FOUNDATIONS OF ZEN 3: SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP

Instructor: Peg Syverson

January 14-February 11, 2016

When the Buddha was staying at Nagaraka with the Sakyans, Ananda approached him and said:
“Venerable sir, this is half of the spiritual life, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship.”
“Not so, Ananda! Not so, Ananda! This is the entire spiritual life, Ananda, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship. When a monk has a good friend, a good companion, it is to be expected that he will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path.”

What does it mean to have a friend? To really be a friend? The Buddha taught the central importance of spiritual friendship on the path of awakening for ourselves and others. Spiritual friendships differ from other kinds of relationships in important ways. This class will offer teachings and practices designed to foster healthy, resilient spiritual friendships. It is the core teaching of Appamada.

Text: Buddhism and Friendship,by Subhuti