This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“Taking into account exterior factors, mendicants, I do not see a single one that is so very helpful as good friendship for a trainee mendicant who hasn’t achieved their heart’s desire, but lives aspiring to the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.
A mendicant who has good friends gives up the unskillful and develops the skillful.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“A mendicant with good friends
is reverential and respectful
when their friends are speaking,
aware and mindful.
Gradually they would attain
the ending of all fetters.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.