The Buddha Says:
“Young man, be aware of these four good-hearted friends: the helper, the friend who endures in good times and bad, the mentor, and the compassionate friend.”
The Helper can be identified by four things: by protecting you when you are vulnerable, and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, and in various tasks providing double what is requested.
The Enduring Friend can be identified by four things: by telling you secrets, guarding your own secrets closely, not abandoning you in misfortune, and even dying for you.
The Mentor can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path to samsaric (reincarnation cycle) heavens.
The Compassionate Friend can be identified by four things: by not rejoicing in your misfortune, delighting in your good fortune, preventing others from speaking ill of you, and encouraging others who praise your good qualities.
It begs to be said that each of us also could fall into at least one of these four categories, and at any time in our life, also dependent upon who it is we are addressing, the category we are exemplifying changes with the circumstances. We are human after all.
As much as we try to be a specific category, one can easily bleed into another. That being said, above all else simply treat others as you would have them treat you. Walk with them as your brother, treating them with respect and love as you recognize within them the same soul that resides within you.
© 2015 Lisa Bousson LLC
