Friendship is one of the most sacred and powerful human experiences. According to Goswami Tulsidas, the revered poet-saint and author of Ramcharitmanas, friendship is not just a social bond—it is a sacred duty (dharmic kartavya).
However, in today’s world, when friendship becomes a tool for selfish gains, power play, or opportunism, it often leads to betrayal, collapse, and ruin.
Tulsidas’ Vision: Friendship Rooted in Dharma
Tulsidas Ji emphasized testing relationships during times of crisis. He wrote:
“Bipati kaal parakhiye chari, charitra, mitra, aru nari, kumari.”
(Test character, friendship, and relationships only in times of adversity.)
In the Ramayana, Lord Ram’s friendships with Sugreev (the exiled monkey king), Vibhishan (Ravana’s righteous brother), and Kevat (the humble boatman) were all grounded in dharma, justice, and truth.
These were not alliances of convenience. They were founded on shared moral values and duty—not power or personal gain.
When Friendship Turns Toward Adharma
If friendship is grounded in righteousness, it leads to trust, protection, and spiritual growth.
But when it is rooted in adharma—self-interest, deceit, or the hunger for dominance—it becomes toxic. It results in betrayal, chaos, and eventual downfall.
Modern Analogy: Trump–Musk Relations
A recent example of adharmic friendship unfolded between former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
After Trump hinted at withdrawing federal subsidies and contracts related to Musk’s businesses, Musk retaliated by announcing the decommissioning of Dragon spacecrafts—a subtle but strong counter.
This relationship:
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Was based on mutual benefit and political convenience
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Had no grounding in principles or loyalty
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Disintegrated immediately when interests clashed
In short, this wasn’t friendship. It was a strategic transaction—a facade of alliance with no foundation in trust or ethics.
Tulsidas’ Warning Echoes Today
Tulsidas cautioned:
“Sath san preeti karahi jo naara, hoihi tinhahi vipatti apara.”
(He who befriends the wicked will face endless misfortune.)
The contrast is clear:
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Ram–Sugreev friendship was dharma-based—it uplifted both.
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Trump–Musk “friendship” was selfish—it ended in rupture.
The Essence of True Friendship
Real friendship is a form of dharma. It:
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Stands beside you in crisis
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Champions truth
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Respects duty and loyalty
But when friendship serves as a cloak for power games or greed, it masks treachery and leads to destruction.
As Tulsidas reminds us, “A friend is one who stands by you in truth, not just in triumph.” Otherwise, even friendship becomes a deal of convenience, leading only to ruin.
Featured Image Suggestion:
Visual: A symbolic artwork showing Lord Ram embracing Sugreev, while in the background, two modern silhouettes (representing Trump and Musk) turn away from each other with broken chains of handshake.
Alt text: Lord Ram and Sugreev’s dharmic friendship versus Trump and Musk’s fallout
Image Description: A symbolic comparison of ancient values-based friendship and modern-day opportunistic alliances, using contrasting visual metaphors.