67(3)Friends
"Bhikkhus,when a bhikkhu has bad friends,bad companions,and bad comrades,when he follows,resorts to,and attendsupon bad friends and follows theirexample,(1)it is impossible that he will fulfill the duty of proper conduct.
Without having fulfilled the duty of proper conduct,(2)it is impossible that he will fulfill the duty of a trainee.
Without having fulfilled the duty of a trainee,(3)it is impossible that he will fulfill virtuous behavior.
Without having fulfilled virtuous behavior,(4)it is impossible that he will abandon sensual lust,(5)lust for form,
or(6)lust for the formless.
The Abhidhamma commentary,As 239,25-240,z(Be S362), explains ruparaga as"desire and lust for form-[sphere]existence" (rupabhave chandarago)and aruparaga as"desire and lust for formless-[sphere]existence"(arūpabhave chandarago).While the word"lust"may seem strong in relation to these refined realms of existence,I feel it is useful to render raga consistently."Bhikkhus,when a bhikkhu has good friends,good companions,and good comrades,when he follows,resorts to,andattends upon good friends and follows their example,(1)it is possible that he will fulfill the duty of proper conduct.
Having fulfilled the duty of proper conduct,(2)it is possible that he will fulfill the duty of a trainee.
Having fulfilled the duty of a trainee,(3)it is possible that he will fulfill virtuous behavior.
Having fulfilled virtuous behavior,(4)it is possible thathe will abandon sensual lust,(5)lust for form,and (6)lust forthe formless."