Text
The Bonds of Fellowship
Saṅgaha Sutta (AN 4:32)
“There are these four grounds for the bonds of fellowship. Which four? Giving, kind words, beneficial help, consistency. These are the four grounds for the bonds of fellowship.”
Giving, kind words, beneficial help,
& consistency in the face of events,
in line with what’s appropriate
in each case, each case.
These bonds of fellowship (function) in the world
like the linchpins in a moving cart.
Now, if these bonds of fellowship were lacking,
a mother would not receive
the honor & respect owed by her child,
nor would a father receive
what his child owes him.
But because the wise show regard
for these bonds of fellowship,
they achieve greatness
and are praised.