Aṅguttara Nikāya


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Aṅguttara Nikāya
Sattaka Nipāta
IV. Devatā Vagga

The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Sevens
Chapter IV: Devas

Sutta 36

Bhikkhu Mitta Suttaɱ

Friends 2

Translated from the Pali by E.M. Hare.

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[18]

[1] THUS have I heard:

Once the Exalted One was dwelling near Sāvatthī,
at Jeta Grove, in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park;
and there he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

'Yes, lord,' they replied;
and the Exalted One said:

"Monks, let a monk cultivate,
follow,
honour
a friend who is endowed with seven things,[1]
even though he (the monk) be driven away.[2]

What seven?

[19] He is genial,
pleasant,
grave,
cultured,[3]
a speaker,
bland,
profound in speech,
he urges one not untimely.[4]

Verily, monks, let a monk cultivate one so endowed.

 


 

A speaker, genial, grave, cultured, bland,
Profound in speech, not urging when not fit:
In whom these things are found, that is the friend
To cultivate if any need a friend, -
A man moved always by desire for weal,-[5]
Yea, tho' he drive thee forth,[6] yet follow him.'

 


[1] Dhammā.

[2] Api panujjamānena, M. i, 108.

[3] Bhāvanīyo. Cf. G.S. iii, 87.

[4] Quoted at UdA. 222.

[5] Attha-kāmānukampaka, √kamp.

Job xiii, 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

p.p. explains it all — p.p.

[6] Here: nāsiyamānena, from √naṣ, causing one to disappear: cf. for the sentiment Job xiii, 15.


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