I lost two companions this month

I did not know them personally, so I can’t say they were my “friends”
- I’ve known them only through their writings
• when I became interested in contemplative prayer, Thich Nhat Hanh introduced me to mindful meditation
• Jim Forest, an Orthodox Christian writer, helped to broaden my spiritual growth, and enhanced my understanding of icons
◦ these men knew, respected, and appreciated each other – they were friends 
◦ so I enjoy their friendship vicariously
- the theme of my talks is intimacy, and today I will go over intimacy between close friends 
• I can only share a few ideas 
• a thorough exploration of friendship would require a whole series of talks in itself