In 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 Truths
Life is suffering/unsatisfying
Grasping causes suffering
There is a cessation of suffering
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Four Noble Truths of Love (made up by me)
Relationships never stabilize (what?!)
Thinking they should stabilize creates instability
Meeting the instability together is love
Viewing all disconnects (barring abuse of any kind) as ways to deepen intimacy helps
For 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!
Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com
Produced by Citizens of Sound
Music by: Derek O'Brien
©Open Heart Project
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