Is ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Ours Too?

Sep. 23 | What is the meaning, purpose or point of this life, be it long or short? These existential issues are pondered by a dog, who is able to recall several immediate past lives. Is it just to have fun and games, to play and eat? If only it is that...

Lessons On ‘The Fundamentals Of Caring’

Jan. 29 | ‘The Fundamentals Of Caring’ begins with a lesson summarising them… ‘Caregiving is not just about feeding and clothing and cleaning. It is about understanding how to navigate a complicated relationship between those who give...

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...