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ASSOCIATION WITH THE WISE (Satsamagama)
PART IV : 43
of the saints is necessary for those who have more leisure or greater ardency for propitiation. Following this method of Satsamagama, a common sadhaka, too, can achieve immense benefit in daily routine of his life.
At well planned periodical intervals, intensive Satsamagama should be resorted to. For this purpose, one should retire to some secluded hermitage or gurukula and remain in obedience of an enlightened noble preceptor. Various schedules of Sadhana which lead to God-head are available in such places from early morning to late night. One has to take part in these various sadhana-schedules as per his capacity and aptitude. With a concentrated mind, one should actively participate in reflection about the nature of substances; practice of silence; devotion to the Lord; sessions of meditation, question-answers and similar dialogues; praising and reciting the glory of the Lord; reading, writing, remembering and hearing of the scriptures; etc. By these various means one makes head-way on the path of Sadhana.
Process of Satsamagama :
(1) One should firmly decide "I desire to progress on the path of bliss of the soul."
(2) One should proceed for Satsamagama, leaving behind himself the pride of knowledge, wealth, power, austerity, renunciation etc. (3) Taking simple and wholesome food, observing the rule of not telling lies and remaining contented in whatever facilities are available all these should be practised.
(4) A really friendly and compromising attitude towards one and all, exceedingly noble and devotional behaviour towards the saints and the virtuous, along with abondonment of futile criticism, jealousy and controversial debates - all these practices are beneficial in Satsamagama.
(5) Limited sleep as well as limited and purposeful conversation with others; regular presence in religious discourses and study sessions; making notes during self-study and giving these to the more learned for correction; joining in mass prayers and
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