Welcome to Hindu Satsang’s website
Hindu Satsang is a non-profit organization run by very hard working, passionate and motivated volunteers. Anyone who believes in Hinduism is welcome to join us - there are no membership forms to fill or fees involved. We are always striving to find new ways to communicate with our current and prospective members. This web site, our Facebook page and our monthly newsletter allow us to reach our members and keep them updated about our past and upcoming events. Please use this site to access the information you need about the Hindu Satsang and as a resource for broadening your faith and understanding the rich cultural heritage of India.
We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have. Hindu Satsang is a family of close-knit, harmonious and a like-minded community living far far away from their extended families back in their home country.
What is Hindu Satsang?
Satsang is a word which comes from Sanskrit, meaning “to associate with true/good people”. In a Satsang, one develops a feeling of closeness towards other seekers. Unlike worldly relationships, the focal point of seeker’s relationship with another seeker is spiritual growth. Accordingly, there is less expectation and more attention towards helping each other and learning from each other. Satsangs become a platform to nurture and develop such kind of positive relationships. By attending Satsang regularly, we become stronger in our spiritual practice. As a result, we also become stronger in our conviction that we should realize God which is the main spiritual purpose of life.
History of our Hindu Satsang organization
The Hindu Satsang Congregation was formed for religious, cultural and educational enrichment of the Hindu Community in 1978. Any individual believing in Hinduism can become a member of this organization and participate in all the activities – there are no membership fees. Hindu Satsang first started to meet at a Park District Hall in Oak Park until the meetings moved to Lombard Commons. In 1987, the Hindu Satsang meetings moved to The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, since then we have been meeting on every 4th Sunday of the month.
Satsang Congregations
On the 4th Sunday of each month, Hindu Satsang members attend the Satsang, singing bhajan and kirtans. There are special guests invited to sing and speak on numerous topics to enrich the Hindu community from the physical world to the spiritual world, from yoga to meditation, from mind to body to soul. Each topic is so enlightening, and each song is so soothing and blissful that one can easily lose themselves in the love of God and forget about everything else. This spirit of Hindu Satsang binds people together, many of the members have been members of this organization for decades. At the end of Satsang, there is Arti and Bhog, followed by Prasad (lunch) provided by the host families. Click here for congregation details.
Beyond Congregations
Hindu Satsang has shaped the lives of many youths of all ages in the Chicagoland area. There is an environment of caring and love for each other that forms a strong bond amongst the members and reflects in their respective communities. Over the years Hindu Satsang has been involved in many religious and cultural programs held at various locations. To name a few of the activities: Garba, State Fair in Springfield, Greeshma Mela at the HTGC, Food and fun stalls at Navy Pier, August 15th India’s Independence Day Parade in Chicago and Naperville, Holi, Janmashtami, Diwali, Ramlila at HTGC, collaboration with the International Ramayana Institute Of North America (IRINA), Annual picnic, Mother’s day picnic and Children’s Talent Show also known as Youth Program. Click here for a list of all the events.
Education and Sunday School
A distinguishing factor of this organization from others is the focus on education. Apart from the monthly meetings focused educating all, Hindu Satsang has sponsored a Youth Education program called the Hindu Satsang Sunday School, which meets on all Sundays except 4th Sunday and holidays at the 95th Street Naperville Public Library. Earlier classes were held at member homes and later at the College of DuPage. At present about 35 students of from the ages 7 to 18 who learn Hindi Language, Geography, History, and culture of India along with the various aspects of Hindu Religion like the Ramayan, Mahabharat, etc. Students also get an opportunity to win many scholarships. Click here for more details.
Board Members
Finally, a committee is selected each year to attend to all aspects and allows a smooth functioning and transition from one year to the other. You can see all current board members on the Contact page. It is amazing that so many people have served this committee over the years and this organization has also groomed them as leaders in return. A newsletter is published each month to summarize the events of the past month, and information about the upcoming events, articles from members on various relevant topics, recognizing birthdays & anniversaries and other important topics of communication.