A length of string is a worthless thing - no one will wear it in the hair or place it reverentially on an idol of God. But when it associates itself with a few fragrant flowers, then women decorate their coiffure with the length of floral garland and devotees place the garland on the idol they adore. A block of stone in a public square is a much neglected and misused thing - street dogs often foul it. But let the stone receive the company of a sculptor, it is shaped into a charming idol of God and installed in a temple to receive the homage of thousands... The company one keeps determines one's character; a person tries to join the group where he can freely express his innate nature. So Sathsang (holy company) is a very important requisite for moral and spiritual advancement.

- Divine Discourse, August 17, 1977.