A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED-MANU AND VALLUVAR ON FRIENDSHIP (Post No.4852)

Written by London Swaminathan 

 

 

Date: 26 MARCH 2018

 

 

British Summer Time uploaded in London – 17-07

 

Post No. 4852

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He is a true friend who stands by one in disease, in adversity, in famine, in danger from enemies, at the royal gate and at the cremation ground.

Chanakya Niti 1-12

aature vyasane praapte durbikshe satrusankate

raajadwaare smasaane ca yasthishtati  sa bhaandhavah

 

xxx

They are the real sons who are devoted to their father, father is one who brings the offspring, a friend is one who can be trusted, a wife is one who gives happiness.

2-4

 

One should keep away from a friend who harms the mission in one’s absence, but talks sweetly when face to face. He is a jar of poison with milk in its upper portion.

2-5

 

One should not trust a bad friend, nor should repose too much of trust even in good friend lest the friend in a fit of rage were to lay bare all the secrets.

2-6

xxx

Compare these with the following couplets from Tamil Veda ‘Tirukkural’

 

Like the hand , that goes to the rescue when a garment slips, stepping into help

when a friend faces adversity, is true friendship – Kural 788

 

Friendship is not for pleasant laughter alone, but for harsh and ethical advice too

promptly given, when one swerves from the right path- Kural 784

 

A surface smile on the face is not friendship, genuine affection,

springs from the heart and lights up the face- Kural 786

 

The true friend keeps one away from the wrong path, and helps him follow the right path,

and also stands by him, if misfortune falls nevertheless – Kural 787

 

The throne of genuine friendship is found, without doubt, where two allied hearts beat,

under all circumstances, in unison and mutual support- Kural 789

 

It is wise to acquire and hold on to faultless friendships, and equally good,

to dispense with undependable friendships, even at a price- Kural 800

 

–subham–