諸經要集 5.19

5.19

北方者即是知識。若有人能供施善友任力與之。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 north refers to friends. If someone can provide for and give to good friends according to their ability, with reverence, gentle speech, prostrations, and praise, this person can make offerings to the good friends of the north. These good friends reciprocate with four things: first, teaching them to cultivate wholesome dharmas; second, causing them to leave unwholesome dharmas; third, being able to rescue and relieve them when there is fear; fourth, being able to cause them to abandon and cast off negligence.