To reconcile conflicting parties, we must have the ability to understand the suffering of both sides. If we take sides, it is impossible to do the work of reconciliation. And humans want to take sides. That is why the situation gets worse and worse. Are there people who are still available to both sides? They need not do much. They need do only one thing: Go to one side and tell all about the suffering endured by the other side, and go to the other side and tell all about the suffering endured by this side. This is our chance for peace. But how many of us are able to do that?
Nhat HanhDeep listening helps us to recognize the existence of wrong perceptions in the other person and wrong perceptions in us.
Nhat HanhWithout understanding, your love is not true love. You must look deeply in order to see and understand the needs, aspirations, and suffering of the one you love.
Nhat Hanh