#kalyanamitta

[philosohappy]

Been spending some time looking at the word kalyāṇa, as well as, kalyāṇamitta -- reflecting on how it applies to myself, and also the friendships in my life. It’s interesting. I think the information below (the list of the seven characteristics), is most helpful to me. It puts everything into perspective. It’s an eye-opener, for sure.

I also uploaded a video to my YouTube channel. It’s Gil Fronsdal discussing the meaning of kalyāṇa, during the closing ceremony of an insight meditation retreat that I participated in.

In the Mitta sutta of the Anguttara Nikaya, the Buddha has described seven characteristics of a good friend. The seven characteristics are: 

1. He gives what is hard to give 

2. He does what is hard to do 

3. He endures what is hard to endure 

4. He reveals his secrets to you 

5. He keeps your secrets 

6. He does not abandon you in misfortunes 

7. He doesn’t look down on you, when you’re down-and-out

[garysanderspdx]

This guy here, Mr Jordan Kramer @_jordan_kramer_ , was an honor and privilege to share the Dharma with you at #RefCon4 - I truly love this guy with all my heart. #gratitude #friendstiltheend #refugerecovery #AgainstTheStream #losangeles #buddha #dharma #sangha #kalyanamitta (at Against The Stream Buddhist Meditation Society)

[noarahant-blog]

Reflection on Spiritual Friendship

I’ve begun to immerse myself more in interactions with kalyanamitta or “spiritual friends.”

I’ve begun chatting with people in the Buddhist subreddit. Joining chat groups there, posting questions, and responding to replies to my questions.

I left (took a break from) a discord server where people seemed to have little to no interest in developing kindness. Or encouraging it. It was sparse. But they were kind to each other and empathetic, it’s just... take for example...

There was a channel there called “wet dreams” (this is a BDSM server)...

when people would post pictures of their bodies, the pictures wold get a lot of likes. A lot of response. Sometimes my posts do get a handful of likes...

I don’t know, it just felt there was something missing. They are very loving people, very caring people. But conversations don’t often get deep in regards to the benefits of being kind and stuff like this.

However, there is a lot of interest in meditation there. Several people practice it...

Maybe I’m being too critical. I am being to critical...

I still wanted to see, though, what would happen if I hang out exclusively with “spiritual” people. On my twitter, I follow people who post things about being kind, letting go, being accepting and stuff like that. Like that’s 99% of what they post. It seems these people are really dedicated to this practice.

And then the meditation groups, online. The zoom meetings, I cannot in my right mind deny that those are spiritual friends. They’re interested and working on developing these good qualities!

How, do I not judge people though...

As I investigate spiritual friendship, i need to be in like 100% concentrated “spiritual conversation”.

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Admirable Friendship

This morning I took a remote Kenpo class with my teacher Sifu Jack Shamburger at 4am and was left with a feeling of great respect and admiration for the man. Knowing that I’m unable to take any other classes later in the day due to my small apartment and abundance of children, he gladly agreed to this time. For his friendship and kindness I am truly grateful.

This got me thinking about loyalty…

[gnotruth]

Friends on the Bodhisattva Path

Friends on the Bodhisattva Path

The task is huge. Beginningless eternity is a long time and infinity is a big number. Without good buddies, we’ll get confused, we’ll get lost, we’ll suffer more than we need to. (more…)

[stevenlee8]

It is indeed a great Blessing to have a kalyanamitta. Virtuous, compassionate and wise, he's the guide to help us end Dukkha. With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin 🙏🤓☸️🥰 #Dhamma https://www.instagram.com/p/CKfnXbWMr7X/?igshid=13sjoe5v8nd0d

[thegotrom]

It is said...the entire Holy Life is friendship / association with the Lovely (kalyanamitta.) Grateful to have such good friends. 🙏 https://ift.tt/2QmuIlv

[garysanderspdx]

#Repost @jerclarkedotorg with @get_repost ・・・ It was a great joy to meet @garysanderspdx at RefCon, along with so many other amazing new and old friends I hadn’t seen in person before. Full set from the big camera coming soon 📷 #recoverydharma #R☸️ #kalyanamitta #sangha #refcon5 (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6knMDFCcJ/?igshid=1xut9jz4wto9o

[cattaribrahmavihara]

We Do It to Ourselves

We Do It to Ourselves

My great kalyanamitta, the Venerable Dhammadipa, sent me this message last night, probably because she’s had to read my whining posts. Anyway, despite how often I’ve mistakenly believed that there really is someone else to blame, the Lord Buddha has shown us the way out of suffering primarily by reminding us that all of this is our responsibility. In other words, we do it to ourselves.

Kamma·ssak…

[grevilleacorner]

Awakened moments Awakened moments; Gliding on tranquil waters - Minds gently melding.

[garysanderspdx]

#Repost @thevajraseattle (@get_repost) ・・・ Team Sangha! Thanks for a killer workshop, Gary and all who showed up to dig in the dirt. My favorite quote of the day..."Get over it." Refuge Recovery meets 3 nights a week...Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm no matter what. #thevajraseattle #thevajraontenth #refugerecovery #rebelsaintsmeditationsociety #dharmapunxinrecovery #inquirewithin #sitwithitall #soberandbadass #TakeRefuge #5thprecept #cleanandsober #kalyanamitta #sangha (at The Vajra)

[garysanderspdx]

#Repost @thevajraseattle (@get_repost) ・・・ Team Sangha! Thanks for a killer workshop, Gary and all who showed up to dig in the dirt. My favorite quote of the day..."Get over it." Refuge Recovery meets 3 nights a week...Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm no matter what. #thevajraseattle #thevajraontenth #refugerecovery #rebelsaintsmeditationsociety #dharmapunxinrecovery #inquirewithin #sitwithitall #soberandbadass #TakeRefuge #5thprecept #cleanandsober #kalyanamitta #sangha (at The Vajra)