True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart Mass Market Paperback – September 12, 2006

BACKGROUND: I have been married 33 years and I have a great marriage that has hit a rough spot. We're friends, we've owned a business together, we respect each other and love each other. We've entered a new chapter called Retirement and I am struggling. Of course, there is more to the story such as my husband's painful layoff that left him flattened and emotionally shutdown. And my stress about the ability to let go and be less fearful in this unknown chapter without clinging or pressurizing my husband to fill the space. That said, I am grateful that I found this book at this phase of my life.TRUE LOVE: This book tops the mountain of books I have read lately on the topic of "Love". No other book that I have read penetrates the romantic layers and commercial definitions that pepper us with ordinary findings or provides "just enough" advice, yet falls short of direction for developing enduring and enriching love. This is a journey and lesson(s)of abiding love beyond oneself. I have one caveat for readers who try the techniques covered in True Love: Participants need a level of emotional integrity where both parties play fair, are trustworthy and respectful. For example: Practicing giving freedom to a spouse who has a history of infidelity might be painful. Obviously, I am NO expert, but these exercises will let you know how to proceed. Deepening relationships has elements such as loving someone more than yourself,emotionally supporting them without requirements, promoting freedom, etc. The message is simple, but not easy and conveyed in a loving way so that one can translate them into their world. Thich Nhat Hanh embodies love, his lessons have humbled me and given me peace, but homework!

This book is beautiful and life affirming from beginning to end. It’s a pleasure to read. It doesn’t disappoint. Thank you

I have my Spiritual Director to thank for introducing me to Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. He is revitalizing the way I view my life, my exchanges and the way I conduct myself in general. TRUE LOVE: A PRACTICE FOR AWAKENING THE HEART is a wonderful example of Hanh's sensitive treatment of the human experience and how each relationship can (and should) be sacred. For me, this includes the day-to-day exchanges, as well more intimate (maybe even romantic) ones. I am grateful for this beautiful piece - a quick read, indeed, at only 104 pages. It goes very fast, trust me on this! He starts out by giving insight into the four aspects of love in Buddhist practice (maitri, karuna, mudita and upeksha). I do not want to "give away the plot," and the purpose of this review is to get you to buy this for yourself (at such a reasonable price, at that!), so I will only say that he gives the reader insight on a more holistic approach to harmony and good living with others.All of humankind deserves to give and receive love. This is something I know to be true. Many of us have been damaged, along the footpath of life, and have walled ourselves off from its healing powers. These powers run deep and the capacity that we have for helping people is immense, once we tap into the source. Please read this book and learn how to really find your inner source of loving energy that can be shared with everyone you encounter in your lifetime. You will not be the same, once you read this, and your life will change for the better.

hello everyone... :)i am here in this precious moment.. to share my gratitude with the world.. i am so sooo truly grateful... and grateful i will always be.. to have been embraced by this special gem... i embrace the true that love that thich nhat hanhs true love book has blessed me with. this the most beautiful book to ever rest in my hands. for many many years i have had the honor of owning and purchasing many many copies.. all to share with the world. and this will not be my last.. :) i remember when i 1st read this book, it was as if being reacquainted with my soul. to feel so deeply connected and understood, to read the words that i truly believed in so deeply already.. meant and still means so much to me. thich nhat hanh is a beautiful blessing.. he has blessed this world with his teachings.. his reminders.. that is what they are, he is, we are.. reminders.. for so sooo long.. sometimes we just need a little help to remember what is true in our hearts. . let's continue to celebrate true love by being present in this beautiful moment.. and remembering that in order to share true love with the universe, it is important to remember how to show ourselves true love 1st... because that is where it all begins.. with self..p.s.. thank you so much for taking the time to read my review.. have a beautiful and blessed day.. as well as all that follow..all is full of love~ ♡♡

For those already in their Dharma studies the words from this book is a fresh reminder, for the curious it is worth the read to get a taste of mindfulness and practice.

What an outstanding booklet. True Love is our unattached love toward others through our practice, it would seem to me, of the 8 essential steps. Hanh is truly exceptional in his writing. Once in a while the translation provided a small bump in the road, but nothing that I couldn't quickly understand on the second reading of the sentence - and, honestly, very rare. The text is well organized and the author, with great ease, seems to pull you in. This could be an excellent book for couples seeking pre - marital counseling. It's not likely to be embraced by scholars of "love" and "relationships", although, it is likely to be very deeply embraced by scholars of buddhism, buddhist practitioners, and open-minded westerners seeking an understanding of an eastern synthesis of love. It's 108 pp with big enough font and spacing to make it both easy to read (for the visually impaired) and short. You might be tempted to read it quickly. Don't. Read it as you would a fine meal, slowly savoring each bite. Stop and reflect on topics that he brings up. If you don't, who will? I highly recommend this book and I give it an "A-".