Kalyāṇa-mittatā | Developing the noble friendship
A friend in Dhamma
The practice of meditation and of the Dhamma teaching is not easy. It requires great discipline, devotion, and faith. For these reasons, the Buddha himself advised his disciples to always have a friend in Dhamma who is wise and can support them in their commitment and spiritual growth.
We all need a kalayāṇa-mitta, and we can also be a good friend in Dhamma to someone else. When we feel frustrated about our meditation, disappointed by life and unhealthy relationships, or when we simply don’t feel motivated to practice the teaching of the Buddha, we can count on our community of kalayāṇa-mittatā, who will, by setting a good example, remind us what the right path is.
“Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu who has a good friend abandons what is unwholesome and develops what is wholesome.” Iti 1.17
Cultivation of noble relationships and friendship is an integral part of our spiritual practice. Kalyāṇa-mittatā is the Buddhist concept of "spiritual friendship", and it is applicable to both monastic and householder relationships. One involved in such a relationship is known as a "good friend," "virtuous friend," "noble friend" or "admirable friend" (kalyāṇa-mitta).
In traditional Buddhist practice, the spiritual friendship is a relationship between a student and their spiritual teacher. From the aforementioned suttas, we can see that the Buddha believed it vital for spiritual growth to have a friend in Dhamma. They work together to think, speak, and behave in a constructive way towards life, in order to reach the highest goal.
'This is half of the holy life, lord: admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie.' 'Don't say that, Ānanda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path.' Upaddha Sutta (SN 45,2)
Support of the venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi and activities of the Association Karuṇā Sevena:
Bank account for donations:
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Account number: 6855679001/5500
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Account holder: Karuṇā Sevena Association
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IBAN: CZ49 5500 0000 0068 5567 9001
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SWIFT: RZBCCZPP
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Address: Slezská 3, 796 01 Prostějov, Czech Republic
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Email: karuna.sevena.en@gmail.com
The funds are used to cover the basic monastic needs of the venerable bhikkhunī Visuddhi
such as robe, food, medicine and abode this also covers transportation, accommodation, air tickets, etc.) distribution of books,
the furnishing of the ārāma Karuṇā Sevena, insurance, utility bills, etc. Tax-deductible in the Czech Republic.
Please state the reason for the donation with the following note "For the Association Karuna Sevena."
Neither of the above is a public collection, and therefore we ask all donors to add their contact information to their gift, so that we can issue a donation agreement contract or a donation receipt. We thank all the donors.
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