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So if we love someone, we should train in being able to listen. By listening with calm and understanding, we can ease the suffering of another person. [True Love. A Practice for Awakening the Heart.]
Nhat Hanh
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Listening with compassion is essential to loving someone.

This quote emphasizes the importance of listening in relationships. By cultivating calm and understanding while listening, we can significantly alleviate another person's pain and demonstrate our love for them through our presence and empathy.

Themes

LoveListeningCompassionUnderstandingEmpathy

In practice

Example use cases

In a relationship seminar, to emphasize the importance of listening in love.

More from Nhat Hanh

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.
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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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