The true effect of spiritual company. Spiritual company no doubt strengthens the aspiration and faith, especially when the flame is growing as for example living in a spiritual commune or attending Satsang or collective meditations that reinforce and reignite the flame. This is especially very helpful in the beginning and often for a long time.
However, one should be careful about one thing. Human beings are a mixed bag and the weak, vulnerable individual may end up identifying with and opening to the dark and untransformed elements in the group. At the same time, the collective consciousness may pull the spiritually advanced to its own general level. If one can be careful about that, then yes of course, the collective life centered around the common high ideal can be quite beneficial.
Q2. How can one recognise genuine spiritual company?
By its effect upon us. If the effect of the company is a strengthening of aspiration, a growth of faith and sincerity, then it is certainly helpful. But if the effect is that of a degeneration, a lowering of the consciousness, an increase of doubt, a diminution of faith or worse still, an emergence of lower tendencies, then it is best kept away.
Q3. To whom is such company most accessible?
It depends upon the seeker. There is no such rule about it. If one needs a group life centered around the Ideal, then one finds it. As is the true inner need, so do the circumstances begin to unfold.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
