Satsang - Company of the Holy - We Adapt to our Surroundings Part 03

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Satsang - Company of the Holy - We Adapt to our

Surroundings Part 03

 

In nature all creatures adapt to their environments.

The chameleon changes color to suit its habitat. The

giraffe has developed a long neck to reach his meal of

leaves on high tree branches. People also accommodate

themselves to their surroundings. They develop tastes

for available foods and they normally build their

homes from materials obtainable locally.

 

A similar type of adaptation occures in our minds. we

naturally tend to agree with the attitudes and

behaviors of those whose company we keep. we seek

acceptance and approval from peers. For this reason we

must be certain to seek only good companionship.

Particularly when we are new on the spiritual path,

good company is indispensable. When the mind is not

confirmed in the ways of good behavior and morality,

it is easily led astray. Only great beings can change

the world around them. The tendency of untrained minds

is to adapt to their environments, at the expense of

their spiritual aspirations.

 

" There were two parrots on a tree, twins, to be more

precise. A hunter trapped them and sold them, one to a

low, cruel butcher and the other to a sage who was

running an ashrama (school) to teach the vedas (holy

scriptures).After a few years, he was surprised to

find that one bed swore very foully, while the other

recited the leelas (divine play) of the Lord in a

sweet muscial tone which captivated the listeners.

Such is the effect of the environment; so seek and

secure satsang " Baba

 

Long practice and discipline are required to make the

mind obey the divinity within. It is difficult to wean

the mind from low desires. But by associating with

high minded friends, we can adopt aspirations and

ideals similar to theirs. benefical company may be

compared to sweet milk, while the company of bad

people is like water. When a drop of milk is added to

a pitcher of water, the milk loses its value. But when

a small amount of water is added to a pitcher of milk,

the water takes on the value of milk. As Sri Rama is

said to have admonished Lakshmana.

 

" The company of bad men is the prelude to the

disapperance of wisdom. The company of good men makes

wisdom blossom " Baba

 

continued...Satsang - Company of the Holy - Satsang, A

Spiritual Discipline Part 04