Mindful Friendships: The Buddha’s Advice on Who to Keep Close

22/04/2025 10 min
Mindful Friendships: The Buddha’s Advice on Who to Keep Close

Listen "Mindful Friendships: The Buddha’s Advice on Who to Keep Close"

Episode Synopsis

Send us a textWhat does a good friend really look like?In this episode of What Would Buddha Do?, I answer a listener’s heartfelt question about navigating a long-term but unfulfilling friendship.Drawing on Buddhist teachings—specifically the Four Kinds of Good Friends—I explore: 🌿 How to recognize true, supportive friendships 🌿 The role habits and patterns play in shaping our relationships 🌿 When (and how) to compassionately let go of connections that no longer serve growth We discuss how ancient wisdom can guide modern relationships toward greater freedom, connection, and authenticity. Whether you're reevaluating a friendship, a partnership, or even your professional circle, this conversation offers practical insights for your journey.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:47 Listener's Question: Struggling with a Longtime Friend 01:47 Buddha's Teachings on Friendship 03:23 Exploring the Four Types of Friends 06:39 The Importance of Good Friends 08:17 Evaluating and Ending Friendships with Compassion