subject to birth have gained release from birth, that beings subject to aging have gained release from aging, that beings subject to death have gained release from death, that beings subject to sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair have gained release from sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair. It is through this line of reasoning that one may know how having admirable people as friends, companions, & colleagues is actually the whole of the holy life." Note 1. As AN 8:54 points out, this means not only associating with good people, but also learning from them and emulating their good qualities. See also: MN 95; AN 4:192; AN 8:54; AN 9:1; Ud 4:1; Iti 17 - --> - - - -