________________
148 / Lord Mahavira
9.
Satsanga
Satsanga promotes scriptural study. Satsanga promotes detachment. Satsanga promotes self-restraint. Satsanga promotes emancipation. The company of the holy and virtuous should be sought. Water loses its inherent nature on contact with fire. The pious abandon their virtues when they associate themselves with the wicked. Company of the pious enhances one's wisdom. Company of the wicked distorts one's understanding. Knowing righteousness and non-violence in its entirety the equanimous and restrained, aspirant should always seek the company of the wise. The reputation of a noble person gets tarnished in the company of wicked people just as a fragrant garland becomes worthless when offered to a dead body.
