In Jainism, a mendicant (monk or nun) should keep careful boundaries with others. They are expected to live with detachment and equanimity.

• Yes, in a spiritual sense, a mendicant can have genuine, non-attached companionship: close relations with fellow monks/nuns and with sincere, spiritually minded lay supporters who help with guidance, discipline, and moral support.
• No, they should avoid personal, worldly friendships that lead to attachment, favoritism, or dependence on specific individuals. The aim is to remain free from clinging and to focus on spiritual progress (clientship is minimized; the community supports the monk’s path, not personal closeness).

Key idea: cultivate mutual respect and spiritual friendship that aids conduct and renunciation, while keeping away from intimate or possessive attachments.