mitra [知識] (; chishiki): Friend, companion, or ally. Mitra was translated into Chinese as chih-shih ( chishiki), meaning acquaintance or friend. Kalyāna-mitra means a good friend, friend of virtue, or good counselor; pāpa-mitra means a bad friend. In Buddhism, good friend indicates one who leads others to the correct teaching or helps them in its practice, i.e., in the attainment of enlightenment. Bad friend refers to one who instructs others in an incorrect teaching, leading them away from enlightenment and toward the evil paths or suffering. See also evil friend; good friend.