Buddhism
Meet other local people interested in Buddhism: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Buddhism group.
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Discover all the buddhism events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Buddhism Events Today
Join in-person Buddhism events happening right now
🐺🛕 Pyramid of Austerlitz Loop via Groote Heidestein (20 km)
We’re heading into the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug for a beautiful loop hike starting and ending at station Driebergen Zeist.
From the station we quickly enter the wide open heather fields of Groote Heidestein, with heather fields, sandy paths, and a wonderfull spacious feeling. We follow these open landscapes all the way to the forests surrounding the Pyramid of Austerlitz.
After about 10 kilometers we take a well deserved break at the pyramid. You can grab a snack or drink there, or enjoy your own packed lunch. This is the area where the famous wolf Bram once roamed and made the news. The situation has since settled, so the coast is clear again, but it adds a touch of wild history to the landscape.
From here we loop back towards Driebergen Zeist through landgoed Heidestein. This section is full of surprises, including narrow passages and small tunnels that make the walk feel playful and slightly adventurous.
We finish back at station Driebergen Zeist, completing a varied and scenic hike through one of the most beautiful parts of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
**📍When and where to meet?**
We’ll meet at 10h30 under the tracks of train station Driebergen Zeist.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdRccArNqxzvFb6U8
⏰ We **start walking a few minutes after meeting up** — we don’t wait for latecomers, as the forest calls and daylight is short this time of year.
**🚗 Coming by car?**
You can park here but please also do your own research: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WSMa4XaaP7U5awwf8
**⏸️ Planned Breaks**
After 10 km: Lunch break at Pyramid of Austerlitz (bring snacks!)
After 15 km: Break at cafe for drinks and snacks
**💸 Payment**
Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space.
🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5.
The event is full, so the payment link has been removed.
**👟 Good to know**
* Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 13 January at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable.
* Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits.
* If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably.
* At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities.
* Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily.
* Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay.
* What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water/ or hot thee/ coffee.
* Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike.
* T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.
Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon PART 1
Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon
📢 Important Participation Rule
⚠️ Hybrid Speakers, In-Person Builders:
While our expert speakers may join both online and in-person, this hackathon is an In-Person Only experience for participants. To form a team, build your agent, and qualify for the final prizes, you must be physically present at the venue in Ahlen. Let's build the future together, face-to-face! 🤝
About Build with AI Hackathon
Build with AI 2026 is here!
This is a community-led, hands-on hackathon where developers of all levels acquire and apply skills to prototype, build, and deploy applications using the latest Google AI technologies: Gemini 3, Vertex AI, AI Studio, and Antigravity.
Our hackathon is a two-week intensive sprint focused on AI Agents and the ADK (Agent Development Kit).
Participants are actively engaged in rapid problem-solving, moving from initial ideation to a functional, tangible prototype.
Goal:
Transform an idea into a working solution using Google’s AI ecosystem to solve real-world challenges.
Hackathon Schedule & Format
The event is structured into two Saturday sessions to allow for deep building and technical excellence:
Part 1: Ignition & Agent Construction (First Saturday)
Introductory Session: Direct deep dive into Gemini 3 and the Antigravity IDE.
Tools Exploration: Hands-on setup of the ADK (Agent Development Kit).
Team Building: Finalizing teams and brainstorming agentic workflows.
Building Phase: Immediate start on prototypes with direct support from mentors.
Mid-Week: Development Sprint
Continuous building and remote collaboration.
Access to Google Cloud resources and community technical channels.
Part 2: Final Sprint & Pitch Day (Second Saturday)
Project Finishing: Final technical polish, debugging, and deployment.
Live Presentations: Teams showcase their functional agents and "Skills" to the community.
Judging & Awards: Evaluation by industry experts followed by the Gift Giving ceremony and exclusive Google AI swag.
Participant Resources
Cloud Resources: Claim your Cloud OnRamp credits to use Google Cloud Platform at no cost during the event.
Official Recognition: All participants receive the Build with AI 2026 Attendee Badge on their Google Developer Program profile.
Expert Guidance: Work directly with trainers and experts to master agent creation.
Part 1 : Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon
Part 2 : Build with AI 2026: Agentic Hackathon
🎁 Exclusive Rewards
To celebrate your progress, we have special Google AI Swag for the top performers:
👕 Limited Edition T-shirt
🎒 Premium Bag
Prizes will be awarded during the Final Ceremony in Part 2!
#BuildWithAI
This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-ahlen-presents-build-with-ai-2026-agentic-hackathon-part-1-2026-02-21/
or in person at
Initiative Bürgerzentrum Schuhfabrik e.V. - 7 Königstraße Ahlen, 59227
***
Agenda
3:00 PM: 👋 Check-in & Welcome
Registration and informal greeting of participants.
3:30 PM: 🎤 Keynote: The Era of Agents
Intro to Gemini 3, Vertex AI, and the vision of Antigravity.
4:00 PM: 🛠️ Tech Deep Dive: ADK
Presentation on the Agent Development Kit and AI Studio workflows.
4:30 PM: 💻 Workshop: Hands-on Setup
Live coding: Setting up the environment and deploying a basic "Hello World" agent.
5:30 PM: 💡Idea Pitching
Open mic: Anyone with an idea shares it in 60 seconds to attract teammates.
6:00 PM: 🤝 Team Formation
Creating teams, assigning roles, and initial brainstorming of the agentic workflow.
6:15 PM: 🍕 Networking & Kick-off
Teams start their project outlines. Mentors provide feedback on feasibility.
***
Hosted By
Chidera Onuma,
Hassan Adams,
GDG Organizer passionate about building inclusive developer communities and helping people grow through technology. Data analyst with a focus on business analysis and business intelligence. Background in mobile development, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with a strong interest in startups and real-world problem solving. Startup founder and current Business Informatics student at Fachhochschule Südwestfalen. I enjoy connecting people, sharing knowledge, and supporting developers at every stage of their journey.
Suzan Aydın, Subsidies Management (Working Student)
Background in information security, AI governance, and technology risk, with a strong interest in how AI systems are built, deployed, and governed in practice.
Passionate about responsible AI, secure-by-design systems, and bridging the gap between engineering, regulation, and real-world use cases.
Denys Doroshev, GDG Organizer
I'm a Product Manager and Organizer for Google Developers Group (GDG) Ahlen, where I work to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the developer community.
In my professional career, I serve as a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Metal Work Pneumatic, focusing on B2B sales in industries like metallurgy, machine building, and agriculture across Ukraine. I also work as a Technical Director at Bray International, Inc., where I specialize in system integration and providing engineering solutions for large enterprises.
With over a decade of experience in technical management and sales, I am passionate about connecting people, ideas, and businesses to drive impactful change in the tech and industrial sectors.
Adewumi Saheed Adewale, GDG Organizer
Anna Muzykina, GDG Organizer
Passionate Flutter Developer & AI Engineer \| Google Developers Group Ahlen Organizer \| Flutter Ahlen Organizer \| Women Techmakers Ambassador \| Quantum Computing & ML Explorer \| Mentor at Groundbreaker \| Community Builder
Passionate about empowering women in tech through community building, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. I’m a skilled Flutter developer with a strong foundation in Dart, Firebase, and AI ecosystems, and I’m proficient in cross-platform development using frameworks like Flutter and React. Currently, I’m exploring the potential of AI and ML, with a focus on Vertex AI and Gemini, to bring innovative solutions to mobile app development. Known for my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and consistently deliver high-quality results, I thrive in collaborative environments and approach each challenge with a growth-oriented mindset.
Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-ahlen-presents-build-with-ai-2026-agentic-hackathon-part-1-2026-02-21/.
🌲🧭 Queer Hike in the Middle of the Netherlands 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Gather, moss-loving mascots and heathland hotties! 🌿✨
This time, we’re heading to the **exact middle of the Netherlands** for a heart-of-the-country hike! Because nothing says *balanced queer agenda* like standing precisely where north, south, east, and west cancel each other out. 🧭🏳️🌈
Inspired by the classic “Neerlands Midden” route, this walk weaves together forests, open heath, and sandy surprises, with a cheeky extra loop through the fabulous **Wekeromse Zand**. Expect drifting sands and twisted pines, while queering the bible bealt 🌈🌲🏜️
This hike clocks in at about **13 km**: long enough to bond, flirt, and overshare, but short enough to still feel your legs the next day.
### Practical info
📏 **Distance:** \~13 km (3.5h)
📍 **Start & end:** Station Lunteren (circular-ish route)
🥾 **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate — mostly good paths, some sand, gentle elevation
🧥 **Tip:** Layers for forest shade, sturdy shoes for sandy stretches, and snacks you’re willing to share (or dramatically refuse to)
*🤝🏼 Meeting point*: **Utrecht Centraal** (underneath the light cloud)
*🕙 Gathering time*: **10:00**
*🚆 Travel schedule*: Train to **Amersfoort C** (direction Leeuwarden) at **10:21** (platform 12) ➡️ arrival at **Amersfoort C** station at **10:34** ➡️Train to **Lunteren** (direction Ede-Wageningen) at **10:40** ➡️ arrival in Lunteren at **11:04**
❗You can also travel on your own from another direction and meet us along the way or in Amersfoort or Lunteren.
🚗 If you come by car, you can park around Zwarte Pad (mostly for free in winter). Please arrive there around 11!
🚶🏾After a round of introductions, we start walking around **11:10**
🏁 We expect to arrive back in Lunteren around 15:00, from where we will take the train back
Pack your:
🥾 sturdy shoes
🍱 lunch box & snacks
🚰 water
🧥 rain coat/umbrella
☀️ sun screen
🏳️🌈 anything else you might need
❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead.
💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike.
*Hiking Queers Netherlands*
Hiking excursion Amerongen Berg & Long Oak - Utrecht
Hi everyone! For those who want to enjoy nature, trips/excursions, and generally a more outdoors setting, let’s get together for a hiking excursion! The plan is to meet at Utrecht Central (and/or a train station that is closest to our hiking area), and then we begin our hiking route.
For first-timers (or as a helpful reminder 😉), I recommend that you wear a comfy outfit & shoes and bring water & a snack or two. At some point during the excursion, we can do a break in-between to rest and eat/drink for a while.
Depending on the time & weather, and whether people are up for it, there’s always the possibility of follow-up drinks later that day.
More info about the route/location:
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1221448086?ref=atd
The route is 17ish km long, it starts in Veenedal train station, and ends in Marn station. Dogs should be allowed but since it's the first time we take this trip it's not a guarantee
More tips on finding the group along with helpful contact info with the host will follow in the comments the day before the meetup.
To those interested, hope to see you there! 😄
In case of bad (NL) weather, the event might be moved to another day.
Bootcamp for all levels and for free
We are doing a 1 hour bootcamp with warmup and cooling down. Suitable for all levels and for free! Join to have a workout and meet new people!
Buddhism Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Life's big questions and Buddhism
**For this series on Sunday afternoon you need to register via our website:** https://www.maitreya.nl/nl/programma/buddhism-in-a-nutshell-1
At certain times, life can bring experiences that quietly unsettle us—a sudden loss, a sense of falling short, or a lingering feeling of disconnection even in the company of others. Perhaps there are moments when you lie awake in the middle of the night, aware of an undercurrent of anxiety, or find yourself wondering in traffic whether there is more to life than constant striving. Sometimes even success can feel strangely unsatisfying, and no amount of distraction seems to ease the deeper longing for purpose or connection. These moments of questioning are not signs of failure, they are very human. And they can be invitations from a deeper part of ourselves, encouraging us to look in a new direction. For over 2,500 years, the Buddhist tradition has offered ways to relate to life’s challenges with greater understanding and compassion. Rather than promising to remove difficulties, Buddhism provides tools to cultivate steadiness and clarity, and to discover how our struggles can also be a starting point for genuine freedom and contentment.
In each session, we’ll explore various topics from the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, do short guided meditation sessions and will leave plenty of room for Q&A, discussion and reflection. After each session we’ll provide you with some points to reflect on in the weeks between two sessions.
This course is designed especially for those with little or no previous background in Buddhism, but it can also serve as a gentle refresher and a chance to share insights with others who are interested in these teachings.
Heart of Compassion: Meditatie & Reflectie
*Since this event will be in Dutch, this description is too.*
Het onderwerp voor deze bijeenkomst: **de aard van de geest.**
Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen.
Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie.
**Voor wie?**
Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer.
**Praktische informatie**
-Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman
-Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee
-Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde
-Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden
-Aanmelding is niet nodig
Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)
Labyrinth by Burhan Sönmez
From a prize-winning Turkish novelist, a heady, political tale of one man’s search for identity and meaning in Istanbul after the loss of his memory.
A blues singer, Boratin, attempts suicide by jumping off the Bosphorus Bridge, but opens his eyes in the hospital. He has lost his memory, and can't recall why he wished to end his life. He remembers only things that are unrelated to himself, but confuses their timing. He knows that the Ottoman Empire fell, and that the last sultan died, but has no idea when. His mind falters when remembering civilizations, while life, like a labyrinth, leads him down different paths.
From the confusion of his social and individual memory, he is faced with two questions. Does physical recognition provide a sense of identity? Which is more liberating for a man, or a society: knowing the past, or forgetting it?
Embroidered with Borgesian micro-stories, *Labyrinth* flows smoothly on the surface while traversing sharp bends beneath the current.
Forced Perspective Challenge
**RSVP's at MeetUp.com are limited to a total of 10 and will be ignored. If you would like us to wait for you when we walk, please register for this photowalk at our Clubhouse:**
**[https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OkK0Y01aPSczd7oO6jf](https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OkK0Y01aPSczd7oO6jf)**
*\* The event is listed at MeetUp for promotion only.*
*\* The number of attendees listed here is not the actual number.*
\~
Let's try out **Forced Perspective** Photography.
Simple idea, but it takes a bit of preparation:
• Bring a small object or toy, like a miniature dinosaur, toy car, playmobil or lego character for example. Any object is allowed.
• During the walk, find a location where you can place your object against any background to create your forced perspective.
• A tripod may be needed as you may want to use a very small aperature and longer shutter times.
For inspiration, google 'Forced Perspective Photography', or check the following websites:
[https://digital-photography-school.com/forced-perspective/](https://digital-photography-school.com/forced-perspective/)
[https://toyphotographers.com/2022/04/26/forced-perspective-toy-photography/](https://toyphotographers.com/2022/04/26/forced-perspective-toy-photography/)
[https://fixthephoto.com/forced-perspective-photography-ideas.html](https://fixthephoto.com/forced-perspective-photography-ideas.html)
We will meet at Domplein, near the Sun (big orb) in front of the Academiegebouw of Universiteit Utrecht, where we can start and walk to other locations in the Utrecht City center. No scheduled route, wherever the wind takes us...
After the walk we could stop for a drink at Mariaplaats (optional, not included and at your own expense), share our results and talk photography.
***Let's meetup and have fun!***
*Please note:*
* ***The photowalk starts at the posted time.*** Try to be there early, but if you are running late... just find us. The link to live location of the group (via Google Maps) will be shared in the Event Chat in our Clubhouse at [https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography](https://heylo.group/utrechtphotography).
* ***If you register for this photowalk and you can not make it, please update your RSVP!***
* The photowalk could be cancelled or postponed in case of really bad weather.
* The end time is an estimate only; the length of the actual walk could be different from posted.
* Check before you go if all your equipment is working properly; lens cleaned, batteries charged, memory cards empty.
* ***Come prepared:*** wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a snack, check the weather forecast - and don't forget your camera
* The organisation is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the photowalk. Participants are advised to have appropriate (travel/liability) insurance.
* During the walk, pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, curbs and people.
* ***Be respectful of residents, their property and privacy.***
*And finally:*
* Any type of camera is welcome.
* If taking pictures or making photos gives you joy, you are more than welcome!
Sunday Afternoon Comedy at Kartoffel
**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))**
🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy
🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00
🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu
**From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!**
Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮
**From 15:00 - The Show!**
Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same.
**Kartoffel:**
Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show.
🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young**
Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows.
**Line-ups:**
**22nd February 2026**
✨ **Jens Rabiega** – German/South African family chaos & fatherhood stories
✨ **Kendra Borgen** – smart, sharp and effortlessly funny
✨ **Andréa van der Meel** – viral Duolingo comic with high-energy culture-clash storytelling
✨ **Habib Siam** – charismatic, fast-paced and closing the show in style
**Upcoming Dates:**
* 22nd February 2026
* 8th March 2026
* 22nd March 2026
* 5th April 2026
* 19th April 2026
* 3rd May 2026
* 17th May 2026 (Season finale!)
**What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):**
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\*
🐮 See you there?
Weekly Anime Night - Winter Session #2
**☃️ Weekly Anime Night - Winter Season ☃️**
Your friendly neighbourhood anime club is there to get you through those cold days. We are starting the season of **Journal with Witch**
📅 **Event Series Details**
**Dates: February 22th**
**Time: 19:00–21:00**
**Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht
🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?**
1. Before we start watching, enjoy chats with other joiners, meet new people and get comfortable to start the show!
2. **Journal with Witch - episode 1**
3. Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs.
4. **Journal with Witch - episode 2**
5. Short break
6. **Journal with Witch - episode 3**
7. Closing & Hangout – Let’s talk reactions, highlights, opinions, hot takes, and everything in between!
**🎒 What Should You Bring?**
Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided)
Your love for anime
Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome!
🎟️ **Free & Open to All!**
This is a non-commercial, community-driven event created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you.
🎌 **About Utrecht Anime Club**
U.A.C. is an ever-growing group of collaborative and diverse people. Our goal is to bring people together from all across Utrecht (and beyond!), to create cozy and inclusive events in which we share our love of anime.
🔍 **Questions?**
Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help!
Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, finale vibes, and great people.
See you there! ✨🎥🍿
Buddhism Events Near You
Connect with your local Buddhism community
Philosophy of Friendship: What are the bases of "friendship"?
As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections.
* So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists?
* Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not.
* Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree?
* In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends?
* Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways?
* Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond:
* **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases.
* **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change.
* **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours.
* **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:**
* **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting.
* **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify.
* **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself.
* **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences.
* **Self-Love and Friendship:**
* Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself.
* They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue).
* A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others.
* Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!
Neurospicy Columbus - Join us for Stauff's Coffee and Book Loft
Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby!
This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Meeting Room 2b, Main Library
Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen).
Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.
Monday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward.
Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind.
All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
Wednesday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward.
Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind.
All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !!
Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :)
Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson
Namaste, Frank Tennyson
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