Sri Yukteswar; Who to keep company with?

[Jitendra Hydonus]

"Those who remove our troubles, dispel our doubts, and bestow peace are true teachers. They perform a Godlike work. Their opposites (those who increase our doubts and difficulties) are harmful to us and should be avoided like poison....

Regard the Guru with deep love.
"To keep company with the Guru is not only to be in his physical presence (as this is sometimes impossible), but mainly means to keep him in our hearts and to be one with him in principle and to attune ourselves with him. ...To keep company, therefore, with the Godlike object is to associate him with Sraddha, the heart's love intensified by keeping his appearance and attributes fully in mind, and by reflecting on the same and affectionately following his instructions....

By so doing, when man becomes able to conceive the sublime status of his divine brothers, he may be fortunate in remaining in their company and in securing help from any one of them whom he may choose as his Spiritual Preceptor, Sat-Guru, the Savior."

Swami Sri Yukteswar
The Holy Science
Sutras 7, 8
Pages 60-61