Holy company dispels our mental inertia, fills our speech with truth, enhances our esteem, prevents us from committing sin, makes our mind serene and happy, and spreads our fame everywhere — say, what does holy company not do? (Bhartrihari, Nitishatakam, 23)
It is far better to roam in the forest with hill tribes than to live with fools even in heaven. (Bhartrihari, Nitishatakam, 14)
Holy company begets yearning for God. It begets love of God. Nothing whatsoever is achieved in spiritual life without yearning. By constantly living in the company of holy men, the soul becomes restless for God. … There is another benefit from holy company. It helps one cultivate discrimination between the Real and the unreal. God alone is the Real, that is to say, the Eternal Substance, and the world is unreal, that is to say, transitory. (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, 96-7)
By keeping the company of good men, you will get your mind set properly. If you try to mould your life according to the instructions of holy men, you will easily avoid the pitfalls and temptations of life. Following in their footsteps you will reach the goal attained by them and fulfil your life’s purpose. (Swami Brahmananda)
You will always have the benefit of holy company. Try to have the company of sat, or eternal Existence (Brahman), who is within you. And one needs the association of holy people in external life—God will provide you with that. One should pray deeply and sincerely from one’s inmost heart. Always be prayerful. (Swami Turiyananda)