To associate with devotees also means understanding the mood of the spiritual master. It is one thing to superficially take the instructions of the spiritual master, but it is another thing to
understand the internal mood of the spiritual master. For example, if the spiritual master instructs us to associate with devotees, then understanding the internal mood of the spiritual master means developing the vision to see all the good qualities in the association of devotees. The spiritual master has his internal mood and vision. We must look at what it is that inspires him to preach.
Lectures from a Disciple, "Serving the Mood and Instructions of the Spiritual Master", Pg 317,5th Paragraph