1. Hiri Sutta. A conversation between the Buddha and a deva regarding hiri (conscientiousness). S.i.7.
2. Hiri Sutta. The disadvantages of lack of hiri (conscientiousness) and fear of blame, and the advantages of their possession. A.iv.99.
The third sutta of the Cúla Vagga of the Sutta Nipáta (SN.vs.253-7). It was preached in answer to questions asked by an ascetic. He had been a very rich brahmin of Sávatthi before the birth of the Buddha. He gave away all his wealth and became an ascetic in Himavá. There, filled with joy on hearing the news of the Buddha’s appearance in the world, he went to Sávatthi and visited him. The Buddha preached to him, and at the end of the sermon he entered the Order, attaining arahantship (SNA.i.294f).
The sutta is a short dissertation on true friendship. A friend is one who helps in time of need, who not only speaks pleasant words, but means them, who encourages and fosters all that is good.