Teachings on Love » (2nd Edition)

Relationships are always complex and challenging, but never more so than in today’s hectic, stressful world. Weaving together traditional stories, personal experiences, and a deep understanding of the Buddha's way of mindful living, Thich Nhat Hanh's Teachings on Love provides step-by-step practices that foster understanding and intimacy in any relationship and extend our love even to those who cause us pain. This book, written in the author's trademark clear, encouraging style, contains essential guidance for couples, families, co-workers, or friends who wish to nourish the gift and strength of their relationships and deal creatively with weaknesses and difficulties. Teachings on Love provides a time-tested path that anyone can follow to nurture the deepest love in themselves and others. Nhat Hanh has written an illuminating new introductory chapter for this second edition.

Publishers Weekly

In his latest book, the popular Vietnamese monk (Peace Is Every Step) undertakes a renovation of the Western understanding of the word "love." According to Nhat Hanh, "if we learn ways to practice love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, we will know how to heal the illnesses of anger, sorrow, sadness, hatred, loneliness, and unhealthy attachments." Toward this end, he offers many suggestions for practicing the "Mind of Love" meditation. One of these suggestions is a practice he calls "Hugging Meditation," a kind of meditation he invented when he first encountered the practice of hugging in the United States. "Hugging Meditation" involves being mindful of the act of hugging the loved one and using hugging to nurture that loved one. Hanh's book is a rich source for providing fresh ways to think about the practice of love. (July)

Introduction Thich Nhat Hanh     ix
The Four Immeasurable Minds     1
Love Meditation     11
Self-Love     19
Love and Understanding     29
Nourishing Happiness     47
True Love     59
Deep Listening and Loving Speech     67
Living Mindfully Together     79
A Rose for Your Pocket     95
Beginning Anew     103
The Five Mindfulness Trainings     113
Community     119
Touching the Earth     131
The Three Earth-Touchings     155