Wicked Company Is Not Only Company of Wicked Persons
In the rich tapestry of Hindu thought, the concept of satsanga—the company of the wise—holds a place of supreme importance. Conversely, asatsanga, the company of the unworthy, is seen as a potent source of spiritual decline. Yet the Sanskrit term sanga (association or company) extends beyond mere human companions; it encompasses all forces that influence the mind. Sense objects—whatever we see, hear, taste, touch, or smell—can become “wicked company” when they ignite desire, greed, anger, or envy. Recognizing and overcoming such subtle influences is essential to progress on the spiritual path.
Understanding Wicked Company
What Is Wicked Company?
Wicked company is traditionally understood as the fellowship of unethical or immoral people. However, the Bhagavad Gita warns that even harmless-seeming pleasures can lead the mind astray: “Whatever joy you have heard from the Vedas that is born of prescribed duties, know that enjoyment to be in the mode of passion” (BG 18.38). Here “joy born of prescribed duties” hints that any sensory pleasure, if clung to, drags us into rajas (passion) or tamas (ignorance).
Sense Objects as Company
Shankaracharya, in his commentary on the Yoga Sutras, explains that sense objects lurk within the unconscious mind, drawing our awareness outward and scattering our inner focus. Whether it is the lure of sweet music, delicious food, or tantalizing fragrance, these stimuli engage the mind and create new cravings. In this subtle way, they become “companions” that steer us toward attachment and suffering.
The Problem: Subtle Ensnarement
From Curiosity to Craving
The human mind is designed to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This survival instinct, when unchecked, becomes the fuel for boundless desire. As soon as we experience a sensation of pleasure, the mind labels it “good” and seeks to repeat it. Over time, these repeated pursuits build strong habits—and these habits are exactly what the ancient masters identified as the root of bondage.
Erosion of Discrimination
The Yoga Vasistha recounts the fate of a seeker who became so enamored of beautiful music that he abandoned his studies and rituals. Lost in sensory delight, his discrimination (viveka) faded. Similarly, Vivekananda taught that disciplined sense restraint (indriya nigraha) is the foundation of all higher spiritual practices. Without it, one drifts in a sea of fleeting sensations, unable to grasp the unchanging Reality within.
Teachings from Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita on Sense Control
Krishna advises Arjuna to “hold the senses in check and fix the mind on Me alone” (BG 8.13). He further warns: “The senses are so strong and swift, O Arjuna, that they carry away the mind even of a wise man who tries to restrain them” (BG 2.60). This vivid analogy of a stormy wind lifting a boat out of the water illustrates how senses, if left uncontrolled, can sweep away even disciplined practitioners.
Manu Smriti on Association
The Laws of Manu declare: “Association with wicked persons leads to ruin; it infects the well-disposed with passion, conceit, and anger.” While Manu refers to human companions, his underlying message is universal: whatever we dwell upon—be it people or pleasures—manifests as our character.
Insights from Masters
Shankara on Inner Company
Adi Shankaracharya emphasized that the ego-mind (ahamkara) is the greatest company we carry. When sense objects awaken egoic identification—“I am the doer,” “I am the enjoyer”—we move away from the true Self. Meditation on the atman (Self) alone dissolves this subtle company.
Ramakrishna on Divine Association
Sri Ramakrishna taught that to overcome the seductions of sense objects, one should immerse one’s heart in the name and form of the Divine. Chanting the name of Rama or Krishna purifies the mind, replacing unworthy impressions with divine sentiments.
Swami Vivekananda on Practical Will
Vivekananda urged aspirants to adopt strong will-power to resist momentary attractions. He recommended setting clear daily goals—be it meditation, service, or study—and aligning every sense experience toward that aim. By consciously redirecting the senses, one gradually weakens the grip of “wicked company.”
Practical Steps to Overcome Wicked Company
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Mindful Awareness
Begin by observing the mind in action: note when craving arises upon contact with a sense object. Label it “craving” or “aversion” without judgment. This simple act of awareness (sati) weakens unconscious reaction. -
Sense Restraint (Indriya Nigraha)
Adopt vows or disciplines—such as fasting, silence, or reduced screen time—that limit exposure to provocative stimuli. Each practice strengthens will-power and reduces mind-wandering. -
Satsanga with the Wise
Regular association with teachers, saints, and fellow seekers infuses the mind with noble ideas. Their presence and teachings act as antidotes to sensory distractions. -
Daily Practices
• Meditation: Focus on the breath or a mantra to anchor attention inward.
• Self-Inquiry: Ask “Who is perceiving this pleasure?” to reveal the witness Beyond.
• Service: Engage in selfless action to shift focus from personal gratification to the welfare of others. -
Cultivating Virtues
Replace greed with generosity, anger with compassion, and envy with goodwill. Virtues are like wholesome companions that over time become stronger than any sense object.
Solution: Cultivating Good Company
Building Inner and Outer Support
The ultimate remedy lies in filling one’s inner world and outer life with worthy companions. Internally, this means nourishing the mind with sacred texts, devotional songs, and uplifting thoughts. Externally, it involves choosing friends and environments that reflect and reinforce one’s highest ideals.
Continuous Transformation
In the words of the Sage Patanjali, “Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break, and in all earnestness” (Yoga Sutras 1.14). By consistently turning away from wicked company—whether in persons or sense objects—and moving toward the company of the Divine, one attains lasting peace and self-realization.
Final Reflections
Wicked company in Hindu thought is not confined to the association of immoral people; it extends to any influence that disturbs the mind’s equilibrium and undermines discrimination. Sense objects, when pursued without restraint, become formidable companions that bind us to the cycle of desire and suffering. Yet the wisdom of the scriptures and the guidance of spiritual masters offer a clear pathway: recognize these subtle associations, practice mindful restraint, and cultivate the pure company of the wise and the Divine. In doing so, the seeker transcends bondage and abides in the eternal joy of the Self.