禪林寶訓 2.5

2.5

湛堂曰。學者求友須是可為師者。時中長懷尊敬。作事取法期有所益。或智識差勝於我。亦可相從。警所未逮。萬一與我相似則不如無也（寶峯實錄）。

Zhantang said: 'When a student seeks a friend, it must be someone who can serve as a teacher. At all times, hold them in reverence, take their actions as a model, and hope for benefit. Or, if their wisdom and understanding are slightly superior to one's own, one may also associate with them to be alerted to what one has not yet reached. If by any chance they are just like oneself, then it is better not to have them.' (*Baofeng shilu*).