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Lucid teachings on a madness called love (BOOK REVIEW)
By Zafri Mudasser Nofil, Indo-Asian News Service

Book: "Teachings on Love"; Author: Thich Nhat Hanh; Price: Rs.125; Pages:
183; Publisher: Full Circle

The first question that comes to mind about the title of the book "Teachings on Love" is: does one need to learn how to love?

But rush through its pages and you will be convinced that there is definitely a method to knowing more about this "madness".

"Happiness is only possible with true love. True love has the power to heal and transform the situation around us and bring a deep meaning to our lives. The teachings in love given by the Buddha are clear, scientific and applicable. Every one of us can benefit from these teachings," the opening lines of the book say.

But "Teachings on Love", written by Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, is not a sermon. It is a narration from the teachings of the Buddha and his experiences.

The book also offers simple ways and exercises to enrich and fulfil our lives.

Maitri (love), karuna (compassion), mudita (joy) and upeksha (equanimity) - termed as the immeasurable minds by the Buddha - are focussed as the four aspects of true love within us and within everyone.

Hanh, who lives in Plum village, a meditation community in France, also describes a ceremony called "Beginning Anew" is his book.

In this ceremony, the villagers sit in a circle with a vase of fresh flowers in the centre. It consists of three parts - flower watering, expressing regrets and discussing problems.

The idea is to change the mind and heart to transform wrong actions of body, speech and mind. After the "Beginning Anew" ceremony, everyone in the community feels relieved.

"Teachings on Love" also offers an insight into practical ways of establishing relationships. The text reveals very lucidly how easily one can achieve an all-encompassing state of love in all its myriad forms and connections.

Another practice that Hanh envisages is the "Peace Treaty", which aims at bringing peace in the family.

In the complex present-day world, this practice can help people live long and happily together.

In a gist, the book goes a long way in helping a reader understand the nature of true love and generate and nurture it.