The Four Noble Truths of Love: Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Relationships

Nearly 2 years ago, I became single for the first time in over 15 years; leaving my second marriage after years of feeling stuck, unhappy, lost, and like I didn't know what's wrong with me or if love was even really available for me. I hate to admit it, but in the final few years of my last relationship, I had started to completely believe that being even a LITTLE bit happy in a relationship was not a 'real thing'. I viewed every relationship I encountered with mistrust, and assumed that both parties must be unhappy. As such, I was very bitter and also just deeply sad about love as a concept. It felt like an impossible dream.Fast forward until now, and I have spent the past several years actively studying, growing, learning, and facing into my own flaws and uncertainties as well as limiting beliefs in this area. It's been an interesting journey, and incredibly reward, however it wasn't until I read Susan's book on the Four Noble Truths of Love that I for the very first time understood that the 'end goal' is not some perfect and never disruptive situation with another human being.I can honestly say that my mind was expanded beyond what I believed possible with what Susan shares here, not only because it resonated and just felt RIGHT, but also because it allowed me to see that there's nothing wrong with me, when there are ups and downs and me being triggered or upset or feeling misunderstood in my current experience of love. I thought that everytime something felt like it wasn't working it meant I was wrong, or it was wrong! Now, I can see that it's about the dance. The ebb and the flow. And that even if things feel REALLY messed up, that doesn't mean it's not true love. It's not a reflection of me, OR my worth.This is just such a tiny part of what I've gained from this book. The tools, suggestions, explanations, and guidance in here are priceless, and I am about to start reading all over again already. If you've ever felt misunderstood in love, deeply sad or frustrated, 'not good enough', or ANGRY at why things aren't the way you want, or if you just want to understand how to give and receive love in a way that you can believe in - read this book.

Susan has written straight from her heart to ours. Using her own marriage and years of Buddhist learning/teaching/living, Susan shares her wisdom and experience to teach us about our own journey through love. If you're in an amazing relationship this book will very likely help you deepen it in ways you didn't realize possible. It has for mine. If you're in a crappy relationship this could help to make it better or make a graceful exit. Between relationships? You'll be so much better prepared for the next one. It's so practical, enlightening, funny and down-to-earth. Thank you again Susan. You just make the world easier to navigate.

This book is a must-read for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Whether you are single and looking for a partner or have been with someone for years, this book will offer lessons that will change how you approach relationships. Piver provides straightforward and easy to understand tactics to better understand your self, your motivations and inclinations, and those of your partner. Keeping her guidance in mind will - for the better - change the course of your relationships, romantic and otherwise.

Being in relationship with another person means conflict WILL arise. Fear, loss, loneliness, hurt, upset, expectations and unfulfilled dreams are a part of any relationship.Learning out how to avoid suffering in relationship while experiencing these discomforts is a specific application of general wisdom on how to reduce suffering in painful/stressful situations and the Buddha dharma is powerful teaching anyone can practice and implement. Piven has a lovely warm and challenging approach to applying Buddhist wisdom and practices in love relationships.Brilliant and practical.

This book was recommended to me by the host of @thelovedrive. Shaun is good people and he did not let me down. I found the prose to be direct and engaging. I found the subject matter to be hopefully and clearly presented. As a scholar of religious wisdom, I loved the way the author turned the religious tradition to her own use. This is very much what religious traditions are for. There is a balance between bending the tradition and bending ourselves and I believe she found it. You'll need to pick this book up. Get yourself a copy.

This is a fantastic book. I have read all of Susan’s books and find wisdom, humor, inspiration, and applicable tools in all she writes. This book tops them all! It is an elegant rendering of the Four Noble Truths to address the joys and sorrows of intimacy.I am a Buddhist oriented psychotherapist and am always on the lookout for books to recommend to my clients who are struggling with relationship issues. I am thrilled to be able to suggest this book to all my clients.Susan’s book goes far beyond the usual “how to” self-help guide - by inviting the reader to approach intimate relationships as a pathway to personal healing and wholeness.

The book sheds light on how we should rethink relationship from a selfless perspective. I find it really true, because love itself is selfless. A person cannot truly enjoy love by always comparing his/her emotional/physical contribution with the other half. The book started with analyzing the problems of modern relationship with her own experiences as examples and went on to provide new insights on how to live and love the person you are in relationship with, and ended with a solution to maintain a long-term relationship.This book is a true inspiration to re-think relationship, not only with our partner but also to all loved ones, our friends and family. I'd recommend anyone who wants to practice love and kindness to read this book!

Loved reading this book.

I like it ! Everyone should read this book if he/she has/had/ would like to have a relation... also looking back you see where you missed the point. And love is present .. but is not essential if you want to succed.. Susan has told too many truths.. when I read and re-read this book I find love , truth and honesty..you must have been badly scared but still in love and eager to find a way to be successful with the man you love or somebody you care for.

Another fab book by Susan Piver. I find this author to be courageous as a writer and extremely authentic in her ability to engage with the reader. This book really gives you great tools to manage and muddle through life’s/loves ups and downs. I would recommend this book highly. Prepare to be delighted.

One of the best books I’ve read thus far on my reading journey. An eye opening connection between spiritual practice, meditation and the logical conundrums of love relationships. So impressed. Highlighted so much of it.

Beautiful, heart and mind opening book. I recommend to anyone looking to deeper their connection and notice their patterns. Only qualm is that there is a printing error that has caused for a challenging read from pages 0-81.