Kalyāṇa Mitta

This painting is called Kalyāṇa Mitta (कल्याण मित्त) meaning कल्याण मित्र or Noble Friend.

This is a scene likely from 1970s or early 1980s where Goenkaji, my Vipassana teacher, is teaching some monks.

---------

In the Pali Canon's Upaddha Sutta (SN 45.2), there is a conversation between the Buddha and his disciple Ananda in which Ananda enthusiastically declares, 

'This is half of the holy life, admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie.' 

The Buddha replies:

'Don't say that, Ananda. Don't say that. Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie is actually the whole of the holy life. When a monk has admirable people as friends, companions, & comrades, he can be expected to develop & pursue the noble eightfold path.'