We are delighted to share the recording of Episode 10 of Vibe with Venerables, where we get to talk “live” to Buddhist masters together.
Venerable Lamsel explores love from a Buddhist perspective, exploring the question — What does it mean to say ‘I love you’?
Venerable Lamsel teaches that love is moving beyond emotional attachment to a universal wish for all beings’ happiness. True love means genuinely wanting others to have happiness and its causes, which requires understanding our deep interconnectedness with others. Equanimity is a foundation for love, breaking down barriers between friends, enemies, and strangers.
By practicing virtue and ethical conduct, we can create causes for happiness and inspire others through our actions. Love is not an instant transformation but a gradual practice of meditation, reflection, and consistent cultivation of compassionate intentions. The practice involves recognizing our interdependence, rejoicing in our potential for good, and separating our inherent worth from our temporary afflictions or unskillful actions.
Venerable Lamsel distinguishes love from attachment by encouraging practitioners to wish happiness without expecting specific outcomes or personal gain. She also distinguishes love from bodhicitta, which is a profound commitment to become enlightened to benefit all sentient beings. Ultimately, the talk invites listeners to expand their capacity for care, seeing love as a universal, wisdom-based practice that transcends personal limitations.
The episode includes an opening prayer, a short guided meditation on love, a dharma talk, and concludes with a Q&A and a dedication for the awakening of all beings.
Donation
This series is freely offered by Buddhism.net. If you’d like, you may make a donation directly to Venerable Thubten Chodron’s monastery – Sravasti Abbey.
https://sravastiabbey.org/donation
We thank you for dāna, the practice of cultivating generosity.
