This may be the most profound and practical book you'll ever read on this touchstone topic. Poet, Zen master, and peacemaker Thich Nhat Hanh uses Buddhist teachings on the Four Immeasurable Minds — love, compassion, joy, and equanimity — as a frame for all that follows. He believes that we have the seeds of love within us; our duty is to nourish them with proper sunlight, water, and tender care. "You stop being a source of suffering in the world and you become a reservoir of joy and freshness."
Nhat Hanh begins with practices that help reinforce self-love, deep listening, and personal renewal. He has some very wise things to say about dealing with anger, forgetfulness, and jealousy — all of which cause suffering in ourselves. In a stirring chapter on "True Love" he comes up with four mantras designed to deepen and expand a love relationship via attention, communication, respect, and nurturing.
With rituals and mindfulness suggestions, the author demonstrates how love can be nourished in community. Here he reveals the connections between our well-being and the well-being of ancestors, parents, family, spiritual allies, the good earth, and all of its blessings. Teachings on Love is the kind of bottomless resource you can return to again and again for spiritual guidance, wisdom, and personal renewal.
