Importance of Right Company

In His book ‘Meditation and Life’, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda points out that it is crucial not to force the mind. Just as good parenting is an art, one has to encouragingly discipline and lovingly direct the mind, examining all long and short-term consequences and benefits with every decision. Desires arise courtesy of both external sources as well various impressions already formed in the mind. Pure desires, which elevate your personality and go a long way in life, should be fulfilled. But those desires that are harmful, desires that break relationships or debase us, must be avoided. Therefore, keep away from company that brings you closer to temptations, thrives on the shallow and fickle, inflames negative attitudes, and overshadows your desire to be good and upright. Seek out, instead, sattvika people whose friendship can motivate and inspire you; people who can help deepen your understanding and appreciation of the higher things in life; people with whom you can share the joys, and even challenges, of your spiritual journey.