Excellent and genuine friends prioritize their friends’ interests through their actions. Regardless of changes in living standards or age, these friends maintain consistent mindsets, always valuing mutual support. Whether living near or far, their commitment to helping one another remains unwavering.
The renowned poet and Buddhist monk Manle Sayadaw once wrote that while clothes should be new and stylish, long-lasting friends are invaluable. People change clothes daily to enhance their appearance, but friends who have maintained a mutual relationship over time display loyalty, friendliness, and sincerity. True friends will not hesitate to advise against actions that may lead one astray.
This common ground fosters a deeper connection. Friends should encourage each other to grow and improve. By cultivating these qualities in friendships, everybody can build lasting and meaningful relationships. It is essential to surround ourselves with friends who inspire and uplift us, helping us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
In today’s world, not all friendships are based on enduring connections. New acquaintances cannot always be fully trusted. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the mindsets and behaviours of friends. Assessing human intentions and actions is more challenging than appraising jewellery. Genuine friends are those who offer assistance without hesitation, particularly during difficult times. This is when true friends can be distinguished from pretenders.
Pretended friends can be worse than enemies, as they are close but deceitful. Faithful friends who can be relied upon in times of trouble are rare. In society, individuals driven by greed, anger, selfishness, and pride do not make suitable friends. Everyone should strive to find their best friends while also improving their own reliability and trustworthiness. One must consider the interests of one’s friends alongside one’s own.
The Lord Buddha preached the Mangala Sutta over 2,600 years ago, emphasizing the importance of avoiding harmful individuals and associating with the wise to gain knowledge and skills. There are many societal examples of people who have strayed from good paths due to a lack of good and faithful friends. It is particularly important for young people today to seek out and maintain relationships with trustworthy and loyal friends.
Friends should support each other through thick and thin, offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times. A good friendship is built on trust and loyalty. Friends should be able to rely on each other without hesitation. Friends are honest with each other. They offer constructive criticism and guide their friends away from harmful behaviours. Friendships are stronger when friends share similar values and beliefs.
This common ground fosters a deeper connection. Friends should encourage each other to grow and improve. By cultivating these qualities in friendships, everybody can build lasting and meaningful relationships. It is essential to surround ourselves with friends who inspire and uplift us, helping us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
