Iti 17 - A Trainee (2nd) Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato Source: https://suttacentral.net/iti17/en/sujato License: CC0-1.0 So It Was Said 17 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two A Trainee (2nd) 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.