"When people hear the word "love," they often think of romance, passion, or family bonds. But for the Buddha, love is something far deeper, steadier, and more expansive than any fleeting emotion or attachment. In early Buddhist teachings, love is a skill and a practice, both for ourselves and those around us. At the heart of the Buddha's approach are the "Four Immeasurables," also called the Brahmavihāras- four qualities of love that, when cultivated, can expand our hearts far beyond our immediate circles:"
"Mettā begins with a simple wish: "May you be happy." The Buddha taught that it starts with you. A heart that withholds kindness from itself cannot authentically offer it to others. In Relationships You approach conversations with warmth rather than defensiveness. Instead of trying to fix or change someone, you offer presence. You give the people you love the grace to be imperfect and the opportunity to grow."
Buddhist love functions as an active skill and deliberate practice that begins with oneself and extends to others. The Four Immeasurables—loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy, and equanimity—provide practical qualities for expanding the heart beyond immediate circles. Loving-kindness starts with a wish for happiness and cultivates warmth, presence, and grace in relationships while promoting goodwill toward strangers in daily life. These practices soften annoyance, interrupt reflexive reactions with intentional kindness, respond to suffering by recognizing shared humanity, and build inner discipline to face problems without bitterness.
Read at Psychology Today
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