There is an art of spiritual association which has been perfectly exhibited by holy saints in the line of disciplic succession. This process has also been very eloquently explained in our scriptures.
At the onset, persons avowedly inimical to God should be avoided because they will destroy our faith and devotion.
If we meet someone less spiritually advanced than ourselves, we should be compassionate and try to inspire that person in developing devotion or Krishna consciousness. If we associate with someone equally advanced, we should befriend him and share our realizations with him. And if we have the opportunity to meet a much more advanced devotee than ourselves, we should respectfully hear from him and serve him.
If we learn the art of properly associating with others, we will find that every relationship becomes a great impetus for our own development of spirituality or Krishna consciousness and therefore a source of great joy.
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