Love ( Maitri )

The first aspect of true love is maitri, the intention and capacity to offer joy and happiness. To develop the capacity we have to practice looking and listening deeply so that we know what to do and what not to do to make others happy. If you offer your beloved something they does not need, that is not maitri. you have to see her real situation or what you offer might bring them unhappiness.

In Southeast asia, many people are extremely fond of a fruit called durian, or you could even say that they are addicted to it. It smells extremely strong and when some people finish eating it, they put their skin under bed so they continue to smell it. But, what if I find it horrible, the fruit, and someone say that I love you so much and i would like you to eat some of the durian. I would Suffer. You love me, You want me to be happy, but you force me to eat the fruit. This is an example of love without understanding. Your intention is good, but you have to correct the understanding.

Without understanding, your love is not true love. You must look deeply in order to see and understand the needs, aspirations and suffering of the one you love. We all need love, love brings joy and well being. It is as natural as the air, we are loved by the air; we need fresh air to be happy and well.In order to be loved, we have to love, which mean we have to understand. For our love to continue, we have to take appropriate action or non action to protect our beloved.

Maitri can be translated as "love" or "loving kindness". Some Buddhist teachers prefer "loving kindness," as they find "love" too dangerous. Even words sometime get sick and we have to heal them. "Love" has been used to refer appetite or desire, as in " I love burgers". "Love" is a beautiful word, we have to restore its meaning. The word "maitri" has roots word mitra which means friend. In Buddhism, the primary meaning of love is friendship.

We all have the seeds of love in us. We can develop this wonderful source of energy nuturing the unconditional love that does not expect anything in return. When we understand someone deeply, even someone who has done us harm, we cannot resist loving him or her.
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SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA  declared that the Buddha of the next eon will be named " Maitreya, the Buddha of love."