A Little Book on Love, Jacob Needleman. (Doubleday/Currency: New York, 1996), hardcover, 148 pages, $15.00

Teachings on Love, Thich Nhat Hanh (Parallax Press: Berkeley, 1997), hardcover, 183 pages, $18.00.

By Dennis Lewis

I have here before me two unusual books on the mystery and meaning of love. One written by a practicing philosopher, teacher, and seeker. One by a practicing poet, Zen Master, and peacemaker. One that touches mainly the mind and helps us think about love from a new perspective. One that touches mainly the heart and body and reminds us that "true love" can only be understood through daily practice, the constant practice of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

Jacob Needleman, who teaches philosophy at San Francisco State University, tells us that the "thesis" of his book is that "we human beings are in search of meaning, in search of our selves. Very little of what we already are and already have brings us deeper meaning or happiness." The "hidden meaning of the blaze of love" is that it helps us "overcome ourselves, and through this overcoming to find an inner condition of great harmony and being."

Thich Nhat Hanh tells us that real happiness depends on true love. "True love has the power to heal and transform the situation around us and bring a deep meaning to our lives. There are people who understand the nature of true love and how to generate and nurture it. The teachings on love given by the Buddha are clear, scientific, and applicable. Every one of us can benefit from these teachings."

While Needleman challenges us from the "teachings of wisdom" to think about the meaning and levels of love, Thich Nhat Hanh challenges us from the teachings of presence to actually be more loving at all the levels of our lives.

In his chapter on intentional love, for instance, Needleman writes: "We have been speaking of the ‘teachings of wisdom’ and we have been trying to see the work of love in the light of these teachings." In his chapter on true love, Thich Nhat Hanh tells us that "If you really love someone, you have to be fully present for him or her. A ten-year-old boy was asked by his father what her wanted for his birthday, and he said, "Daddy, I want you!" His father was too busy. He had no time for his family. His son knew that the greatest gift his father could offer was his true presence."

Both books are well worth reading. Needleman raises many important questions about what we call love, exploring, for example, the meaning of quarrelling and its relationship to the ego. Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the many small and large ways we can actually begin to practice true love in our lives, all of which, for him, begin with being present, with "mindful living."

Please Read: Disclaimer/Legal Notice

Save This Page

Return to top

Send E-Mail or call us at 1-623-252-4396, Skype: dennis.lewis, or fax us at (480) 237-5436
Copyright © 1999-2008 Authentic Breathing Resources LLC
Last modified: August 26, 2010