Friends In Life And Death

ਸੁਖ ਮੈ ਬਹੁ ਸੰਗੀ ਭਏ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
sukh mai bahu sa(n)gee bheae dhukh mai sa(n)g n koe

In good times, there are many companions around, but in bad times, there is no one at all.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਜੁ ਮਨਾ ਅੰਤਿ ਸਹਾਈ ਹੋਇ ॥32॥
kahu naanak har bhaj manaa a(n)th sehaaee hoe 32

Says Nanak, vibrate, and meditate on the Lord; He shall be your only Help and Support in the end. 32

This Shabad is by Guru Tegh Bahaadur Ji in Salok Mehl 9 on Anng 1428

Friends In Life And Death

In happiness and prosperity one finds her many friends;
In sorrow and adversity there is none;
Says Nanak, leaving Communion was gone, my mind,
The Lord will save thee in the end.
Translated by Bhai Tarlochan Singh ji.

Plato once stated, "that friendship arises out of human needs and wants and the higher form of ideal of friendship exists only for the sake of God." Selfish and greedy people become the most flattering friends of prosperous, successful, powerful and rich people, but as soon as they face adversity, they not only disappear be even turn against him/her. True friendship is inspired by wisdom, pyar, selflessness and virtue. These are acquired by leading a contemplative life.

Shakespeare states, "All friends shall taste, the wages of their virtues and all foes, the cup of their deservings."

True friendship is a divine gift, which exalts character, ennobles and purifies man's heart and soul and fills it with compassion and understanding. God, and those who live in the love of the truth, are the only true friends of Man and destined but stand by him and redeem him from the sorrow and tribulations of life and death.