Thought 98: Good company makes you good

Every body does Karma (activity). A Jnaani (a very wise person) also does Karma. Even the animals also do Karma. Animals do not change at all. For instance, you may tell a cat not to kill a rat (in Tom and Jerry) because it is Paapam. Even after a year of listening to your sermons, if the cat observes a rat passing by, it immediately pounces on it and kills it. Animals do not change at all. Man is not like that at all. Man changes – if he constantly listens to good things. Listening to good things is called “Satsanga”.

In the Hindu tradition and religion, the importance of good and holy company is strongly underlined. They believe that if you are lucky, you may get many opportunities to spend time in the company of good and holy persons whose thoughts are always focused on God and other holy matters. Such persons are always focused on doing good to the society also. When you spend time in the company of such good and holy persons (Satsanga), you will automatically cultivate some of their ideas. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa says that the company of good and holy persons gives you peace of mind right away; it also enhances at the same time, your interest in spiritual matters; it puts your mind on godly thoughts; it enhances your yearning for God – all of which is extremely good for you.

When you put colorless water into a coloured bottle, it (the water) appears colored (taking the color of the bottle). This is not the defect (Dosha) of the water – it is the defect (Dosha) of the bottle. In the same way, even if the mind is pure, bad company can pollute the mind. Thus, bad company (Saangatyam) can result in bad thoughts and bad behavior – and good company (Satsaagatyam) can result in good thoughts and good behavior.

Sankaraachaarya said,
“Satsangatye Nissangatyam,
Nissangatye Nirmohatvam,
Nirmohatye Nischala Tattvam,
Nischala Tattve Jivana Mukti,
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam
Govindam Bhaja Muudhamate
Sampraapte Sannihite Kaale
Nahi Nahi Rakshati Dukrumkarane”

The next thought is about “No Comparisons, No Complexes”