Thus I have heard: One time, the Budha was staying at
Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to the bhikshus:
“I will now speak about the ways of a good friend and the ways of a bad friend.
Listen carefully, listen carefully, and think deeply.”
The bhikshus replied: “Yes, Bhagavaan!”
At that time, the bhikshus received the Budha’s teachings.
The Bhagavaan said: “How should one understand the ways of a bad friend?
At that time, the bad friend has the thought:
‘I have ordained from a noble family, while the other bhikshus have come from lowly families.’
They rely on their family name and status, defaming and slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a bad friend.”
“Furthermore, the bad friend has this thought:
‘I am very diligent in practicing the proper teachings, while the other bhikshus do not diligently keep the precepts.’
With this reasoning, they slander others and become arrogant.
This is what is called the way of a bad friend.”
“Furthermore, the bad friend has this thought:
‘I have achieved deep concentration (samadhi), while the other bhikshus do not have this concentration and their minds are disturbed and unstable.’
They rely on their concentration, always becoming arrogant and slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a bad friend.”
“Furthermore, the bad friend has this thought:
‘I am the most wise, while the other bhikshus have no wisdom.’
They rely on their wisdom, always becoming arrogant and slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a bad friend.”
“Furthermore, the bad friend has this thought:
‘I always receive food, bedding, blankets, and medical supplies, while the other bhikshus are unable to receive such provisions.’
They rely on these material comforts, always becoming arrogant and slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a bad friend.
Such is the way of a bad friend.”
“How should one understand the ways of a good friend?
At that time, the good friend does not have the thought:
‘I was born in a noble family, while the other Bhikshus were not born in a noble family.’
They are the same as others in all respects.
This is what is called the way of a good friend.”
“Furthermore, the good friend does not have the thought:
‘I now keep the precepts, while the other bhikshus do not keep the precepts.’
They are the same as others in all respects, and they follow the precepts without becoming arrogant or slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a good friend.”
“Furthermore, the good friend does not have the thought:
‘I have achieved deep concentration (samadhi), while the other bhikshus’ minds are disturbed and unsettled.’
They are the same as others in all respects, and they follow their concentration without becoming arrogant or slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a good friend.”
“Furthermore, the good friend does not have the thought:
‘I have achieved wisdom, while the other bhikshus have no wisdom.’
They are the same as others in all respects, and they follow their wisdom without becoming arrogant or slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a good friend.”
“Furthermore, the good friend does not have the thought:
‘I am able to receive clothes, food, bedding, blankets, and medical supplies, while the other bhikshus cannot receive such provisions.’
They are the same as others in all respects, and they rely on their material needs without becoming arrogant or slandering others.
This is what is called the way of a good friend.”
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to the bhikshus:
“I have now explained to you the ways of a bad friend and the ways of a good friend.
Therefore, bhikshus, you should all avoid the ways of a bad friend and practice the ways of a good friend.
Thus, bhikshus, you should learn in this manner.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.