Hi White Feather,
it's just psychic or psychologic hygienics I think. People can drag you down or lift you up, so choose your company well for your own health and growing.
Bye, spooky

White Feather,

I believe this passage means that you should not shun anyone but that for your lasting and deep friendships you should choose those who help lift your spirit.  You will know who these people are because you will find yourself growing and becoming more happy and whole around them.   They may be found in all walks of life.

However, notice the passage implies friendliness with everyone.  This means not to judge others.  The friction and education that we experience when interacting with many kinds of people also helps to shape a beautiful soul.  Every soul needs a friend, so that is why I believe the passage says to be "friendly" with everyone.

love, blink

White Feather,

I agree with your summation, but I do see a bit more in the quotation because the words indicate that our mental states actually will be affected by the company we keep.  I believe this to be true.  

Definitely, some relationships encourage the spirt to rise and some may cause it to sink.  This does not mean dependence is to be avoided at all cost because we do need each other, but we should seek balance in our relationships.  

This way your white feather can float where it will.  Do you agree?

love, blink

H Blink and White Feather-

Not only will it float where you prefer, but the karma of where you are, what you do and where you do it,  will even give it a push in the desired direction.

Of course if "Being With The Proper Crowd" becomes an end in itself,  you get into a sidetrip,

Sai Baba tells us to use wisdom in our lives like a boat to travel over the spiritual waters to the far shore. But the boat is intended to go into the water, not the water into the boat. Otherwise we get waterlogged and sink.

dave

I agree here with what all of you have said and yes it does make sense in that way but theres one bit that confused me...

It says "So, choose your friends carefully and do not develop too strong an attachment to anyone."

Im confused with this because does this mean then you can't develop a strong relationship with your best mate, i have a mate and we get on really well, think on same kinda mind set and both into the same things, what you would call a best mate, but is this not advised according to Sai Baba? Is that what he/she is saying?

Cheers

Ryan

Well, the way I see it meaningful relationships are one of the most wonderful things about life.  You can have a meaningful relationship with a live person or an author or musician who passed away.  Without relationship, who are we?  Relationship sustains us and helps us to grow.

On the other hand, we each are better for the ability to stand as strong, complete individuals.  To stand too close to another for too long may keep us from having a healthy relationship with our source, just as two trees growing too close together may harm each other's growth.

This is a caution not to be overly dependent, to embrace our own freedom.  I think we can each sense our discomfort when relationship with another becomes stifling in some way.  Then it is good to detach, even for a time.

love, blink