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cxxxvi
Śrāvakabhūmi tenment does not enter the bodhi, but he helps people to attain bodhi, Buddhahood and enter in the plane of nirvāņa (nirvana bhūmi).1
The presence of a good friend (kalyānamitra) in the career of a bodhisattva is regarded as indispensable for the attainment of bodhi-citta by him." This idea is not an independent development in the Mahāyāna tradition, but its roots are found in the Pali Buddhism also where a Kalyāņamitra has been regarded as the affectionate friend leading one to the path of the attainment of bodhi.
He helps the yogin in attaining his ultimate goal. A virtuous friend is of immense help for the attainment of the path and perfection.
The Mahāyānic texts also refer to Kalyāṇamitra as a virtuous friend helpful in the attainment of bodhi-citta. The Avadāna literature, which precedes the Mahāyān Sūtras, also contains references to this doctrine. ASPP, SRS, GV, and the Kārandavyūha also refers to Kalyāṇamitra in the pursuit of a bodhisattva. In the GV, Kalyāṇamitra-parigraha has been stated as an essential factor for the success of a bodhisattva's career. A kalyānamitra protects one from durgati and impels him to proceed towards his goal of attaining enlightenment. Unlike a pāpamitra, he always helps the yogin or the bodhisattva in his career and helps him cherish the qualities of fearlessness, courage and
1. Cp. Śs, pp. 186-87; Sukhāvativyūha, 52-55; para 7 (See 1-46)
MSS, 1. 225-230; cp. Bodhi., pp. 9-10. 2. Bodhi., pp. 7, 10, 109. 3. A. N., III. 177-78, 409, IV. 208: VSm., III. 61-65; Dh. S.,
p. 287, Cp. S. N. I. 86.
See, Hardayal, BDBSL, p. 63. 5. Divyāvadāna, Avs., p. 95. 6. AŞPP, p. 197 sq.; 243-44; GV, p. 76, 99, 462-64, SRS, p. 159,
Vs. 8; Kārandavyūha. 7. Vide Śs, 24.3; cp. BCA, III. 5, IV. 4. 12 sq., V. 102 sq; SSPP,
p. 1263,
