Speaking on the Buddhist concept of thekalyanamitta, or “spiritual friend,” the historical Buddha taught that “Noble friends are the whole” of the spiritual life. Not a portion, mind you, but the whole.
Sounds important, to be sure. But what does it mean to be a “noble” or “spiritual friend”? Would you know how to recognize such a person? Would you know how to be such a person? This is the subject of the latest “Deep Dive” into important Buddhist concepts published byBuddhadharmaandLion’s Roar,and it’s the subject of today’s Weekend Reader.
To be a kalyanamitta, as David Viafora writes in his article, “Spiritual Friendship Is the Path,” is “not just any pal you hang out with, but a virtuous friend is someone who uplifts your path to a higher level of ethical and spiritual well-being.”
There are so many factors to being a noble friend: Curiosity. Listening. Inspiring. Being with. Being skillful. Being willing to work with challenges. Practicing together, and egging on our compatriots to keep on and bring the best of themselves to bear as they do. The difference it makes, knowing someone is in your corner, “sitting with you” — even if only “in spirit” as they do so online and halfway around the world — is real. It lets us know that our goal of living with less stress, and more compassion and peace, is shared. Even if we feel we’re going it alone in our practice, there is actually a world full of supporting others out there, upholding our same values and traveling our same path.
So I hope you’ll take advantage of the articles featured here and inBuddhadharma’s“Spiritual Friendship” Deep Dive,and of the opportunities for spiritual friendship that are all around us. I find them enriching, potent reminders that none of us are so truly alone, and that the more we put into the idea of noble friendship, the more we and the whole world will benefit.
May they do the same for you. Thanks for reading, and for your practice.
Spiritual Friendship Is the Path
Speaking on the Buddhist concept of thekalyanamitta, or “spiritual friend,” the historical Buddha taught that “Noble friends are the whole” of the spiritual life. Not a portion, mind you, but the whole.
Sounds important, to be sure. But what does it mean to be a “noble” or “spiritual friend”? Would you know how to recognize such a person? Would you know how to be such a person? This is the subject of the latest “Deep Dive” into important Buddhist concepts published byBuddhadharmaandLion’s Roar,and it’s the subject of today’s Weekend Reader.
To be a kalyanamitta, as David Viafora writes in his article, “Spiritual Friendship Is the Path,” is “not just any pal you hang out with, but a virtuous friend is someone who uplifts your path to a higher level of ethical and spiritual well-being.”
There are so many factors to being a noble friend: Curiosity. Listening. Inspiring. Being with. Being skillful. Being willing to work with challenges. Practicing together, and egging on our compatriots to keep on and bring the best of themselves to bear as they do. The difference it makes, knowing someone is in your corner, “sitting with you” — even if only “in spirit” as they do so online and halfway around the world — is real. It lets us know that our goal of living with less stress, and more compassion and peace, is shared. Even if we feel we’re going it alone in our practice, there is actually a world full of supporting others out there, upholding our same values and traveling our same path.
So I hope you’ll take advantage of the articles featured here and inBuddhadharma’s“Spiritual Friendship” Deep Dive,and of the opportunities for spiritual friendship that are all around us. I find them enriching, potent reminders that none of us are so truly alone, and that the more we put into the idea of noble friendship, the more we and the whole world will benefit.
May they do the same for you. Thanks for reading, and for your practice.
—Rod Meade Sperry, editor,Buddhadharma