“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.”

Young man, be aware of these four good-hearted friends: the helper, the friend who endures in good times and bad, the mentor, and the compassionate friend.

The helper can be identified by four things: by protecting you when you are vulnerable, and likewise your wealth, being a refuge when you are afraid, and in various tasks providing double what is requested.

The enduring friend can be identified by four things: by telling you secrets, guarding your own secrets closely, not abandoning you in misfortune, and even dying for you.

The mentor can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path to sansaarik (worldly) heavens.

The compassionate friend can be identified by four things: by not rejoicing in your misfortune, delighting in your good fortune, preventing others from speaking ill of you, and encouraging others who praise your good qualities.

 – Taken from the Sigalovada Sutta

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each one has one’s own suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.

Some teachings of Gautama, the Buddha:

“Physical charms attract the eyes, goodness attracts the mind.”

“Do not be jealous of others’ good qualities, but out of admiration adopt them yourself.”

“However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?”

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

“In the end only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

“You only lose what you cling to.”

“When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head and laugh at the sky.”

“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.”