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The Four Mantras of Love According to the Buddha
The session begins with several bell sounds and an invocation: may this sound penetrate the cosmos, dissipate afflictions, and cause the flower of understanding to bloom in each of us. Thich Nhat Hanh announces the theme of the evening: love according to the Buddha’s teaching, based on four essential elements:
- maitrī: loving kindness, the capacity to truly offer joy.
- prajñā: understanding, the foundation of all true love.
- karuṇā: compassion, the capacity to relieve suffering.
- muditā and upekṣā: shared joy and equanimity, respect for the other’s freedom.
Then he offers four mantras to practice in relationships:
- “Darling, I am here for you.”
- “Darling, I know you are there, and I am very happy.”
- “Darling, I know you suffer, that is why I am here for you.”
- “Darling, I suffer. Please help me.”
Finally, the practice is supported by mindful breathing (Ānāpānasati), walking meditation, deep listening (Avalokiteśvara), and loving speech. Returning to oneself to transform suffering, cultivating calm, joy, and compassion, and bringing them into every act of daily life is the path Thay shows us to live true love.