The Elements of Spiritual Friendship
A number of elements that characterize spiritual friendship in the monastic tradition are relevant to all spiritual friendships. They are (1) A common orientation in the pursuit of spirituality (2) acting as mutual teachers and students (3) A mutual sense of responsibility for and commitment to inner development (4) sharing spiritual practice (5) reflecting the other's condition and depth (6) expressing Divine love and (7) perceiving the Divine in each other.
— Wayne Teasdale, A Monk in the World