勸發菩提心集 2.89

2.89

當知菩薩由四種相，方得圓滿親近善友：一於善友有病無病，隨時供侍，恒常發起愛敬淨信。二於善友隨時敬問禮拜，奉迎合掌，慇勤修和敬業，而為供養。三於善友如法衣服、飲食、臥具、病緣、醫藥、資身、什物隨時供養。四於善友若正依止於如法義，若合若離，隨自在轉無有傾動。如實顯發，作奉教心，隨時往詣，恭敬承事，請問聽受。准《法句經》云：爾時寶明菩薩白佛言：「世尊！云何是善知識？」佛言：「善知識者，善解深法空、無相、無作、無生無滅。了達諸法從本以來究竟平等，無業無報、無因無果，性相如如，住於實際，於畢竟空中熾然建立。」是善知識，舉喻顯能。

It should be known that only through four characteristics does a bodhisattva attain complete closeness to a kalyāṇamitra: first, whether the kalyāṇamitra is sick or not, attending upon and serving them at all times, constantly generating affectionate respect and pure faith; second, respectfully inquiring after, bowing down to, greeting with joined palms, and diligently practicing harmonious and reverent deeds to make offerings to the kalyāṇamitra at all times; third, making offerings to the kalyāṇamitra at all times with clothing, food and drink, bedding, medicines for treating illness, requisites for life, and daily utensils that accord with the Dharma; fourth, when correctly relying upon the kalyāṇamitra in accordance with the Dharma and its meaning, whether united or separated, moving along with their independence without faltering; displaying this in accordance with reality, forming a mind of complying with instruction, approaching them at the proper times, reverently serving them, and inquiring and listening to them. According to the *Dharmapada-sūtra*, at that time Bodhisattva Baoming addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honoured One! What is a kalyāṇamitra?" The Buddha said: "A kalyāṇamitra is one who is well-skilled in understanding the deep Dharma: emptiness, signlessness, wishlessness, non-arising, and non-cessation; who thoroughly comprehends that all dharmas are from the beginning ultimately equal, without karma and without retribution, without cause and without effect, their nature and characteristics being suchness, abiding in the limit of reality, and ablaze in establishing [dharmas] within ultimate emptiness." This is the kalyāṇamitra; it adduces analogies to reveal their abilities.