friendship between the Religious man and a layman

The great friendships recorded in history of humankind have been between men. This kind of friendships among men have often been idealized. This historical idealization of the male friendship would tell and describe a beautiful friendship and bonding between a monk and a layman.

Friendship between a monk and a layman has typically and strangely been described in terms of courage of openess in giving moral support and extending physical sacrifice in providing assistance to each other despite their being in two different worlds. This is often manifested in a monk's offering of prayers for his friend and his family and in return, a layman's offering of appreciation and awe in a monk's cloistered lifestyle and his mystical existence. These historical account celebrates interpersonal relationships characterized by closeness and compassion for each other.

It is always noted that majority of laymen may not have developed close friendships in monks but once they do, they treasure such frienships forever.