Seven Reasons people go to Religious places

People go to their religious places for different reasons.

Here are some common reasons:

1.   Ritual:

Many people simply go to their ancestral or family religious places as a ritual, a part of their faith. 

They believe this is part of their religion. 

They simply go - sit for a while, and perform the rituals according to their tradition. 

For many people, this might be the reason to go to a Temple, Gurudwara, Church, or other religious places to perform certain rituals, Pooja, or some prayers that are required on certain days or a few times every day. 

In their opinion, this is their religious duty - a necessary requirement.

They think that is all they need to do and nothing else.

2.    Chanting

Many people like Chanting. 

Singing the devotional songs in a high pitch and fast rhythms collectively in a group setting creates an effect of intoxication. Hearing piercing music and singing loud keeps the mind away from other thoughts and worries. 

Most people feel momentarily happy and at peace in such environments. Therefore, they like to go to the Satsang places where singing, Keertan, and chantings are offered.

3.    Meditation

Meditation is an essential part of every religion. 

They may have different names for it - such as Sumiran, remembrance of God, being with God, being with oneself or silence in solitude, etc. 

They may have different methods - such as specific postures, a rosary or Tasbee, etc. 

But the end goal is the same - to still the mind and achieve peace. 

Some people like to meditate privately, and others like it in group settings. 

Some people may not have the right atmosphere in their homes because of noise or other distractions, so they like to go to places where they can find the right atmosphere. 

They may also need to learn how to do it, as well as some motivation by watching others.

Such people go to ‘Meditation groups and Satsangs’ to get motivation, the right environment, and to learn how to achieve peace.

4.      To please others:

Many children and teenagers go to these places simply to please their parents.

Some do it to please their spouse, relatives, or friends - To create and maintain a public image, or simply to make their boss or co-workers happy.

They have absolutely no interest in what is really going on at those places.

5.      Entertainment:

For some, going to a religious or spiritual seminar or a lecture session is more like fashion or entertainment. 

Many wealthy and well-off people attend some events as a fashion. 

They go to classical music concerts - or visit art galleries - just to show off to their friends that they are very traditional and sophisticated - even if they are not really interested in them.

Similarly, some people like to show off that they have attended the lectures or seminars of a famous spiritual teacher or leader.

And some people may go to listen to such lectures and seminars for entertainment purposes only. 

What could be better than spiritual entertainment? 

It would be like killing two birds with one stone - getting entertainment and being labeled as a Spiritual person.

6.   Socialization:

Some people think of such places as social gatherings and go there only to socialize - To meet their friends or try to make new friends and increase their social circle - Or to meet new people to find new clients to improve their business.

7.   To gain knowledge / To attain Gyaana:

Many people like to go to some religious places or Satsang to listen and learn something new. 

Most intellectuals fall in this category. 

In the past, some religious traditions in India used to hold lectures and debate sessions. 

Even these days, some individuals and organizations in every major religion and mission organize regular lecture seminars, teaching classes, and learning groups. Because of the higher literacy rate, most people want to learn more and enjoy listening to something new every time. 

The learned saints and scholars with good oratory skills attract huge gatherings during their lectures. 

There are so many good speakers who can keep their audiences spellbound for hours with their knowledge and oratory skills. They narrate impressive stories; even tell jokes to make people laugh. They are becoming more popular these days, which is why we see many new religious, spiritual, and new-era motivational speakers on TV and everywhere. So many people get hooked on their shows and even pay handsome amounts of money to see them in person.

But, most people (not all), who watch or attend these lectures, enjoy them momentarily and then forget later.

However, sincere listeners and seekers - who are interested in gaining more Gyana - more knowledge will try to find the right place, the right Saints, Preachers, and the Guru to achieve their desired goal.  

Even if they are too busy - they will make time to attend these events, seminars, and Satsangs.

      Now -- What is your reason to attend a Satsang?

                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '