Buddhist Society of Western Australia

Dhamma talk by Ajahn Bodhidhaja on the 4th December 2022, at the Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV).

This talk is dedicated with gratitude to all whom I have crossed paths with, who have walked with me or are still walking with me, especially during difficult times. Thank you for your kindness, care, support and friendship!

Friendship PDF Slides (BSV 2022.12):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hiGhJEzAf2zO98popIBKx9OylJ_uDQ0g/view?usp=share_link

Sutta references:

• Advice to Sigālaka (DN 31) https://suttacentral.net/dn31
• A Friend 1st & 2nd (AN7.36 & 37) https://suttacentral.net/an7.36 & https://suttacentral.net/an7.37
• Half the Spiritual Life (SN45.2) https://suttacentral.net/sn45.2
• Link to a related YouTube video on friendship: Why You Are Lonely and How to Make Friends - Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell https://youtu.be/I9hJ_Rux9y0

Bhante Bodhidhaja, born in Switzerland as Nicolas Vrticka was introduced to Buddhism at an early age by a neighbour. After graduation Nicolas worked as a primary school teacher and chose social work as an alternative for compulsory military training in Switzerland.

At the age of 21, while on a visit to India in 2003 Nicolas took on a temporary ordination under the late Acharya Buddharakhita who gave him the monastic name Bodhidhaja and since kept the same name in memory of his Teacher.

From late 2006 Nicolas spent time living, practicing and serving as a lay person in different Monastic communities around the world. Upon returning to Perth BSWA in 2010 became an Anagarika followed by being a novice and higher ordination in 2012 under Ajahn Brahm.

Bhante Bodhidhaja is part of the BSWA Monastic Community.

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