Daily Reading ~ May 12

Hoa Vo Uu (Buddha Dharma Education Association)
Venerable Shravasti Dhammika

The Buddha’s Words of Wisdom

There are four types of people who should be known as enemies disguised as friends: the greedy person, one who speaks but does not act, the flatterer and squanderer.

1. The greedy person is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons. He is greedy; he gives little and asks much; if he does what he should it is only out of fear, and he pursues his own interests only.

2. One who speaks but does not act is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons. He reminds you of the good done on your behalf in the past; he talks of good he will do on your behalf in the future; he tries to win your favor with empty words; when the opportunity to help arises, he pleads helplessness.

3. The flatterer is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons. He encourages you to do wrong; he discourages you from doing right; he praises you on your face and speaks ill of you behind your back.

4. The squanderer is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons also. He is your companion when you drink, when you frequent the streets at untimely hours, when you haunt low shows and fairs, he is your companion when you gamble.

A friend who always wants to take,

A friend who says but he doesn’t do,

A friend who uses flattering words,

A friend who joins you in wrong—

These four friends are really foes.

And one who is wise, having understood this,

Will avoid them from afar,

As if they were a dangerous road.

There are four kinds of stout-hearted people who should be known as true friends; the helper, the friend in both good times and bad, one who gives good counsel, and one who sympathizes.

1. The helper is a true friend for four reasons. He guards you when you are off your guard; he guards your property when you are off your guard; he comforts you when you are afraid; and when something has to be done, he gives you twice what you require.

2. The friend in both good times and bad is a true friend for four reasons. He tells you his secrets; he keeps the secrets you tell him; in trouble he does not forsake you; he would even lay down his life for you.

3. The friend who gives good counsel is a true friend for four reason. He discourages you from doing wrong, he encourages you to do good, he tells you tings you have not heard, and he points out the way to heaven.

4. The friend who sympathies is a true friend for four reasons. He is sad at your misfortunes, he rejoices at your good fortune, he restrains others from speaking ill of you, and he commends those who speaks well of you.

A friend who always lends a hand,

A friend in both sorrow and joy,

A friend who offers good counsel,

A friend who sympathizes too—

These are the four kinds of true friends,

And one who is wise, having understood this,

Will always cherish and serve such friends,            

Just as a mother tends her only child.