Expert: Bodhicitta - 5/26/2007

Question
Dear Bodhicitta,

My name is Dareck, a 28 yrs youngman going through some life
transormations. As I am studing to become a airline pilot the stress is high
and therefor I am trying to get engaged in yoga and meditation.

Due to a not too pleasant youth I feel like I have sometimes trouble getting in
touch with my inner feelings. I have been with my girlfriend for several years
and she is great but sometimes I wonder how do you define "love" how does
one recognize the state of "love"? I have  been in love several times in love so
I know that feeling and when my girlfriend is in another country or out and I
dont receive a phonecall late at night I do have severe worries about her, this
is just an example but are these examples signs of love. How does the
Buddhism see love?

I also in search of good instructions how to learn Buddhist meditation
techniques but since online there is so many information that it is very hard
to see the tree in the forrest. I was wondering if you, with your wisdom,
would be so kind to recommend a book or source to find the correct info.

Kind regards,

Answer
Hi Dareck
I would be interested to know, from which country you come?

I think you are right the first thing to do is learn to meditate. It is not possible to learn this online. You need
to find a Buddhist teacher you can meet, maybe close to where you live. The best use of the internet would be to
search for a Buddhist group or teacher near to you and go and meet them, and request instructions on meditation. If there are several go and meet them all and find out which
you like best.

Buddhism would define "love" as not needing feedback Like the sun, true love shines not knowing who it warms. True love requires courage. So often people confuse love with attachment.

Good luck
Bodhicitta