Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 125
आपो वस्त्रं तिलास्तैलं गंधो वा स यथा तथा । पुष्पाणामधिवासेन तथा संसर्गजा गुणाः
āpo vastraṃ tilāstailaṃ gaṃdho vā sa yathā tathā | puṣpāṇāmadhivāsena tathā saṃsargajā guṇāḥ
Như nước, vải, mè, dầu hay hương thơm trở nên thế này thế nọ tùy theo sự thấm ướp, thì các phẩm chất cũng sinh khởi từ sự giao du, từ bạn bè đồng hành.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) addressing the sages (deduced)
Scene: A didactic tableau showing objects being infused: cloth dyed, sesame pressed into oil, water scented with flowers; beside them, pilgrims/sages illustrating moral ‘infusion’ through company.
FAQs
Character is shaped by association; keep uplifting company to cultivate dharmic qualities.
No specific tīrtha is mentioned; the verse supports pilgrimage ethos by urging holy association (sādhu-saṅga).
No ritual is prescribed; it recommends the practical discipline of choosing virtuous company.