Saturday, November 13, 2021

9:00 am - 12:45 pm ET

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 In the Pali language, a wise or admirable friend is known as a Kalyana Mitta (Kalyāṇamitta). The Buddha himself noted the importance of spiritual friendship in the discourse known as the Samyutta Nikaya (45.2), sharing with his own dear friend Ananda that "Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life."  

 How does wise friendship—with ourselves, with others, and with the world—lead to freedom? Can associating with good-hearted people really help us on the path to personal liberation? What can we learn from those who have walked this sacred ground before us? And how might we consider the cultivation of friendship, companionship, and camaraderie a complete and total spiritual journey unto itself? 

This November, join IMS Teacher Devon Hase for an exploration of what it means to give or receive as a Kalyana Mitta, a true spiritual friend. Through dialogue, silence, stillness, and movement, we'll gather to practice freedom— moment by moment—with deep spiritual friendship toward one another. 

All are welcome. This program is offered live and will not be recorded.

About the Teacher

Devon Hase

devon hase has practiced intensively in the insight and vajrayana traditions since discovering meditation in 2000. After a decade of bringing mindfulness to high school and college classrooms, she entered several years of silent, solitary retreat in the mountains of Oregon. She now teaches at the Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and the Forest Refuge, and serves as co-guiding teacher of the online dharma community Refuge of Belonging. Devon supports practitioners in both long and short retreats, as well as through personal mentoring, with an emphasis on relational practice and connection to the natural world. Along with her life partner, nico, she co-authored How Not to Be a Hot Mess and the forthcoming This Messy, Gorgeous Love: A Buddhist Guide to Lasting Partnership (2026). Learn more at devonandnicohase.com.