Sutra 45

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 45: 

Because low impulses once generated have a tendency to rise up in power and dimension as a mounting tidal wave.

तरङ्गायिता अपीमे सङ्गात्समुद्रायन्ति॥ ४५॥

"These (passion, anger, etc.), though they initially appear in bad company as small waves, gather momentum and become like the sea."

The ‘company of the good’ (satsaṅga) is the antidote and the only positive plan of action is to cultivate the higher virtues that help us in our spiritual unfoldment. But if this is not available readily, at least, we must studiously avoid falling prey to the pernicious influences of the evil-minded people and their close associations.

This Sutra metaphorically compares negative emotions and tendencies to small waves that can turn into a vast sea when influenced by bad company. The first word discusses the nature of these emotions, which are inherently present in all individuals. Like waves, they can start small but have the potential to grow in intensity. The Sutra warns that when one associates with negative influences, these emotions can amplify to the point where they become overwhelming and uncontrollable, much like the sea.

The ‘company of the good’ (satsaṅga) is the antidote and the only positive plan of action is to cultivate the higher virtues that help us in our spiritual unfoldment. But if this is not available readily, at least, we must studiously avoid falling prey to the pernicious influences of the evil-minded people and their close associations.Positive company can lead to the diminishment of negative emotions, while negative company can cause them to swell and overpower one's better judgment.

The third word reflects on the implications of this growth of negative emotions. When small negative tendencies are left unchecked, they can lead to actions that are harmful to oneself and others. The Sutra serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to be mindful of their associations and to cultivate satsang, or good company, which leads to the path of devotion and ultimately, liberation.

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

Bhagavad Gita 2.62-63:

ध्यायतो विषयान् पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते। सङ्गात् सञ्जायते कामः कामात् क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥ क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहात् स्मृतिविभ्रमः। स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात् प्रणश्यति॥

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

Being repeated here since this is so important a message from the Gita! 

Chandogya Upanishad 7.26.2:

य एवं वेदापहत्य पाप्मानमनन्ते स्वर्गे लोके ज्योतिष्टोमेन यजते।

"He who knows thus, and meditates on the syllable Om, the Udgitha, having renounced all evil, worships in the highest heaven, the world of Brahma."

Taittiriya Upanishad 2.4:

आनन्दो ब्रह्मेति व्यजानात्।

"He understood that Bliss is Brahman."

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 45, emphasize the importance of understanding and controlling one's mind and emotions. The Bhagavad Gita verses warn about the chain reaction starting from desire leading to one's downfall, while the Chandogya and Taittiriya Upanishads highlight the positive outcomes of proper knowledge and meditation. All these teachings guide one towards self-control, wisdom, and ultimately, Realization.