Mystic Verses of Sant Dadu Dayal:
We are Influenced by the Company We Keep
Something becomes sweet when mixed
with sugar, it becomes salty when
mixed with salt.
Such is the nature of humanity, O Dadu.
This is our trait, indeed.
In the company of the unholy, a barrier
is created, and the taste of piety and
devotion [bhakti] disappears;
In the company of the holy, bliss
is generated, and overfilled is one
with joy.
If the company of the holy one
is obtained, the divine fruit
of immortality does it bear.
But if the company of the unholy
is obtained, the fruit of poison
does it yield, says Dadu.
In the assembly of a Saint, noble
thoughts arise,
Whereas by sitting in the assembly of
worldlings, knowledge parts company
with the body, O Dadu.
The company which does not arouse piety
and devotion, wherein the Lord
is not talked about,
Whereby blemishes of sensuality are not
shaken off, by what measure can that
be called a *Satsang?
Commentary
In the company of worldlings, mankind loses love and devotion for God along with his entire spiritual qualities, whereas in the company of Saints he develops love, devotion and spiritual wisdom, and enjoys the fruit of divine bliss. To increase love and devotion for God and to wash off the impurities of the mind are the basic functions of Satsang.*
* Satsang: True Association; Being in the Presence of the Eternal Truth of the Positive Power (God, Sat Purush), and other souls on the Path;
("Encyclopaedia of Saints of India, Volume 25: Sant Dadu Dayal", Bakshi and Mittra, Criterion Publications, New Delhi)
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