Kalyāṇa-mittatā

''''''' (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" ().

==Canonical sources== thumb |upright |Sculpture at Vulture Peak, [[Rajgir, India, depicting the Buddha consoling Ānanda |alt=Sculpture of the Buddha holding hand on head monk at the right side of the Buddha, the latter monk smiling ]] In the Pali Canon's Upaddha Sutta (SN 45.2), there is a conversation between Lord Buddha and his disciple Ananda in which Ananda enthusiastically declares, 'This is half of the holy life, lord: 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.'