The Four Noble Truths of Love

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I share my personal adaptation of Buddhist principles for relationships, "The Four Noble Truths of Love." Drawing from my own 26-year marriage and moments of deep disconnection, I talk about how Buddhist wisdom helped me navigate challenges. Key Points include:Love Affairs vs. Relationships: There is a fundamental difference between love affairs (characterized by romance, intensity, desire, and perhaps some drama) and relationships (characterized by intimacy, closeness, deep knowing, and sometimes irritation).The Buddha’s Four Noble TruthsLife is suffering/unsatisfyingGrasping causes sufferingThere is a cessation of sufferingThe Noble Eightfold PathThe Four Noble Truths of Love (made up by me)Relationships never stabilize (what?!)Thinking they should stabilize creates instabilityMeeting the instability together is loveViewing all disconnects (barring abuse of any kind)  as ways to deepen intimacy helpsFor more on this topic, check out my book,  The Four Noble Truths of Love NOTE: We'll be taking a two-week break. The Buddhism Beyond Belief Podcast will return with a new episode on June 13. Mwah!If you enjoyed this episode:Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path.For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me.If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com.Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] by Citizens of SoundMusic by: Derek O'Brien©Open Heart Project