[autoloanexpert]

One who, overstepping and despising a sense of shame, says, 'I am your friend,' but does not take upon himself any tasks he is capable of doing, is to be recognized as no friend. One who speaks amiably to his companions, but whose actions do not conform to it, him the wise know for certain as a talker not a doer. He is no friend who, anticipating conflict, is always alert in looking out for weaknesses. But he on whom one can rely, like a child sleeping on its mother's breast, is truly a friend who cannot be parted from one by others.

"One who bears the human burden of responsibility, with it fruits and blessings in mind, he cultivates a cause of joy and happiness worthy of praise. Having tasted the flavor of solitude and peace one is free from fear and wrong-doings imbibing the rapture of Dhamma."

Hiri Sutta: On Friendship

[LillyPlay]

Hi Element, on reading the Sutta as you have quoted this afternoon, I thought it had been highlighted to me previously, though it seemed a little different somehow - on investigating I found this different translation and the focus is more on conscience rather than the friendship aspect

One who,
flouting, despising
a sense of conscience,
saying, "I am your friend,"
but not grasping
what he could do [to help]:
know him as
"Not my friend."

One who,
among friends,
speaks endearing words
to which he doesn't conform,
the wise recognize
as speaking without doing.

He's not a friend
who's always wary,
suspecting a split,
focusing just on your weakness.
But him on whom you can depend,
like a child on its parent's breast:
that's a true friend
whom others can't split from you.

Carrying one's manly burden,
the fruits & rewards develop
the conditions that make for joy,
the bliss that brings praise.

Drinking the nourishment,
the flavor,
of seclusion & calm,
one is freed from evil, devoid
of distress,
refreshed with the nourishment
of rapture in the Dhamma.[1]

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipit...2.03.than.html

[JosephEL]

hi Andy

the word 'hiri' is 'conscience' (Thanissaro) or 'sense of shame' (Ireland)

i am a fan of John Ireland's translations

by using the word 'friendship', Ireland has not translated the name of the sutta directly, but, instead, just titled it according it its main subject matter

Hiri Sutta is Conscience Sutta or Sense of Shame Sutta

Kind regards

[himecthekWiff]

i am a fan of John Ireland's translations

When reading this sutta I find that the second Thanissaro version has an awkward, clunky feel to it in comparison to the Ireland version.

For example:

"He is no friend who, anticipating conflict, is always alert in looking out for weaknesses"

flows a lot better than:

"He's not a friend who's always wary,suspecting a split, focusing just on your weakness"


Anyway, thanks very much for posting it Element

[yurawerj]

Thanks Element,

[Diortarkivoff]

Thanks Element

This can help us to reflect : "how much of a friend am I, really?" and "how might I be more of a friend?".

[baritkello]

Hi Element, yes ... it is a lovely translation, thanks from me, too :- )