Satsangatve Nissangatvam — Word-by-Word Meaning
सत्सङ्गत्वे निस्सङ्गत्वम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सत्सङ्गत्वे
Satsangatve
Through the company of the good/holy (satsang)
निस्सङ्गत्वं
Nissangatvam
Non-attachment, freedom from clinging
निर्मोहत्वम्
Nirmohatvam
Freedom from delusion (moha)
निश्चलतत्त्वं
Nishchala-tattvam
The changeless/steady Truth (the unwavering Reality)
जीवन्मुक्तिः
Jivanmuktih
Liberation while still living (in this very body)
सत्
Sat
The good, the true, the real; holy beings
सङ्ग
Sanga
Company, association, attachment
मोह
Moha
Delusion, infatuation, confusion
निश्चल
Nishchala
Unmoving, steady, changeless
तत्त्व
Tattva
Truth, essential reality, the Self
Complete Translation
From the company of the good (satsang) comes non-attachment; from non-attachment comes freedom from delusion; from freedom from delusion comes the changeless Truth; and from the changeless Truth comes liberation-in-life (jivanmukti).
Origin & History
Source: Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara), verse on satsang and liberation
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: 8th century CE (circa 788-820)
This verse is part of Adi Shankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam, sung in Varanasi to awaken the soul from delusion. Having warned against worldly attachment, Shankaracharya here offers the constructive path in a single elegant chain: holy company gives rise to detachment, detachment to the dispelling of delusion, that to the realization of the unchanging Self, and that realization to liberation in this very life. The verse has become a classic statement on the indispensable role of satsang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Satsangatve Nissangatvam' mean?▼
It means 'From satsang (the company of the good) comes non-attachment.' The verse then continues the chain: non-attachment leads to freedom from delusion, that to the changeless Truth, and that to liberation while living (jivanmukti).
What is 'Jivanmukti' mentioned in this verse?▼
Jivanmukti means 'liberation while still living' — the state of one who, having realized the changeless Truth, is free even while embodied. It is the culmination of the spiritual ladder this verse describes.
Why is satsang the starting point?▼
Adi Shankaracharya places satsang (holy company) first because association with the wise naturally loosens worldly attachment. From there, each step follows: detachment dispels delusion, which reveals the eternal Truth, which grants liberation. Satsang is the seed of the whole journey.
Where is this verse from?▼
It is from Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara) by Adi Shankaracharya, composed in the 8th century CE. It is one of the hymn's most quoted verses, often recited to praise the power of satsang.
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