II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

साधुन के सत संग से, थर थर कांपै देह I
कबहु भाव-कुभाव तें, मन मिट जाय सनेह II

The aroma of Sandalwood is so sublime that the lowly trees growing near Sandalwood also become fragrant just like it. Any lowly metal that comes in contact with the philosopher’s touch stone (Paaras) is transformed into gold. Thus, in essence, whatever comes into contact with both Sandalwood and Paaras is uplifted. The Paaras Stone transforms a piece of worthless iron into gold, and an ordinary wood becomes fragrant by Sandalwood.

Similarly in the Holy company of the Enlightened Being , a lowly conditioned being is transformed into Divine Consciousness. The subtle thoughts that persistently surge forth and create disturbances and make an indelible effect on the mind are imperceptible. However, the one who is Spiritually Wise can perceive the predominance of such thoughts. Hence it seems imperative that the key to free ourselves from the effects of Maya (illusion) lies in  attaining the Spiritual Wisdom.
The Sat (Truth) is within us. It is the Self. However, with the rise of false ego-sense, we begin to identify it with "I am this body" idea and see the material world (Maya). In the process, the Self becomes obscured. This confounding of the Self with the body is duality. Till the Self is not understood to be the Sat (Truth), we need external association of those who have experienced and understood it. It's Sat-Sang or company of True and Spiritually Wise, the most sublime of all worldly contacts.
We live in very troubled times. The world is gripped with fear and doubt. The future is unpredictable and there is pain and anguish among all; no peace can be found. People are unhappy about their situation and they find that they are unable to change this situation. There is too much violence in the world; many wars are going on all the time; there is acute friction among communities; inflation is too high; survival is just too difficult; one has to be on guard at all times; and the stress is overwhelming. Only by turning inwards can one steady this trembling mind and what better way to attain it than keeping the company of the Spiritually Wise who gives confidence and trust and fear, sorrow and doubt are dispelled.

"Kabir says, a person of ill doings is most afraid to face a Saintly Being, for it is not him but the evil in him that trembles with fear when he faces the Saintly Being. By keeping the company of the Spiritually Wise, one's negativity and sins are dispelled and love for the divine blossoms, for love is God and God is love."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II