Aṇguttara Nikāya
Sattaka Nipāta
IV. Devatā Vagga
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Sevens
Chapter IV: Devas
Sutta 36
Bhikkhu Mitta Suttaṃ
Friends 2
Translated from the Pali by E.M. Hare.
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[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.
[6] Here: nāsiyamānena, from √naṣ, causing one to disappear: cf. for the sentiment Job xiii, 15.
