whilst making conscious efforts to overcome ill feelings. Gradually any
ill feelings will disappear automatically.
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Clarification of doubts
Due to the constant flow of thoughts, most of which are unnecessary, the mind is
constantly restless, thus depriving us of a peaceful state.
Majority of these thoughts stem from sub-conscious impressions.
For dissolution of all these impressions from the subconscious mind & in order to
attain peace, the aim should beto have only God's Name in our mind.
Spiritual practice of chanting reduces & ultimately eliminates the undesirable
impressions in the sub-conscious mind, effectively imparting peace of the mind.
Q. Can spiri tual practice help me to attain peace of mind? How?
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Narration of Spiritual experiences
Definition: An experience that is beyond the understanding of the five
senses, mind and intellect. Many ways - For example subtle smell.
Spiritual experiences are Gods way of encouraging us. Spiritual experiences enhance our faith.
Sharing spiritual experiences inspires others to do spiritual practice.
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Experiencing sandalwood fragrance without any external source
I had recently undergone intensive Ayurvedic treatment.
During the treatment I had not been able to speak to other
seekers & missed being in satsang. When I was feeling
slightly better, I switched on the computer and began to read a
few articles on the SSRF website. While reading the article on
the reason for difficulties in life, I had an immense feeling ofgratitude emerge within me. I thought that due to the Guru, we
had access to this spiritual knowledge, which equipped us to
understand and deal with difficult situations in life.
As I was feeling this immense gratitude, I began to get thefragrance of sandalwood and also could subtly taste it. There
was neither any incense burning at the time nor any other
cause for the fragrance. Almost immediately tears of spiritual
emotion welled up in my eyes and I experienced a superlative
form of happiness in me that lasted for almost half an hour.
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative)10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Spiritual view point on life issues
Obstacles mainly arise as the importance of spiritual practice is not completely
understood. Our personality defects are also responsible.
They can be overcome by regular spiritual practice, satsang and study whichhelp in building a firm conviction about Spirituality.
Till such conviction is built, use short-term measures to overcome
procrastination. For example
Plan to do only as much spiritual practice as can be reasonably completed and
maintained every day.
I often tend to procrastinate in my spiritual practice what can I do to overcome it?
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Spiritual view point on life issues
Try to increase it step wise once a certain minimum amount of spiritual practice is
done daily.
List a few key points that motivate to do spiritual practice &read them few times a
day at pre decided intervals, like on waking up, after meals, after returning home
from work, etc.
Just as we push ourself to do our daily duties like going to work, regardless ofobstacles like not feeling up to it physically or psychologically, we should push
ourself to do our daily spiritual practice.
I often tend to procrastinate in my spiritual practice what can I do to overcome it?
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Evaluation of spiri tual practice
Is it as per the basic principles?
Am I doing it on a daily basis?
Am I regular, consistent and honest?
Do I introspect?
Has there been any change in me or the way I deal with
situations in life?
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Evaluation of spiri tual practice How & what do i introspect?
Introspection should be done on a daily basis rather than a weekly or a
monthly basis.
Devote each day at least 10 minutes initially for introspectionand be honest.
Increase the introspection time step by step.
Points to introspect on what spiritual practice did I do today? for example chanting, reading holy texts etc.
Did I utilise my available time efficiently? for example - I had 2 hours of free
time but I used only 15 minutes of that for chanting. why?
Have I done something better than yesterday or last week with regards tomy spiritual practice if not what were the reasons? What am I going to do
overcome my obstacles?
Did I have any reactions today?
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Common mistake Not asking questions or clarifying doubts
Possible reasons thinking what will people think about me, shy nature etc.
Only the curious are deserving of Knowledge. Asking questions not only quells
our doubts, but also increases our curiosity/learning attitude &thus, expedites our
spiritual progress. Spiritual practice does not become smooth unless doubts are clarified.
Our questions not only benefit us in our individual spiritual practice, but also other
seekers or attendees benefit from the learning. It also encourages them to seekclarification on their doubts and participate more in the satsang.
One should note that one benefits maximum from asking spiritual practice-oriented
questions as opposed to worldly or intellectual questions.
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Topic Minutes Time mins
Prayer and chanting (chanting as per religion) 5
Introduction of new seekers and short summary of what we do 5
Theoretical discussion topic 20
Clarification of doubts 15
Narration of spiritual experiences 10Spiritual viewpoints on how a seeker deals with issues in life
(positive and negative) 10
Evaluation of spiritual practice (how much and any obstacles) 8
Discussion of mistakes made by seekers and learning from them 10
Planning of sadhana and seva for the next week 5
Gratitude 2
Total 90
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Planning for spiritual practice
Time available during the day
Time utilised for spiritual practice
Obstacles faced
Introspection of daily efforts
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Paying gratitude
Whenever one thinks about the self and / or the world, unconsciously
harbouring awareness of God or one of His forms and offering thecredit
for even this awareness to God, is termed as gratitude
Gratitude is a means of offering the doership of an act to God, hence it
helps in reducing the ego.
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Administrative Announcements
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