MUKANDA, BHAI,

MUKANDA, BHAI, was a devoted Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan. Once he, accompanied by Bhai Mula Beri and Bhai Tirath and Bhai Nihalu, a goldsmith, waited upon Guru Arjan. They asked a question : “0 True King, how is it that while exposition of the Sabda, or sacred hymns, by some Sikhs mellows the heart and is readily absorbed by the mind, sermons delivered by others have no effect at all?” The Guru, according to Bhai Mani Singh, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala, said: “Only he who has himself assimilated the sabda can quench the seekers` thirst.

Keep, therefore, company only with those who are not only wise but also act upon the Guru`s word. Good company puts right what is bad. Remember the chandan tree (Santalum album), which not only imparts fragrance to nearby trees but even cools down the poison of serpents that coil around it.”

References:

See, also, Bhai Gurdas, Varan, XI. 25.
Mani Singh, Bhai, Sikhan di Bhagat Mala Amritsar, 1955
Santokh Singh, Bhai .Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35