March 01, 2026
Why should we consciously choose good company, and what is the effect of such choices on the mind? Bhagawan explains to us today with an interesting example.
Mind, by nature, is absolutely pure. It is only due to the influence of bad company that it becomes wicked! For example, if you wrap jasmine flowers in newspaper, it will acquire the fragrance of jasmine flowers. Similarly, if you wrap pakodas (Indian savoury) in it, it will emit the smell of pakodas. The newspaper on its own does not have any smell. Whatever item is wrapped in it, it will acquire its smell. Similarly, if the mind follows the noble path and you associate the mind with everything good, then the mind will also become good. What is the noble path? How noble would the mind become when it is associated with sacred feelings, good thoughts, noble behaviour, good company, spiritual activities, moral values and righteous actions? On the other hand, when it is associated with wicked qualities, wicked thoughts, evil company and bad behaviour, it becomes extremely wicked. In fact, it becomes demonic! There is nothing good or bad in the mind itself. Only due to good or bad influences, it becomes good or bad. If you want your mind to be good, you should associate yourself with good company!
– Divine Discourse, Jun 23, 1996.
Good habits, good speech, good conduct and good behaviour will ultimately make us good. – BABA
With Love,
Baba
#Sri Sathya Sai
Sai Inspires (‘Thought for the Day’, originally in English) is written daily, every day of the year, on a small blackboard, at Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram, Prashanti Nilayam.
