“He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Kabir – The couplet
????? ?? ???? ???, ???? ??? ?? ????? |
?? ???? ????? ???, ?? ???? ?? ???? |

transliterated:
Kabira man pancchi bhaye, bhaave taha te aajaye |
Jo jaisa sangat kare, to taisa phal paaye ||

Translation:
The bird, free in flight, alights where it’s fancy leads it|
Our choice of company, defines who we are and become||

My thoughts:
I have often misread this and related quotes. As parents, as teachers, as guides, we look to present the “correct” and “proper” environment for our wards to grow and foster in. However, the mind, unbound by the body, but a slave to the vagaries of desire (maya), picks that which best suits its fancy.

We can but guide, teach and hope the right choices are made. Even if the right ones are made, there is no guarantee that they will be the ones that are kept. As the world changes, choice needs to change to adapt – and the change needs to be picked with great caution – for all that glitters is not gold ?

So our duty is to show the right path – by speech, thought and living example. Each individual is free to make their own choice – even if we disagree. Our responsibility ends at the completion of the example – and theirs begins after the choice is made. Each of us have to carry the burden of our choices by our own selves – and that is what the world will judge us by.