Very simply, an apparent person is identified with what they are not.
The facilitation of awakening arises in a conversation and interaction where there are pointers that help the person see, recognize and release all false identify.
As an example, most people are very identified with their internal talking to themselves as being the “me,” that they think they are. The on-going voice in their head.
When this identity, and all other identity is released, there is nothing left to grasp, the mind disappears into silent presence and radical awakening happens.
Resting as this all inclusive silent presence is what satsang is.
The Heart of Conscious Living 