he Sangat (holy congregation) once asked Guru Har Rai Ji, “Guru Sahib Ji, could you please explain the meaning of Sangat?” Guru Sahib replied, “There are three forms of Akaal Purakh Vaheguru,

1. The Nirgun Saroop - the Formless Being,
2. The Sargun Saroop - the Form of the Formless, and 
3. The GurShabad - Shabad of the Guru- Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”

If ever the mind cannot focus or connect to the Nirgun Saroop of Vaheguru, then connect with GurShabad. But if while reading Gurbani, the mind runs around and still cannot focus, go into Satsangat (holy congregation). If in the Sangat the mind doesn't settle and keep quiet, then there are no other means. Being in Satsangat, all of our problems are solved.

One Sikh asked, “Guru Sahib, what is Satsangat? How do you recognize Satsangat?” Guru Sahib replied,

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਕੈਸੀ ਜਾਣੀਐ ॥

How is the Society of the Saints to be known?

ਜਿਥੈ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਣੀਐ ॥

There, the Name of the One Lord is chanted.

Guru Sahib here say that Satsangat is the baseline and the foundation to capturing the monkey-like mind.

In the Satsangat Our Challenges are Solved
If ever there is a challenge or trouble in life, Guru Sahib tells us to go into Satsangat, do an Ardaas with a focused mind, and the problem will be solved.

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Our Sins are Cleansed in the Satangat
If ever Vaheguru Ji is not pleased with us due to our actions, thoughts, or words,  Guru Sahib can help us get forgiveness. If Guru Sahib is also not happy with us, then only the Satsangat can do Benti (request) for forgiveness because even Guru Sahib cannot say no to the Satsangat.

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Satta and Balwand Ji, who were the Kirtanis of the Guru’s house, were also forgiven for their mistakes through the Benti of the Satsangat. Guru Sahib couldn't deny the request of the Sangat.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji did not accept the marriage proposal of Chandu Shah's daughter with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji due to the Sangat overhearing Chandu Shah badmouthing Guru Sahib. This way, Sangat did Ardaas to Guru Sahib to not accept the marriage, and Guru Sahib agreed to their request.

In Satsangat the Sleeping Mind Awakes

Guru Sahib says, in Satsangat the sleepy mind awakens. The sign of an awakened mind is that Gurbani, the GurShabad, becomes sweet to that person. Listening and singing Gurbani becomes their food.

ਮੇਰੇ ਮਾਧਉ ਜੀ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਸੁ ਤਰਿਆ ॥

O my Dear Lord of souls, one who joins the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, is saved.