Association with Mahans

We go to Varanasi to take a dip in the Ganges. On the way, we pass numerous small gutters filled with dirt and filth. We are careful not to step into these gutters as we head for the river.
When in the Ganges, we take a holy dip, and also fill small vessels with water from the Ganges as it is holy.
Seldom do we realize that the gutters which we were careful not to step into indeed drain into the Ganges!
Likewise, we, mortals, commit numerous sins and are homes for all the bad qualities like greed, hatred, lust, anger and jealousy. As long as we are alone, we stink. But the moment, we get the association of a Mahan, we lose all negative tendencies and inherit divine qualities.
That is the power of Sadhu-Sang (association with Mahans).
[This was mentioned by Sri Swamiji in His lecture during the Bhagavata Saptaha at Sri Bhuvaneswari Amman Temple in Jafferkhanpet, Chennai between 7th & 13th June, 2009]