Sutra 44

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 44:

Why should we always give up the bad company is indicated in the following Sutra:

कामक्रोधमोहस्मृतिभ्रंशबुद्घिनाशसर्वनाशकारणत्वात्॥ ४४॥

"Because such a company (of bad people) leads to passion, anger, dullness, memory loss, loss of wisdom and thus leads to utter ruin."

‘Evil company’ brings into our mind a steady march of sensuous thoughts and they develop in time into an irresistible lust (kāma) for the particular sense objects demanding a quick and easy gratification. When this is not readily fulfilled, the individual develops anger (krodha) towards the obstacle that stands between him and his gratification. The intensity of the anger that rises in the mind is directly proportional to the strength of the ungratified lust. When anger mounts up delusion (moha) starts; the unreasonably angry man starts seeing things which are not really around him in life. This is ‘delusion.’

This Sutra emphasizes the destructive consequences of keeping the company of those who are driven by lower instincts such as desire (kama), anger (krodha), and delusion (moha). It warns that associating with such individuals can lead to a degradation of one's memory (smritibhrama) and intellect (buddhinasha), ultimately resulting in complete destruction (sarvanasha). The Sutra serves as a cautionary note about the company one keeps and the influence it can have on one's spiritual progress.

In the context of Bhakti this sutra underscores the importance of satsang, or the company of good people, which is conducive to the development of positive qualities and spiritual growth. The presence of passion, anger, and delusion are seen as obstacles to the cultivation of Bhakti. Therefore, avoiding the company of those who embody these negative traits is crucial for maintaining the integrity of one's devotion and spiritual path.

The Sutra also reflects the broader Vedic principle that one's consciousness is shaped by the environment and associations one keeps. By choosing the company of the virtuous and the wise, one can foster an environment that supports the cultivation of higher values such as compassion, self-control, and wisdom, which are essential for spiritual advancement.

Now, let's compare this with similar verses from Vedic texts:

Yajur Veda: 

"The one who loves all intensely begins perceiving in all living beings a part of himself. He becomes a lover of all, a part and parcel of the Universal Joy. He flows with the stream of happiness, and is enriched by each soul."

This verse from the Yajur Veda echoes the sentiment of the Narada Bhakti Sutra by highlighting the importance of universal love and joy, which can only be achieved by perceiving the Divine in all beings.

Bhagavad Gita 2.62 & 63:

ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंस: सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते |

सङ्गात्सञ्जायते काम: कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते || 62||

"While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises."

क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: |

स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति || 63||

"From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool."

Shvetashvatara Upanishad: 

"All is change in the world of the senses, But changeless is the Supreme Lord of Love. Meditate on Him, be absorbed by Him, Wake up from this dream of separateness."

The Shvetashvatara Upanishad advises meditation on the Supreme Lord of Love as a means to overcome the illusion of separateness, which is often exacerbated by negative associations.

These verses collectively emphasize the importance of inner focus and the company one keeps in achieving spiritual enlightenment and universal love. They all point towards the Ultimate Goal of realizing the Divine within and beyond oneself, which is the essence of Bhakti.