Satsang is Atma-sang

From Sri Annamalai Swami's Diary Extracts

Q: What is satsang?

Ramana Maharshi: Satsang means only Atma sang (association with the Self). Only those who cannot practise that are to practise being in the company of realized beings or sadhus.

Q: When does one get the company of sadhu?

M: The opportunity to be in the company of a Sadguru comes effortless to those who have performed worship of God, japa, tapas, pilgrimages etc. for long periods in their previous births. There is a verse by Thayumanavar which points out the same thing. 'O Lord of the first and the last, those who properly start the worship of idols, holy places and sacred waters will meet the sadguru who will tell them the words of truth.'

Only he who has done plenty of nishkamya karmas (actions performed without any thought of a reward or consequences) in previous births will get abundant faith in the Guru. Having faith in the Guru's words, such a man will follow the path and reach the goal of liberation.

Q: We are living in a place where there is no sadhu. What can we do? We cannot have the darshan of sadhus every day.

M: What to do? Pictures, names of God and poojas have been formed for this purpose. Only those who have attained the grace of Ishwara will get the grace of the Guru. Only through the grace of the Guru can one attain the grace of the Self which is within. That alone is moksha or liberation.