सद्भिरेव सहासीत सद्भिः कुर्वीत सङ्गतिम् ।
सद्भिर्विवादं मैत्रीं च नासद्भिः किञ्चिदाचरेत् ॥ Hitopadesha, Mitralabha Prakarana
Word-to-word meaning:
सद्भिरेव (sadbhireva) - only with the virtuous
सहासीत् (sahāsīt) - one should associate [सह (saha): This means "together" or "with." आसीत् (āsīt): This is a verb root form, which means "to associate" or "to be associated."]
सद्भिः (sadbhiḥ) - with the virtuous
कुर्वीत् (kurvīta) - should engage
सङ्गतिम् (saṅgatim) - in association
सद्भिः (sadbhiḥ) - with the virtuous
विवादं (vivādaṁ) - disputes
मैत्रीं (maitrīṁ) - and friendship
च (ca) - and
नासद्भिः (nāsadbhiḥ) - not with the non-virtuous
किञ्चिद् (kiñcid) - at all
आचरेत् (ācaret) - should engage
Shloka meaning:
"One should associate only with the virtuous, engage with them in association, discussing disputes and fostering friendships. Never should one engage with the non-virtuous."
Hindi meaning:
"किसी को केवल सद्गुणी लोगों के साथ ही संगति करनी चाहिए, उनके साथ संगति में रहना चाहिए, विवादों पर चर्चा करनी चाहिए और मित्रता बढ़ानी चाहिए। किसी को कभी भी गैर-गुणी लोगों के साथ संबंध नहीं रखना चाहिए।"
Kannada meaning:
"ಒಬ್ಬನು ಸದ್ಗುಣಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಸಹವಾಸ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು, ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಹವಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಬೇಕು, ವಿವಾದಗಳನ್ನು ಚರ್ಚಿಸಬೇಕು ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ನೇಹವನ್ನು ಬೆಳೆಸಬೇಕು. ಸದ್ಗುಣವಿಲ್ಲದವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಎಂದಿಗೂ ತೊಡಗಬಾರದು. ”
Discussion:
Influence of Company: The individuals we choose to surround ourselves with play a crucial role in shaping our ethical development and overall personal growth. This is because human beings are inherently social creatures, and we often mirror the behaviors, attitudes, and values of those closest to us. Therefore, by deliberately selecting companions who exhibit virtuous qualities such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and kindness, we set ourselves on a path towards ethical behavior and moral integrity.
Virtuous Qualities: Virtuous qualities are essential components of a well-rounded character. When we associate with individuals who embody these qualities, we are not only inspired but also challenged to emulate them in our own lives. For instance, observing someone consistently act with honesty and integrity can motivate us to prioritize truthfulness and moral uprightness in our own decisions and actions.
Positive Exchange: Meaningful interactions with virtuous individuals go beyond mere emulation; they foster a deep understanding of ethical principles and values. Engaging in discussions with such individuals allows us to explore different perspectives, debate ethical dilemmas, and refine our own moral compass. This exchange of ideas stimulates intellectual growth and encourages critical thinking, which are essential for making principled decisions in various aspects of life.
Supportive Network: Building friendships with virtuous individuals creates a supportive network characterized by mutual respect and shared values. In such relationships, there is a genuine camaraderie and a collective commitment to maintaining moral integrity. This supportive environment provides encouragement and reinforcement for upholding ethical standards, even in challenging circumstances. Moreover, it cultivates a sense of accountability, as we strive not only to uphold our own values but also to honor the trust and respect of our virtuous companions.
Avoiding Negative Influences: Conversely, associating with individuals who lack virtuous qualities can have detrimental effects on our ethical development. Negative influences may include behaviors like dishonesty, selfishness, or lack of empathy, which can erode our own moral standards over time. Exposure to such influences may lead to moral compromise, where we find ourselves rationalizing unethical behavior or making decisions that contradict our values.
Choosing Wisely: Given the profound impact of social interactions on our ethical growth, it is imperative to choose our company wisely. This involves actively seeking out relationships with individuals who consistently demonstrate virtuous qualities and align with our personal values. By prioritizing such relationships, we create a positive environment that nurtures our moral character and contributes to the cultivation of a more ethical society.
Conclusion:
The company we keep significantly influences our ethical development by inspiring us to embody virtuous qualities, facilitating meaningful exchanges of ethical ideas, providing a supportive network for upholding moral standards, and helping us navigate away from negative influences that could compromise our values. Therefore, consciously selecting virtuous companionships is essential for fostering personal integrity and contributing positively to the broader community.
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