Numbered Discourses 6.67

7. A God

Friends

“Bhikkhus, it’s quite impossible that a bhikkhu with bad friends, companions, and associates, while frequenting, accompanying, and attending, and following their example, will fulfill the practice dealing with the supplementary regulations. Without fulfilling the practice dealing with supplementary regulations, it’s impossible to fulfill the practice of a trainee. Without fulfilling the practice of a trainee, it’s impossible to fulfill ethics. Without fulfilling ethics, it’s impossible give up sensual desire, or desire to be reborn in the realm of luminous form or in the formless realm.

It’s quite possible that a bhikkhu with good friends, companions, and associates, while frequenting, accompanying, and attending, and following their example, will fulfill the practice dealing with the supplementary regulations. Having fulfilled the practice dealing with supplementary regulations, it’s possible to fulfill the practice of a trainee. Having fulfilled the practice of a trainee, it’s possible to fulfill ethics. Having fulfilled ethics, it’s possible give up sensual desire, and desire to be reborn in the realm of luminous form and in the formless realm.”