FRIENDSHIP WITH THE GOOD
Once a group of six devas came to visit the Buddha at Savatthi, while he was residing in Jetavana, the monastery offered by Anathapindika.
The first deva spoke the following verse:
“One should associate only with the good,
With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learned the true Dhamma of the good, One becomes better, never worse.”
(SN 1:31)
The other five concurred and spoke verses that differed only in their point of emphasis.
One said association with the good brings wisdom, another that friends dry our tears, another that wise friendship brings one a good reputation, another that it leads to a happy rebirth. The last stated that a good friend is a source of bliss.
The Buddha approved their verses and then added one of his own:
“One should associate only with the good,
With the good one should foster intimacy.
Having learned the true Dhamma of the good, One is released from all suffering.”
