Ordinary perception allows us to see only the separateness. It takes extraordinary perception to see oneness.
If a drop of water falls on a hot surface, it will instantaneously evaporate. Similarly, if you come into intimate contact with people who are hot with anger, jealousy, hatred and the negative feelings of lust and greed you and your peace of mind will vaporize. That is the effect of Satsang, association.
सत्संगत्वे निस्संगत्वं,
निस्संगत्वे निर्मोहत्वं।
निर्मोहत्वे निश्चलतत्त्वं
निश्चलतत्त्वे जीवन्मुक्तिः॥9॥
In Bhajagovindam Adi Sankara says, from Satsanga, company of Good people comes non attachment. From non attachment comes freedom from delusion or confusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-settledness comes Jivan Mukti. Sankara says don’t get attached to nonsense things like alcohol, bad friends. Company of good people leads to non attachment (Nitsangathvam). Over influence of anything is bad. When we are free, we are not overpowered by desires. Sanchala is that which Moves. Nishchala is not moving, which is settled. From Nischala comes Jivan Mukthi and we feel happy at the end of our life. Our life will be good and peaceful.
The most desirable type of association is Satsang with Uttama Purusha, association with the excellent. An Uttama purusha, illustrious person, is one who shows highly evolved tastes and immense strength of character under all conditions.
Think of the water drop as if it had been trapped inside an oyster. The water drop would get inexplicably transmuted into the most lustrous object, a pearl. If you are in touch with the right people for the right period of time, you will experience a similar transformation.
Nothing in the external environment, no amount of marine pollution, for example, is going to affect the purity of the pearl. The company of the excellent similarly has a protective, elevating effect on you.
Be blissful.
S.Sekar
Contac: sekrajc@yahoo.com
