Giving, kind speech, beneficial action and impartiality are the four bases of supportive relationships.
"Bhikkhus, there are these four bases of a supportive relationship. What four? Giving, kind speech, beneficial action, and impartiality.
These are the four bases of a supportive relationship.
"Giving, kind speech,
beneficial action, and impartiality;
In diverse worldly conditions,
as is appropriate in each case;
These are the bases of supportive relationships in the world,
like the linchpin of a rolling chariot.
Without these bases of supportive relationships,
neither mother nor father;
would be able to obtain esteem
and veneration from their children.
But since these means of being supportive exist,
wise people respect them;
thus they experience distinction,
and are highly praised."
In this teaching, the Buddha shares how one can cultivate supportive relationships. One can reflect on this and then apply it in practice to independently verify it.
Related Teachings:
The way to look after yourself and others | At Sedaka (SN 47.19) - Two acrobats discuss whether one should support the other, or the other way around. The Buddha says they should support each other. In the same way we should practice the four kinds of mindfulness meditation both for one’s own benefit and to protect others.
Who to associate with (AN 3.26) - A man who associates with an inferior goes downhill, but associating with an equal, you’ll never decline; following the best, you’ll quickly rise up, so you should keep company with people better than you.”
Repaying One’s Parents (AN 2.33) ↗️ - Encouraging, settling, and establishing one’s parents in faith, virtue, giving, and wisdom is how one can do enough and repay one’s parents.