The Dharma of Friendships

Price options: 

Basic Rate: £99

Standard Rate: £109

Supporter Rate: £119

Theme: 

Friendships are something we all experience — sometimes deeply fulfilling, other times challenging or disappointing. In his early teachings, the Buddha spoke extensively about this essential aspect of human life, and several suttas are devoted entirely to the theme of friendship. These teachings emphasise the vital role of kalyāṇa-mitta — spiritual or dharma friends — in walking the path of practice and awakening.

In this course, we will explore the Dharma of friendships through these original teachings, examining how they can guide us in building meaningful connections, creating supportive communities, and cultivating the qualities of both being and having good friends in our daily lives. As we deepen our understanding of friendship from a Buddhist perspective, we may also discover new ways to support one another on the path of practice and awakening.

Each session will include a presentation on the theme, a guided meditation, breakout groups for reflection and sharing, and time for group discussion. Participants will also receive simple “home practice” suggestions to integrate insights into daily life between sessions.

Who is it for? 
This course has something to offer you wherever you are on your path – both new to meditation and Buddhist study or someone who already has many years of practice and learning behind them. It will help participants explore, develop and practice being good friends – offering a rich and practical exploration of one of life’s most important dimensions. 

Course content: 

• Evening 1: Exploring and reflecting on the bonds of fellowship — understanding the foundation of friendship and connection.
• Evening 2: Engaging with the ethical aspects of friendships — how right intention and action shape our relationships.
• Evening 3: Discovering how being a good friend (and cultivating good friendships) is one of the essential conditions for awakening

Praise for Martine:

”It was an amazing course. I am really grateful. And also I'd like to acknowledge Martine, she is very generous and wise. This course made me want to practice dharma more.” — Previous online course participant with Martine 

Find out a little more about Martine here.

Schedule: 

Three Tuesday evenings on 12, 19 and 26th May
6:30 to 8:30 pm UK time. Realtime attendance is encouraged.

Suitability:

Open to all - new and experienced practitioners alike.

 Cost:

• The price includes a fee for the teachers, no additional dana will be requested. 
• Possibility to pay a supporter rate by selecting the option available on the registration form. 
• If you are unable to afford the our basic course rate, please contact us here. We will make sure that no one is turned away because of lack of funds.

Teacher:

[sc name=martine-batchelor]