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Training is needed in order to love properly; and to be able to give happiness and joy, you must practice DEEP LOOKING directed toward the other person you love. Because if you do not understand this person, you cannot love properly. Understanding is the essence of love. If you cannot understand, you cannot love. That is the message of the Buddha.
Nhat Hanh
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Proper love requires understanding and training.

The quote emphasizes that love is not just an emotion but a skill that requires practice, understanding, and awareness of the other person's needs and feelings. Genuine love stems from deep understanding, which is essential for truly connecting with someone and providing them joy and happiness.

Themes

LoveUnderstandingHappinessDeep LookingBuddha

In practice

Example use cases

During a relationship workshop, this quote could be shared to highlight the importance of understanding in love.

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