Significance of Good friend
The term "Good friend" encompasses various interpretations across different cultural and philosophical contexts. In Buddhism, it refers to individuals who inspire virtuous behavior and support spiritual growth. Hinduism invokes the term during rituals for fostering positive relationships. The Arthashastra views good friends as vital for maintaining harmony in a kingdom. Similarly, Vaishnavism highlights loyal companions, while in Mahayana, "Good friend" signifies supportive figures on the path to enlightenment. Overall, the concept emphasizes the importance of companionship that encourages virtue and personal growth.
Synonyms: Close friend, Best friend, Trusted companion, Intimate friend, Dear friend, Pal, Confidant, Close companion, Trusted ally
In Dutch: Goede vriend; In Finnish: Hyvä ystävä; In Spanish: Buen amigo; In German: Guter Freund; In Malay: Kawan baik; In Swedish: Bra vän; In French: Bon ami; In Swedish: God vän; In Portugese: Bom amigo; In Italian: Buon amico; In Polish: Dobry przyjaciel
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good friend'
In Buddhism, a "Good friend" is a supportive companion who embodies virtuous qualities, guides others towards enlightenment, fosters moral growth, and provides invaluable mentorship throughout one's spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of companionship and mutual respect.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A term used by the Bodhisatta to address the foolish sprite and warn him about his dangerous plan.[1] (2) Companions who share values of virtue, wisdom, and learning, and who positively influence one's life.[2] (3) Viraka's address to Savitthaka, expressing concern for his well-being as he warns him against self-destruction.[3] (4) A term used by the king as a token of respect towards the carpenters, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual respect.[4] (5) Supportive and beneficial companions who contribute positively to one's life and spiritual journey.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) These are people who offer support and guidance, whom the Bodhisatta welcomes and greets with respect and courtesy.[6] (2) Others who support and encourage one on the path to spiritual growth, viewed as essential for developing mental liberation.[7] (3) Associates whose companionship benefits one's spiritual growth and wellbeing.[8] (4) Companions who contribute positively to one’s moral and spiritual journey.[9] (5) Individuals who possess virtuous qualities and support the Bodhisatta in their journey towards Buddhahood.[10]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The good friend is the other Naga, who received the command to collect the edible stalks of the lotuses and give them to the venerable one.[11] (2) A term of endearment used by the lay-disciple to address the Bhikkhu, highlighting the supportive and respectful relationship among practitioners.[12] (3) A polite address used among the Bhikkhus when discussing matters of agreement.[13]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) One should stick to this person, but if one cannot find one, it is better to stay alone, highlighting the value of positive relationships and self-reliance.[14] (2) Individuals who provide support, guidance, and constructive feedback, crucial for personal growth.[15] (3) A person who provides wise counsel and supports others in making better choices, often through reproach and warning against bad actions.[16]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) This is someone who can serve as a teacher, preceptor, or mentor, providing guidance and support for spiritual development and practice.[17] (2) A person who provides a meditation subject and serves as a guide in the development of concentration.[18] (3) A person who possesses special qualities, is revered and dearly loved, and is wholly solicitous of welfare and progress, essential for guiding others in meditation.[19]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A good friend rejoices in another's good fortune and refrains from jealousy or ill-will.[20]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals who positively influence one's moral conduct and contribute to the development of wholesome consciousness.[21]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The "good friend" of the Way is the most closely related to unsurpassed Bodhi, as Ajatasatru would have died and fallen into hell without Jivaka's words.[22] (2) A person associates with a good friend, which is considered to be a form of love, a process of taking-in, and also befriending a good teacher, resulting in that person thinking well and positively.[23] (3) The text identifies the 'good friend of the Way' as the most closely related to unsurpassed Bodhi, implying that following the advice of a good friend is crucial for spiritual progress.[24] (4) Someone who is a good influence, and who a person, in this life or in the next, may befriend, to give ear to Wonderful Dharma, and do good.[25] (5) A supportive individual who helps a person navigate their emotions such as greed, anger, and ignorance through specific teachings.[26]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Good friend is a way to address someone, and is used by the ministers’ sons, and also refers to the king’s brother.[27] (2) Associates that encourage virtuous behavior and contribute positively to one's karmic outcome.[28] (3) Companions who inspire and assist a bodhisattva in their spiritual journey towards omniscience.[29] (4) The kalyanamitra, representing the supportive figure that helps individuals on their path to peace and enlightenment.[30] (5) A term used in the context to describe generosity as a supportive and loyal companion.[31]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Those who have perfections and are capable of instructing individuals in advanced stages towards realizing their Buddha-enlightenment.[32] (2) Spiritual teachers who impart the perfection of wisdom and support the learning of the bodhisattva.[33]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Individuals who guide and inspire others to engage in positive deeds, fostering virtuous habits.[34]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Individuals whose virtuous words and actions inspire and guide others away from evil actions.[35]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) The text mentions that being a good friend is a part of the morality taught, and that a teacher has to teach pupils to accept their fellow students as friends, as well as the value of friendship.[36]
Hindu concept of 'Good friend'
In Hinduism, a "Good friend" signifies trustworthy and supportive companions who enhance well-being, foster positive relationships, and contribute to personal and societal harmony. They embody qualities like loyalty, truthfulness, and benevolence in various contexts.
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) A person with whom one should cultivate a strong relationship, through gifts, honors, truthfulness, valour, and humility, particularly in times of danger or difficulty.[37] (2) Companions who provide positive influence and support in one's life.[38] (3) Good friends are those individuals whose presence and advice support the ruler in maintaining a harmonious kingdom.[39]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Long-standing, submissive, easy to be roused, coming from fathers and grandfathers, powerful, and never of a contradictory nature.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Trustworthy and supportive individuals who contribute positively to one’s life.[41] (2) Trustworthy and supportive companions that contribute to a person's overall well-being.[42]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Individuals whose presence during drinking is uplifting and psychologically beneficial.[43]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A term used in the formula recited by the sacrificer, expressing a wish for benevolence and companionship.[44]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A phrase invoked to invite King Soma as a benevolent and beneficial presence, fostering positive relationships in the context of the sacrificial ritual.[45]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A reference to the Yadavas who are characterized as supportive and loyal companions of Shri Krishna.[46]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) In the eleventh house, all planets make acquisition of wealth, happiness, increasing renown, and the company of these individuals, according to the provided information.[47]
The concept of Good friend in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Good friend" encapsulates various forms of friendship, from platonic bonds and mutual respect to supportive relationships within a community, emphasizing the importance of companionship and positive connections in different contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The supportive individuals in Nasima's life who helped her in her endeavors.[48] (2) The narrator’s previous perception of Malti, indicating a connection that was initially platonic.[49] (3) A term of endearment used to address someone in the context of waking them up or engaging with them.[50] (4) Describes the friendship and mutual respect shared between Lawrence and Huxley despite their differences.[51] (5) Raibhya and Bharadwaja shared a strong bond of friendship, where Raibhya was a renowned scholar and Bharadwaja an ascetic.[52]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A term representing the desired friendship and harmony between the Raja and the Tiger after their initial confrontation.[53]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author has formed positive relationships with individuals in the area, suggesting a supportive network and positive social connections within the community.[54]
The concept of Good friend in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Good friend" highlights a bond of affection and respect between the author and Douw Greeff, reflecting emotional and practical support as a patient’s teacher-colleague, demonstrating loyalty and readiness to assist.
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This person, a teacher-colleague, provides the patient with support and is on standby in case she is needed, showing a source of emotional and practical assistance.[55] (2) A term used to describe the relationship between the author and Douw Greeff, expressing affection and respect for the deceased.[56]
From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy
(1) The SASP and Hazel's many friends and relations mourned the passing of a good friend and pioneer physiotherapist.[57]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) This is a term that Mick Graham uses to describe George Bernard Shaw, as mentioned in the provided text.[58]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text stresses the importance of having 'good friends' who are available to listen and support farmers, allowing them to unload their stresses and break down barriers to discussing mental health.[59]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A good friend can guide an icchantika spiritually, but an icchantika is unable to approach a good friend who can provide this guidance.[60]
Classical concept of 'Good friend'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) These are the people for whom the text questions the limit to the number one should have, comparing it to the ideal size of a city, implying that there is a range within which the number of good friends should fall.[61] (2) Being a good friend entails helping those in need, according to the text, raising the question of the usefulness of a friendship if no support is provided.[62] (3) The text suggests that people should seek friends who are both pleasant and "good friends", possessing all the characteristics that friends should have, implying a combination of enjoyment, virtue, and mutual benefit.[63] (4) This is someone that shares similarities with the commendable balanced disposition, particularly when affection is involved, suggesting a connection built on mutual understanding and consideration.[64]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) Sarpedon told Glaucus that if they could escape old age and death, he should neither press forward himself nor bid Glaucus do so, demonstrating his awareness of mortality.[65] (2) This is how Nestor addresses Patroclus, urging him to convey his message to Achilles.[66]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Good friend is used by Peleus when he is telling them to not be so fearful in spirit, as they are not so lacking in prowess as to be no match for Aeetes.[67]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) "Good friend" is the term the crow uses to address the dove, before advising her to stop boasting about her large family in captivity.[68]