Happiness is only possible with true love. True love doesn’t generally come easily for many of us, however it can be practised and nurtured through the four elements of true love.
What are the Four Elements of True Love?
In his book Teachings on Love, Thich Nhat Hanh discusses the Four Immeasurable Minds, which are referred to as the four elements of true love. The four elements of true love and are –
- Loving-kindness (maitri) – the desire to offer happiness,
- Compassion (karuna) – the desire to remove suffering from the other person,
- Joy (mudita) – the desire to bring joy to people around you, and
- Equanimity (upeksha) – the desire to accept everything and not to discriminate.
Why Practise the Four Elements of True Love?
“According to Nagarjuna, the second-century Buddhist philosopher:
Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Love extinguishes anger in the hearts of living beings. Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Compassion extinguishes all sorrows and anxieties in the hearts of living beings. Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Joy extinguishes sadness and joylessness in the hearts of living beings. Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Equanimity extinguishes hatred, aversion, and attachment in the hearts of living beings.”
(p. 3).
Following is a short video on the Four Elements of True Love referred to as the four qualities of love.
If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards your freedom and living whole-heartedly, why not join our Toolkit?
Reference –
Nhat Hanh, T. (2007). Teachings on Love. California, USA: Parallax Press.
Leave A Response