Why does Bhagawan insist that we must keep away from bad company and have the company of the good? Bhagawan reminds us today with a beautiful analogy.

Good thoughts appear small at the beginning, like one’s shadow at noon. But as the day advances, the shadow lengthens. Likewise, the influence of good thoughts also grows as time passes. In due course, it acquires a magnificent form. It attains a highly sacred place. It confers divine bliss and redeems one’s entire life. Thus, satsangam (good company) is supremely important. Good company, by promoting good thoughts, leads to the highest achievements in life. Bad company, on the contrary, is like the shadow caused by the morning sun. At dawn, the shadow produced by the sun is long. As the morning progresses, the shadow gets shorter and shorter. Ultimately, it gets limited to one’s feet. This is how the effects of the bad company operate. In the beginning, the gains seem to be large. But as time goes on, the gains vanish. Human values get destroyed. The power of thoughts is immense. Bad thoughts should not be allowed to enter the mind. Bad company should be avoided as much as possible. The company of the sick will make you sick. The company of Yogis will make you a Yogi. Through yoga, you realise the Divine. Through yoga, you control the mind; hence, the importance of Satsangam.