The Great Value Of Spiritual Friendship

Jan. 16 | Radical transformation of society requires personal and spiritual change first or at least simultaneously. – Sulak Sivaraksa A topic that Sulak [Sivaraksa] weaves into nearly every talk, essay, book, or discussion is spiritual friendship, which he regards...

Should Buddhists Play Matchmakers?

Sep. 13 | Question: Is it alright to matchmake good friends who are good in character? Answer: It does not accord with a Bodhisattva Precept in the Brahma Net Sutra to do matchmaking – as it facilitates the perpetuation of Samsara by encouraging attachment....

Rely Upon Buddha As Best Spiritual Friend

Apr. 19 | To befriend the Buddha is to familiarise with the perfect embodiment and expression of the Dharma. – Stonepeace | Books Once, in the Sakyan country, Venerable Ananda said to the Buddha, ‘Venerable Sir, good friendship is half of the holy life.’...

Friendship As Middle Path

Dec. 21 | Between the dualistic extremes of strong love (attachment) and hate (aversion) is the Middle Way of spiritual friendship (with the friendliness of loving-kindness) ~ Stonepeace

The Four Harmonious Friends (Bird, Hare, Monkey & Elephant)

Oct. 13 | Respect should be freely given to all simply because all have Buddha-nature, because all can become Buddhas. – Stonepeace Once, the Buddha was travelling, when many younger monks moved ahead to seek shelter. By dusk, a room was prepared for him,...

What is the Whole of the Holy Life?

Dec. 3 | Mindfulness of Buddha is the practice of befriending the best spirirtual friend [and our own Buddha-nature]. – Stonepeace In the Upaddha Sutta, Ananda uttered this to the Buddha, ‘This is half of the holy life, Lord – admirable friendship...

When Best Friends Become Worst Colleagues

Sep. 25 | Worldly friendship becomes true friendship when it transforms to be spiritual friendship – Stonepeace A colleague (who is a friend) lamented to me of how difficult it is for her to work with another colleague, who is also a friend. Knowing that...