It is said, the same Divine dwells in all beings (Ekatma sarva bhutantaratma). Now some may have a doubt, “If that is so, then why should I not have friendship with such and such person?” When someone’s age, behaviour and thoughts are not conducive to your moral and spiritual development, you should not develop friendship with such a person. If you do so, you will also become like them. ‘Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are’, it is said. Hence be in the company of pious, good and noble people. Sage Adi Shankara in his famous treatise Bhaja Govindam declared, Satsangatve nissangatvam. Good company leads to detachment, detachment makes you free from delusion, freedom from delusion leads to steadiness of mind, and steadiness of mind confers liberation. Hence resolve to be in good company, speak good words, see good things and become a good person.

- Divine Discourse, Sep 29, 2006.