Buddhist education

academic study of Buddhism

thumb|300px|Ivolginsky datsan thumb|300px|Tseezhe-Burgaltaysky datsan, [[Buryatia, Russia]]

''''''' (Pali; Skt.: '; CHN: 善知識) is a Buddhist concept of "admirable friendship" within Buddhist community life, applicable to both monastic and householder relationships. One involved in such a relationship is known as a "good friend", "virtuous friend", "noble friend" or "admirable friend" ().

Upadeśa (Sanskrit: उपदेश), "teaching," "instruction", is the spiritual guidance provided by a guru or spiritual teacher.