Learning how to love our enemies and surpass hatred, Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and Raghu Markus talk about doing the work required to transform our lives and bring love into the world.
“It’s out of compassion for ourselves in a way that we think, ‘what would it be not to just have this habitual relationship to anger, like it’s the only source of strength? Can I actually explore the domains of love and compassion as a source of strength?’.” – Sharon Salzberg
In this episode, we hear Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman and Raghu Markus discuss:
- Memories of Maui and prayers for Lahaina
- Loving our Enemies no matter what they may do
- Self-love and the instinct to obliterate the self
- Remodeling our concept of love to be more empowering
- Creating more harmony in our lives
- Having motives to practice
- Why we should relish in the opportunity to be around our enemies
- The antidote to fear
- Giving in versus not being controlled/obsessed with the actions of others
- The self-destruction of hatred and internalizing our enemies
- Tough love and fierce compassion
- Buddha and teachings on love
- Insightful Patience and redeeming words
- Neem Karoli Baba and the power behind love
“Hatred particularly seems to give someone who feels frightened and in a weak position, seems to give them the illusion of being stronger in the position by being enraged…it is actually like an addiction; it pretends to make better, but it actually ruins you.” – Robert Thurman
Are you interested in contributing to the wildfire recovery efforts in Maui and in the most impacted areas of Canada? Check out these resources below to find out how you can help:
Links & Recommendations From this Episode:
Love Your Enemies 10th Anniversary Re-Release from Sharon and Robert
About Sharon Salzberg:
Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness.
Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
Learn more about Sharon and pre-order her new book at www.sharonsalzberg.com
About Robert Thurman:
Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.