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.... they that desire emancipation should associate with those that are wise,

old, honest, pure in conduct and possessed of ascetic merit. They whose

triple possessions, viz., knowledge (of the Vedas), origin and acts, are all

pure, should be waited upon. Association with them is even superior to (the

study of the) scriptures. Devoid of religious acts as we are, we shall yet

reap religious merit by association with the righteous, as we should come by

sin by waiting upon the sinful. The very sight and touch of the dishonest,

and converse and association with them; cause diminution of virtue. Men

(that are doomed to these), never attain purity of mind. Association with

the base impairs the understanding, as, indeed, with the indifferent makes

it indifferent, while communion with the good ever exalts it.

- The citizens of Hastinapure to the Pandavas upon their going into exile;

Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Aranyaka Parva: Section I