The Lord Buddha once corrected Ven. Ananda by asserting that noble friendship was the whole of the holy life. Despite the fact that I fall far short of Ananda’s wisdom and kindness the relationships in my life beat closer consideration and appreciation. Here, too, there is a somewhat standard caveat (perhaps it would be better considered a protestation) for those of us practicing in less enlightened times and circumstances: but, so few of my friends can be considered noble let alone spiritual.
This has often been the objection raised in my thoughts but it’s been good to remind myself that fertile ground will grow the seeds of wisdom if we only take the time to sow them. In other words, if I’m open to listen to the teachings of my wife, children, business partner then I’m able to learn. This is true even if they’re not intending to help me at all. How much more precious then are true kalyanamitta?
May I learn kindness, forbearance, patience and equanimity from the unwilling and unintended messengers of the D
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 