Spiritual Friendship.

Sangharakshita emphasized that a vital dimension that has been rather neglected in Western convert iterations of Buddhist has been human communication and friendship. Buddhism, he argues is best ‘caught’ not taught. Through friendship we have the opportunity to develop the virtues of generosity, compassion, patience and forgiveness. Sangharakshita wished for spiritual community – particularly the Order he himself founded – to be a ‘network of friendships’. This teaching has had many practical consequences within the Triratna Buddhist Community, in terms of our culture, structures and development.

We put a lot of effort into learning the art of effective communication, developing and deepening friendships with other individuals, and befriending those who are just starting out on the Buddhist path. We emphasize the equal importance of both “vertical” (with teachers and those further along in their practice) and “horizontal” friendships.

Listen to talks on the practice of spiritual friendship.