Beings come together and associate with other beings according to their disposition. Therefore, one should avoid associating with those that are lazy and keep company with the wise.

ITI 78  Dhātusosaṁsandana sutta - The Coming Together of Elements

Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

“Dhātuso, bhikkhave, sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti.

“Bhikkhus, beings come together and associate with other beings |according to disposition::in line with their mental qualities or inclinations [dhātuso]|. Those with an |inferior disposition::with bad inclination, with low tendencies [hīnādhimuttika]| come together and associate with those of a similar inferior disposition. Those with a |good disposition::whose inclinations are good, intent on good [kalyāṇādhimuttika]| come together and associate with those of a similar good disposition.

Atītampi, bhikkhave, addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandiṁsu samiṁsu.

In the past, too, bhikkhus, beings came together and associated with other beings according to disposition. Those with an inferior disposition came together and associated with those of a similar inferior disposition. Those with a good disposition came together and associated with those of a similar good disposition.

Anāgatampi, bhikkhave, addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandissanti samessanti.

In the future, too, bhikkhus, beings will come together and associate with other beings according to disposition. Those with an inferior disposition will come together and associate with those of a similar inferior disposition. Those with a good disposition will come together and associate with those of a similar good disposition.

Etarahipi, bhikkhave, paccuppannaṁ addhānaṁ dhātusova sattā sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti. Hīnādhimuttikā sattā hīnādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samenti, kalyāṇādhimuttikā sattā kalyāṇādhimuttikehi sattehi saddhiṁ saṁsandanti samentī”ti.

Even now, bhikkhus, in the present time, beings come together and associate with other beings according to disposition. Those with an inferior disposition come together and associate with those of a similar inferior disposition. Those with a good disposition come together and associate with those of a similar good disposition.”

Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

“Saṁsaggā vanatho jāto,
asaṁsaggena chijjati;
Parittaṁ dārumāruyha,
yathā sīde mahaṇṇave.

“From |association::mingling, mixing, contact, intimacy, touch, entanglement [saṃsagga]|, |craving::entanglements, subtle attachments, desire [vanatha]| arises,
through non-association, it |is cut-off::is severed, ceases to exist, is broken [chijjati]|;
Like one who boards a fragile raft,
and sinks in the mighty ocean.

Evaṁ kusītamāgamma,
sādhujīvīpi sīdati;
Tasmā taṁ parivajjeyya,
kusītaṁ hīnavīriyaṁ.

So by consorting with a |lazy person::a procrastinating, inactive person, indolent [kusīta]|,
even a virtuous person sinks;
Therefore, one should |steer clear of::avoid, shun [parivajjati]| a lazy person,
who is |weak in effort::low in energy, lacking in endurance [hīnavīriya]|.

Pavivittehi ariyehi,
pahitattehi jhāyibhi;
Niccaṁ āraddhaviriyehi,
paṇḍitehi sahāvase”ti.

|Dwell together::keep company [sahāvasa]| with the wise,
with the |Noble Ones::distinguished, an ethically noble person, an awakened being [ariya]| who dwell |in seclusion::separated, withdrawn, detached [pavivitta]|;
With |meditators::yogis [jhāyi]| who are |resolute::determined, intent [pahitatta]| on their goal,
who are |continuously::regularly, reliably [nicca]| |with energy aroused::with initiative [āraddhavīriya]|.”

Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

Topics & Qualities:

Companionship

Companionship

Companionship is the state of being with others, fostering connection, support, and mutual growth. This topic highlights how our associations influence us, whether positively or negatively, and explores the conditions and choices that lead to different kinds of companionship.

Also known as: fellowship, association, camaraderie, friendship
Pāli: sahāyatā, mittatā
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Laziness

Laziness

Unwillingness or lack of energy and motivation to engage in wholesome activities or exert effort, leading to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth.

Also known as: sloth, indolence, sluggishness, idleness, inactivity
Pāli: kosajja, tandī, ālasya, kusīta
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Rousing of energy

Rousing of energy

The arousing of effort and determination in body and mind. It begins with confidence and reflection on purpose, stirring energy for wholesome action.

Also known as: determination, being energetic, taking initiative, making a mental decision to act
Pāli: vīriyārambha, āraddhavīriya, uṭṭhānavant, atandita, pahitatta
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, vijjā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita
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Craving

Craving

A driving ‘thirst’ that reaches out toward experiences, identities, or outcomes as the place to find satisfaction—“if only I had that.” It spins stories of lack, binds the mind to becoming, and invariably leads to suffering.

Also known as: wanting, yearning, longing, lit. thirst
Pāli: taṇha, abhijjhā
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Last updated on December 13, 2025