This verse (chaupai) is from the Balakanda chapter of Shri Ramcharitmanas.
सठ सुधरहिं सतसंगति पाई। पारस परस कुधात सुहाई॥ बिधि बस सुजन कुसंगत परहीं। फनि मनि सम निज गुन अनुसरहीं॥
This verse (chaupai) is also from the beginning of the Balakanda and occurs in the context of describing the importance of satsang (company of the virtuous).
Meaning : Even the wicked can improve through the company of the virtuous, just as iron becomes beautiful (turns into gold) upon touching the philosopher's stone. However, if by fate, a good person falls into bad company, they still follow their own virtues, like the gem on a serpent’s head. Just as the gem, despite being with the serpent, does not absorb its poison and continues to shine with its natural light, in the same way, a virtuous person, even in the company of the wicked, continues to spread light without being influenced by them.
Context: where this chaupai appears in Shri Ramcharitmanas
This chaupai also belongs to the satsang passage of Balkand. Tulsidas ji says that even the wicked are reformed by the company of saints, just as base metal touched by the paras (philosopher's stone) becomes gold. But if, by fate, good people fall into bad company, they still follow their own virtues; like the jewel on a serpent's hood, the company's fault does not stain them.
Transliteration
Sath Sudharahin Satsangati Pai. Paras Paras Kudhat Suhai.. Bidhi Bas Sujan Kusangat Parahin. Fani Mani Sam Nij Gun Anusarahin..
Word meanings
- Sath = the wicked
- Satsangati = company of saints
- Paras paras = by the touch of the philosopher's stone
- Kudhat = base metal
- Suhai = becomes beautiful (turns to gold)
- Bidhi bas = by fate
- Sujan = good people
- Kusangat = bad company
- Fani mani = the jewel on a serpent's hood
- Nij gun anusarahin = follow their own virtues
As a Shalaka answer
This answer points towards company. The circumstances around the matter you asked about are not favourable; the path becomes clear only after leaving the company of the crooked. As things stand, completion of the work is doubtful.