Chapter 1: Understanding Essential Virtues

What constitutes true significance in our universe? What beliefs and values should we adopt to become better individuals? Is love, compassion, and kindness toward others enough? While these traits are crucial for personal growth, I believe that compassion stands out as the most vital quality. Compassion involves empathy and a deep concern for alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by others. In essence, it drives us to assist those in dire situations.

Now, imagine if I proposed that there exists a quality, a virtue even more significant than love itself, suggesting that love may not suffice alone. In the book The Buddha and His Dhamma, Bodhisattva Dr. B.R. Ambedkar recounts an important moment when Buddha addressed a group of wanderers during his first sermon.

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Buddha asked them, "Is love for man necessary?" The response was affirmative. He then went on to explain, "I assert that love alone is insufficient; what we require is Maitri. This concept transcends love. It signifies fellowship, not just with humans but with all living beings. Is not such Maitri essential?"

Section 1.1: The Essence of Maitri

Buddha elaborated on how this fellowship can extend happiness to all living beings, just as we seek happiness for ourselves. This impartiality and affection towards everyone, devoid of hatred, is what truly matters.

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The crux of the matter is that this fellowship, or Maitri, is more pivotal than love for all beings. It empowers us to assist, nourish, and foster happiness in others, promoting their potential. While it may seem daunting to assist every living being during our lifetime, we can start by extending help to those in our immediate vicinity—those who are in need.

Section 1.2: Extending Compassion Beyond Our Circle

We must treat all living beings with equality, recognizing our shared existence in the universe, which grants us all the right to live. Hatred should have no place in our hearts. We ought to extend Maitri not just to our friends but also to adversaries, encompassing all forms of life.

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To me, Maitri is the most impactful virtue when combined with compassion, not only for humans but for all living beings in the cosmos. This is a perspective worth considering.

Chapter 2: The Role of Intelligence

Furthermore, Dr. Ambedkar highlights Buddha’s assertion that the practice of these virtues must be accompanied by Prajna, or intelligence. This intelligence is equally essential as it guides us in applying virtues wisely. As the most intelligent beings on the planet, it is our responsibility to enhance the lives of both humans and animals.

The first video, "Why Love Is NOT Enough! (And the 3 Things You Need as Well)," delves into the reasons love alone cannot sustain relationships. It explores the essential qualities that complement love, emphasizing the importance of understanding and additional virtues.

The second video, "Why Love Isn't Enough To Stay In A Relationship," further discusses the limitations of love in relationships and highlights the other crucial aspects that contribute to lasting connections.

References:

‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’ by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.