Yasha Prashna Talks, Mysore, 2017
Post by Kusuma
Six Characteristics of a Friend:
1. We will be careful to bring our friend back on track if they have slipped or are getting lost. Because of close connection, this supports the welfare of both self and friend.
2. We will always think of our friend’s welfare and how to support them to get better, to advance in more noble steps.
3. We will shield well any secrets known, no matter if they are of noble or ignoble content.
4. We will serve the role of enlightening other people about our friend’s noble qualities not seen by the public.
5. We will never leave a friend in a calamity. We will shield them, bring them back, etc., fully sharing in their problems and effort to uplift them.
6. A friend may not ask for any help but, if we know the situation, we should offer help without being asked for it.
An ideal friendship is considered same-sex and within one year of age difference. Among friendships however, a couple (husband and wife) are the best friends than anyone else and they should live as friends.
-Ācārya