Sath sudharahim satsangati pai
Chaupai 5, Under Doha 3 · Bal Kand
Chaupai Text
सठ सुधरहिं सतसंगति पाई। पारस परस कुधात सुहाई॥ बिधि बस सुजन कुसंगत परहीं। फनि मनि सम निज गुन अनुसरहीं॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saṭha sudharahiṃ satasangati pāī। pārasa parasa kudhāta suhāī॥ bidhi basa sujana kusangata parahīṃ। phani mani sama nija guna anusarahīṃ॥ 5 ॥
Meaning
Even the wicked improve upon receiving holy company, just as iron becomes beautiful by the touch of the philosopher's stone. But if, by fate, good people fall into bad company, they still follow their own qualities, like a gem in a snake's hood: a saint in evil company still gives light to others, and the wicked have no effect on him.
Context
This is Chaupai 5, Under Doha 3 from Bal Kand, in the episode “Salutation to Brahmins and Saints”. The episode describes Tulsidas's reverent salutation to Brahmins and saints, praising their grace, virtue, and equal compassion for all.