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Friendship

Updated: Mar 22, 2021

While we often think of the Buddha's teachings as focusing only on meditation and enlightenment, he actually gave a lot of advice on the topic of relationships -- and the qualities of a good, supportive friendship.


In today's episode, we explore the importance of social connection, and how the Buddha's advice can help us cultivate beneficial friendships; and also how to show up as a more supportive friend. We conclude with a short reflection and motivation setting on the friendships in our own lives.

 

EPISODE NOTES

Today's episode includes a couple of lists of qualities, which are jotted down here for your ease of reference.

Qualities of a true friend, according to the Buddha.

  • Is a help and support

  • Is the same in happiness and sorrow

  • Advises his friend for his welfare

  • Is sympathetic

Ven Tenzin also mentions Jean Baker Miller's list of five phenomena of growth-enhancing relationships.

  • Each person feels a great sense of zest (vitality).

  • Each person feels more able to act, and does act.

  • Each person has a more accurate picture of her/himself and the other person(s).

  • Each person feels a greater sense of self-worth.

  • Each person feels more connected to the other person(s) and greater motivation for connections with other people.

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