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sn.1.53 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

The Friend

“What is the friend of one on a journey?
What is the friend in one’s own home?
What is the friend of one in need?
What is the friend in the future life?”

“A caravan is the friend of one on a journey;
A mother is the friend in one’s own home;
A comrade when the need arises
Is one’s friend again and again.
The deeds of merit one has done—
That is the friend in the future life.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh


A Friend

Who’s your friend in need?
Who’s your friend in the next life?”
“A caravan is your friend abroad.
Mother is your friend at home.
A comrade in a time of need
is a friend time and again.
But the good deeds you’ve done yourself—
that’s your friend in the next life.”
“Who’s your friend abroad?
Who’s your friend at home?