The greatest of all aids to Self-realisation is the presence of a Realised Man. This is called Sat Sang which means literally `fellowship with Being'. Even here Bhagavan would sometimes explain that the real `Being' is the Self and therefore no physical form is needed for Sat Sang. Nevertheless, he often dwelt on its benefits.
Association with Sages who have realised the Truth removes material attachments; on these attachments being removed, the attachments of the mind are also destroyed. Those whose attachments of mind are thus destroyed become one with That which is Motionless. They attain Liberation while yet alive. Cherish association with such Sages
Neither the holy waters of pilgrimage nor the images of gods made of earth and stone can stand comparison with the benign look of the Sage. These purify one only after countless days of grace, but no sooner does the Sage bestow his gracious glance than he purifies one.
From: In His Own Words (http://benegal.org/ramana_maharshi/books/ow/ow015.html)
