This discourse was taught by the Blessed One, taught by the Arahant, the fully enlightened Supreme Buddha. This is as I heard,
“Monks, it is according to their mind states that beings come together and associate with one another. Beings with low mind states come together and associate with beings having low mind states. Beings with good mind states come together and associate with beings having good mind states.
Monks, in the past, it was according to their mind states that beings came together and associated with one another. Beings with low mind states came together and associated with beings that had low mind states. Beings with good mind states came together and associated with beings that had good mind states.
Monks, in the future, it will be according to their mind states that beings will come together and associate with one another. Beings with low mind states will come together and associate with beings that have low mind states. Beings with good mind states will come together and associate with beings that have good mind states.
Monks, at the present time, it is according to their mind states that beings come together and associate with one another. Beings with low mind states come together and associate with beings having low mind states. Beings with good mind states come together and associate with beings having good mind states.”
This is the meaning of what the Blessed One said. So, with regard to this, it was said:
The defilements that arise through association with evil-doers are removed by discontinuing the association. Just as one riding on a small wooden board would sink into the great ocean, so does a virtuous one sink by associating with those who are lazy. Therefore, avoid those who are lazy and who make little effort.
There are noble ones who are wise and always energetic. Their minds are well established in Nibbāna. They meditate constantly in secluded places. Therefore, live with such noble ones.
This, too, is the meaning of what was said by the Blessed One. This is exactly as I heard.
