Holy Company Is the Chief Means of Love
Narada teaches that association with saints and lovers of God (satsang) is the surest way to awaken divine love in the heart.
Supreme love is attained chiefly through the grace of great souls and the company of the holy (Narada Bhakti Sutra 36-38). Narada holds satsang to be the most powerful and reliable means available to the aspirant, for love is contagious and is kindled most readily in the presence of those already aflame. The heart, by nature, takes on the coloring of its surroundings; constant association with the worldly draws it outward, while association with lovers of God draws it homeward. This is why every devotional tradition emphasizes gathering with fellow seekers. The teaching offers a practical method: place yourself near love, and love will grow. We become like those whose company we keep.
But it is attained chiefly through the grace of great souls and holy company.
The emphasis on transformative community reflects a plain reality: attitudes, habits, and even emotions spread powerfully through close association, which is why the tradition prescribes holy company.
Narada Bhakti Sutras
Written about in
- What the Narada Bhakti Sutras say about friendship
Satsang is named the chief means by which love is kindled, on the argument that love is contagious and the heart takes the colour of its surroundings. The practical form of the teaching is blunt: put yourself near love, and love grows.