II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

कबीर संगति साधु की, निष्फल कभी न होय I
ऐसी चंदन वासना, नीम न कहसी कोय II

The old adage "a man is known by the company he keeps" suggests that the people we associate with have a significant impact on our reputation and character. In many ways, the people we surround ourselves with can influence our behavior. We are largely influenced by the environment in which we live and the people with whom we consistently interact in terms of attitude, behavior, linguistic expression, habits, interest, likes, dislikes etc.
If you leave your coat in a room where people are smoking, pretty soon it will smell of smoke. If you leave it outside in the garden, later on, when you bring it indoors, it will carry with it the fragrance of fresh air and flowers.
Such is the case with the mind. Your garment of thoughts absorbs the vibrations of those with whom you mix. If you mingle with pessimists, in time you will become a pessimist. And if you mingle with cheerful, happy people, you yourself will develop a cheerful, happy nature.
The environment largely contributes towards one emerging as a saintly being or a sinner.
The company of saintly beings and spiritually wise help to awaken the interest in That which is Real. The more consistently one seeks the company of the spiritually-minded, the greater will be the benefit."

"Kabir says, even if the Sandalwood tree is small, no one will call it a Neem tree, for not only the Sandalwood tree remains fragrant itself, everything in its proximity becomes fragrant too. Similarly what's done in the name of the Lord is not in vain. It's being remembered, recorded, and will be rewarded. Count on it."

II श्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम II

II श्रीसद्गुरूचरणार्पणमस्तु II