However, it can also involve email exchanges or a study group, with adhikaris (qualified students) among themselves. In the latter case, it is helpful if an authority figure in the field of ‘true knowledge’ is involved.

The deeper, implied (lakṣyārtha) meaning of the word satsaṅga is ‘to be attached to,’ from the Sanskrit seed form sañj, meaning to cling, to adhere.

Now comes the wonderful nuance. In principle, we want to be non-attached, as Sankara powerfully sings in his ode to truth in the form of his “graceful garland of verses” (Brahma jñāna vālī mālā):

asaṅgo’hamasaṅgo’hamasaṅgo’ham punaḥ punaḥ
Non-attached I am, non-attached I am, non-attached I am again and again.

saccidānandarūpo’ham ahamevāhamavyayaḥ
My nature is existence, consciousness, bliss. I am the self, imperishable!

The operative word here is asaṅgaḥ (asaṅga, genitive), non-attachment. What does one want to be non-attached from? From the states, objects of mind, body, and world.

What, then, is satsaṅga really supposed to mean? I am attached to actual existence (sat) itself. Truth adheres to me, which of course means nothing other than: “I coincide with existence (sat).”