When people hear the word “love,” they often think of romance, passion, or family bonds. But for the Buddha, love is something far deeper, steadier, and more expansive than any fleeting emotion or attachment. In early Buddhist teachings, love is a skill and a practice, both for ourselves and those around us.

At the heart of the Buddha’s approach are the “Four Immeasurables,” also called the Brahmavihāras—four qualities of love that, when cultivated, can expand our hearts far beyond our immediate circles:

These aren’t abstract ideals. They are profoundly........

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