法苑珠林 41.20

41.20

北方者即是善知識。若有人能供養善友。任力與之。恭敬柔言禮拜讚歎。是人則能供養北方善知識。是善知識復以四事而還報之。一教修善法。二令離惡法。三有恐怖時能為救解。四放逸之時能令除捨。

The northern direction refers to spiritual friends (kalyāṇamitra). If there is a person who can make offerings to spiritual friends, giving to them according to one's ability, with respect, gentle words, bowing, and praising, this person is able to make offerings to the northern direction of spiritual friends. These spiritual friends in return repay them with four matters: first, instructing them to cultivate good dharmas; second, causing them to depart from bad dharmas; third, when there is terror, being able to rescue and relieve them; fourth, at times of heedlessness, being able to make them abandon it.