Thus spoke Shakyamuni Buddha in the Squirrels’ Feeding Ground
Of the Bamboo grove at Rajaghriha
(a translation from the Sigalovata Sutra)
These traits make a person a true friend:
If that person is good hearted to you
If that person treats you the same whether either of you is in pain or pleasure
If that person lets you know if something is good and not evil or evil and not good
If that person shares your pain and sorrow
If that person protects you when you are negligent
If that person is a refuge when you are terrified
If that person gives you twice what you need when you are needy
If that person tells you his or her secrets
If that person protects your secrets
If that person does not abandon you when you are in distress
If that person would sacrifice his or her own life for your sake
If that person forbids you to do evil
If that person encourages and protects your virtue
If that person causes you to hear what you do not wish to hear because it is true
If that person shows you the way to the Dharma
If that person never rejoices over your misfortune and always rejoices over your good fortune
If that person prevents others from speaking ill of you
And,
If that person praises those who speak well of you