seven years in tibet (on friendship)

​कहावतें पहाड़ों की
There’s a poignant scene in the movie ‘Seven years in Tibet’ wherein this wise Tibetan woman says, “A friend’s good fortune is a blessing to you.”
Nice sounding words, but what exactly does the lady mean by ‘blessing’? Is she alluding to material favours which a friend in his good fortune is likely to dispense?
Unlikely.
And no, that verdict isn’t rooted in an obvious and cloying idealism. It’s pure empiricism at play here.
Think about it. The fruits gotten from a friend’s favour, ultimately, yield less joy than the bare reminder that there’s someone who was willing to help in a time of need. Decidedly, the true joys of a good friendship emanate from the basic disposition and character of the friend; not from the material benefits that can be harvested off him.
But here’s the catch about disposition and character. Much as we like to believe in their permanence, the truth is that they’re not totally impervious to our worldly situations.
Then, because good fortune engenders good disposition, the Tibetan lady’s friend (in his good fortune) is likely to be a greater source of joy than he usually is.
Happy friendship day to all. May good fortune abound.