what’s the Buddha saying about love?
Sunday, August 6th, 2006In The Eight Priniciples of Buddhism…
…because love is other-concerned, has no hierarchy, and does not cherish self-vindication, having guidelines for intimate relationships seems necessary in the modern world; it seems people are falling “in” love “with” each other every minute.
I find myself wanting desperately to be “in love” or “in a relationship” that I am supposed to be non-attached to (regardless of the other party). I want to be part of something that’s filled with love, built on love, exudes love, and just is. But daily life and humbling leads to frustration when I don’t get what I want, when things go wrong, when someone hurts my feelings. And then I have forgotten. So this is the meditation I remind myself with (or at least try to). I usually stand in front of a mirror and read them aloud, but seeing as where I live now there is no mirror anywhere fairly private, I usually sit on my bed in the lotus position or go outside on my roof and sit and read them aloud. Sometimes I have to read them ten time before they sink in…again.
May I consider all beings precious.
May I always respect others as superior while attaining self-esteem.
May I face my inner darkness and turn it to good.
May I be moved with compassion for the pain behind the spite others may show me.
When I am hurt by others, may I forego retaliation while always fighting injustice.
May I reckon those who betray me as sacred teachers.
May I offer joy to all beings and secretly take on their suffering.
May all beings and I be free from ego concerns of loss and gain.