Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
Understanding and Love are not two separate things, but just one. To develop understanding, you have to practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion. When you understand, you cannot help but love. And when you love, you naturally act in a way that can relieve the suffering of people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding and love are intertwined; true love comes from compassion and understanding.
In this quote, Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the deep connection between understanding and love. He suggests that to truly love others, one must first cultivate understanding, which involves viewing all beings with compassion. This understanding leads to a natural inclination to alleviate the suffering of others, highlighting that love is not just an emotion but also an action that stems from empathetic comprehension.
Themes
UnderstandingLoveCompassionSufferingAction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a workshop about emotional intelligence.
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The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
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Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
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