16/08/2026
Vipassana practice is an inner path, but that does not mean it has to be walked in isolation.
Within the teachings of Dhamma, the company we keep can deeply influence our practice. Meditating with others, sharing experiences, and maintaining relationships with people who are also cultivating awareness, balance, and wholesome qualities can become an important source of support over time.
The Buddha placed extraordinary value on these relationships. When Ānanda suggested that having virtuous friends represented half of the life devoted to Dhamma, the Buddha replied that it was not half, but the whole of it.
These companions are known as kalyāṇa mittā: friends in Dhamma. They do not walk the path for us, but they can help us stay oriented when doubts, difficulties, or distractions arise.
The Maṅgala Sutta expresses the same teaching clearly: avoid foolish company, seek the company of the wise, and honor those who are worthy of honor.
The people we spend time with, the conversations we listen to, and the relationships we cultivate all leave an imprint on the mind.
Choosing good companions is also part of the practice.