From the archives of some theosophical e-mail lists.

From: "Mirian.M.Costa"
Subject: On Friendship

FRIENDSHIP

There is an almost sensual longing for communion with others who have a larger vision. The immense fulfillment of the friendships between those engaged in furthering the evolution of consciousness has a quality almost impossible to describe.
(Teilhard de Chardin)

Among our people, friendship is held to be the severest test of character...to have a friend, and to be true under any and all trials, is the truest mark of a man! It is the essence of comradeship and fraternal love, without thought of pleasure or gain, but rather for moral support and inspiration. Each vows to die for the other if need be, and nothing is denied the brother-friend, but neither is anything required that is not in accord with the highest conception of the Indian mind.
(Ohiyesa, Charles Alexander Eastman, `The Soul Of An Indian')

Be friends first with the truly good, then go on being a friend to others until you can feel friendship toward everyone, until you can say: `I am a friend to all, even my enemies.' Even toward those who were crucifying him, Jesus felt only friendship, exemplifying in his final ordeal that which he had always taught: `Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.'
(Matt. 5:44) (Paramahansa Yogananda, `Man's Eternal Quest')