# Association > [!summary] > *Association has tremendous influence on spiritual progress or degradation. These analogies illuminate how association shapes consciousness.* ## Iron in Fire ### Transformed by Contact Iron placed in fire becomes fire-like—it glows red and burns. Similarly, association with devotees transforms one's consciousness toward devotion. ![[sb/4/22/23#purport|iron]] —SB [[sb/4/22/23|4.22.23]] Purport See also: [[sb/1/5/25|SB 1.5.25]] ## Crystal Reflecting Color ### Taking on Qualities A crystal reflects the color of objects near it—red near red, blue near blue. The soul similarly takes on the qualities of its association. ![[sb/3/27/12#purport|crystal]] —SB [[sb/3/27/12|3.27.12]] Purport ## Milk Touched by Serpent ### Contamination by Bad Association Even pure milk becomes poisonous when touched by a serpent's lips. Good qualities can be contaminated by bad association. ![[sb/4/14/42#purport|milk]] —SB [[sb/4/14/42|4.14.42]] Purport ## Plant Near Sandalwood ### Fragrance by Proximity Plants growing near a sandalwood tree absorb its fragrance. Association with saintly persons imparts spiritual qualities similarly. ![[sb/1/5/16#purport|sandalwood]] —SB [[sb/1/5/16|1.5.16]] Purport ## Waves in River ### Carried by Current One is carried by the current of association as objects are carried by waves in a river—the direction depends on the current. ![[sb/5/14/1#purport|waves]] —SB [[sb/5/14/1|5.14.1]] Purport ## Fire Starting from Single Spark ### Devotion Spreads As fire spreads from a single spark, devotional service spreads through association with even one pure devotee. ![[sb/3/25/25#purport|spark]] —SB [[sb/3/25/25|3.25.25]] Purport ## Cloud Bringing Rain ### Mercy Descending The association of pure devotees is like rain clouds that bring life-giving water—wherever they go, spiritual life flourishes. ![[cc/madhya/22/51#purport|rain]] —Cc. [[cc/madhya/22/51|Madhya 22.51]] Purport ## Touchstone Making Gold ### Contact Transforms Association with pure devotees is like a touchstone that turns iron to gold—it has the power to transform ordinary persons into devotees. ![[cc/madhya/22/54#purport|touchstone]] —Cc. [[cc/madhya/22/54|Madhya 22.54]] Purport *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/guru-disciple|Guru & Disciple]], [[wiki/analogies/devotional-service|Devotional Service]], [[wiki/analogies/holy-name|Holy Name]]*