Satsang perceived as something external is also mAyA.

Satsang perceived as something external is also mAyA. Sat is always there. It is Eternal. Sang is association or attachment. True purpose of satsang is to lead to nissangatvam, or non-attachment.

In this sense, the purpose of satsang is just like the great poet KAlidAs cutting the branch that he was sitting on. Association with the wise leads to the desire for non-association with the world.

And yet, when Realization is complete it is seen that external Satsang is also the Self. It is only the dRShti, or vision that changes.

Therefore, for the sAdhaka desirous of Liberation, of all associations, satsang is the best association to cultivate.