Fourth gate-keeper to liberation:Satsanga

Sage Vasishtha:

Satsanga (company of the wise, holy and enlightened persons) is yet another gate-keeper to liberation. Satsanga enlarges ones's intelligence, destroys one's ignorance and one's psychological distress. Whatever be the cost, however difficult it may be, whatever obstacles may stand in its way, satsanga should ne'er be neglected. For, satsanga alone is one's light on the path of life. Satsanga is indeed superior to all other forms of religious practices like charity, austerity, pilgrimage and the performance of religious rites.

One should by every means in one's power adore and serve the holy men who have realised the truth and in whose heart the darkness of ignorance has been dispelled. They who, on the other hand, treat such holy men disrespectfully, surely invite great suffering.

These four - contentment, satsanga, the spirit of enquiry and self-control - are the four surest means by which they who are drowning in this ocean of samsara can be saved. Contentment is the supreme gain. Satsanga is the greatest wisdom. And, self-control is the supreme happiness. If you are unable to resort to all these four, then practice one: by the diligent practice one of these, the others will also be found in you. The highest wisdom will seek you of its own accord. Until you tame the wild elephant of your mind with the help of these noble qualities, you cannot have progress towards the supreme, even if you become a god, demi-god or a tree. Therefore, O Rama, strive by all means to cultivate these noble qualities.