In the Kalyana Mitta sutta, the Buddha proclaims the centrality of spiritual friendship as the “whole of the life of practice,” a treasure of refuge, and a dhamma doorway. What emerges from study and contemplation of the teachings on friendship is the value of dhammakatha (dhamma talk) as a crucial and creative element of such noble friendship. We will contemplate these teachings together and investigate the liberating power of non-hierarchical dhamma dialogue.
Drawing on Pali texts, we will consider examples of friends living and practicing together, particularly among the first Buddhist women and the lifelong friendship of Sariputta and Mogallana, chief disciples of the Buddha. We will explore ways these friendships can teach and inspire us and the challenges and great potential for valuing and cultivating such friendships in our own lives.
This online program will include periods of study and dhamma talk, silent meditation, and dhamma contemplation according to the guidelines of Insight Dialogue which establish embodied meditative qualities of the heart/mind in the relational field and allow speaking and listening to become a pathway for deep sharing of dhamma.