A Study of Buddhist Sources on the Concept of Friendship

Friendship is an intimate bond that people have towards each other. It is a major segment in the process of an individual’s secondary socialization. Therefore, friendship is a highly influential and a complex human attitude. Religions, philosophies, and social disciplines have discussed friendship and its value in different ways. In basic religious teachings; friendship has been consistently valued. Each discipline points out friendship and its impact within the relevant subject areas. The objective of this research paper is to identify the relevant sources of Buddhist teachings in relation to friendship. Thus, primary and secondary sources belonging to Buddhist Pali literature were studied in order to realize this objective. Qualitative research methodology was used to analyze the data obtained through the study. Buddhist sutra literature is the main source that includes information about friendship. According to Buddhism, a friend is not just someone of the same age. All friends, regardless of age, are friends. It emphasizes that friendship not only affects the socialization of a person but also his or her spiritual development as well. Although friendship is categorized as ‘Good Friends’ (Kalyānamitra) and ‘Bad Friends’ (Pāapamitra), they are classified according to their attitudes and behaviors. Those who guide others to obtain spiritual development and support moral existence are called noble friends (Kalyānamitra). Those who have the opposite nature are evil friends (Pāapamitra). They are also classified differently according to ‘Sigalovada Sutta’. Therefore, Buddhism shows that friendship is a very complex human relationship. It is not an interpretation based on race, religion, age, or tribe. It also shows that friendship in ‘Anguttara Nikaya’ is based on very serious sacrifices. Betrayal of a friend is also shown as a serious offence. It further shows that friendship is a responsible bond. As a whole, Buddhism simply explains friendship and emphasizes advanced friendliness with the concept of ‘metta’. It is a state that goes beyond simple profit motives. Wishing goodness by being affectionate to all those known and unknown, is an advanced spiritual friendliness. Accordingly, Buddhism recognizes friendship as a common human relationship, regardless of standard social boundaries or time differences. It also shows that it is something that should be maintained with sacrifices rather than with responsibility. It emphasizes that the advancement of both worldly and spiritual aspects is based on friendship. According to Buddhism, friendship is not merely a matter of being on friendly terms; it is a relationship that requires sincere sacrifice. Those who make sacrifices are true friends, whereas one who does not is a fake friend. Among them, a person who offers assistance in both spiritual and worldly matters is a noble or virtuous friend (Kalyāna-mitra), while those who contribute to one's failure in both these aspects are harmful or unwholesome friends (Pāpa-mitra).

Noble friendship, Evil friendship, Socialization, Society, Responsibility

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