Having admirable people as friends, companions, & colleagues is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & colleagues,
Who we are
Kalyana Mitta is a Pali term that means admirable or good friends. From the suttas, it is clear that having admirable friends is essential for those who want to follow the Buddhist path. The Buddha even considers it the whole of the holy life.
At Kalyana Mitta, we offer genuine support and guidance to anyone who wants to practice a more mindful way of living and shares the aspiration of achieving true happiness.
Kalyana Mitta is initiated by a group of individuals who have made a commitment to study and practice the Buddha’s teaching and to share the Dhamma and its benefits with the intention of helping others discover more peace, freedom, and joy in their lives.
To stay true to this commitment, the initiators recognize themselves as a dhammacari, a follower of the Buddha’s teachings. As dhammacaris, the Eight Lifetime Precepts are observed on regular days while the Eight Uposatha Precepts are observed on full and new moon days.
The initiators of Kalyana Mittta do not live on alms but we maintain a simple lifestyle, a vegetarian diet, and practice a one-day meditation retreat as a group on a full moon day.
Eight Lifetime Precepts
I undertake the training step to abstain from taking life.
I undertake the training step to abstain from
taking what is not given.
I undertake the training step to abstain from
sexual misconduct.
I undertake the training step to abstain from lying.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from divisive speech.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from harsh speech.
I undertake the training step to abstain from idle chatter.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from wrong livelihood.
Eight Uposatha Precepts
I undertake the training step to abstain from taking life.
I undertake the training step to abstain from
taking what is not given.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from all sexual activity.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from false speech.
I undertake the training step to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.
I undertake the training step to abstain
from eating at improper times.
I undertake the training step to abstain from dancing, singing, music, shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying with cosmetics.
I undertake the training step to abstain from
using high and large seats and beds.
Your friends in the Dhamma
JLee
Janice has lived as a bhikkhuni for 23 years. Having been a Dhamma teacher for over two decades, Janice continues to embody the essence of a true renunciant as she commits to being one of the dhammacaris of KM. She stays steadfast with her initial resolve to share the Buddhist path to others. Firmly focused on her practice, she leads other initiators of KM in upholding the Eight Lifetime Precepts.
Allen
Allen, a writer by profession for over a decade, carefully listens and examines his words before speaking out. A practice that is regarded with high esteem in Buddhism. As a dhammacari in KM, he screens through all content released and published, ensuring its truthfulness.
Issa
Issa has a keen eye for design and exceptionally proficient in rendering a concept into visual elements. Such sharp skills and aptitude are not just evident in her profession as a graphic and layout artist. It is also manifested in her practice as a lay Buddhist. With diligent effort in meditation and study of Dhamma, Issa can be considered as a self-taught dhammacari inspiring other practitioners in earnestly treading the Buddhist path.
Terrie
Terrie is an educator, registered yoga instructor, project manager and program designer. She has deeply benefited from Buddhism and wishes nothing more than to provide an avenue for others to attain joy, happiness, and ease through the practice of Buddhism.
space for practice
A humble space offered to practitioners with serious resolve to work towards their true happiness
GENUINE SUPPORT
Learning together and encouraging each other to continue to do the important inner work of crafting the heart
friendship
Bringing together people on the same path and helping each other develop and pursue the noble eightfold path
WELLNESS WITHIN
An environment that fosters the aspiration for ultimate well-being