[Chaturamnaya] Jagadguru Speaks: Remain in Satsanga and Attain Welfare

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Around the beginning of the month, a nugget of Wisdom from the Jagadguru may be posted
on the Chaturamnaya list : http://lists.advaita-vedanta.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/chaturamnaya )
 
 
It would be a tremendous shortcoming if man, no matter how 
learned or authoritative, does not have the right company. Satsanga 
(association with the noble) is extremely essential to lead a 
meaningful life. 
 
A person in satsanga will utilise his education, authority and 
wealth in a righteous manner and attain sreyas (higher good). 
Subsequent generations will glorify him and progress in their lives 
by emulating his virtues. 
 
Association with the wicked will only ruin man's wealth and 
knowledge. Such associations will not generate any righteous 
thoughts in man's mind and, harbouring only unwanted thoughts, 
he will squander away his wealth and knowledge through wrong 
path. That is why our forefathers have instructed us in varied ways 
to ever remain in satsanga, 
 
असज्जनेन सम्पर्कादनयं यान्ति साधवः ।
मधुरं शीतलं तोयं पावकं प्राप्य तप्यते |
 
It means that through association with the wicked, even a noble 
one may turn unrighteous, in the same way as cold water, though 
sweet in taste, turns unpleasant and hot when exposed to heat. 
 
Our blessings to everyone to understand this well and be in 
satsanga always.