Buddhist Quote by Nhat Hanh
“Love is the capacity to take care, to protect, to nourish. If you are not capable of generatng that kind of energy toward yourself- if you are not capable of taking care of yourself, of nourishing yourself, of protecting yourself - it is very difficult to take care of another person. In the Buddhist teaching, it's clear that to love oneself is the foundation of the love of other people. Love is a practice. Love is truly a practice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh, 1975
Self‑care is the prerequisite for caring for others; love begins with nurturing oneself before extending outward.
In simple terms: Love starts with caring for yourself.
Cultivate self‑compassion first.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- relationships
- mental health
- parenting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice daily self‑nurture?
- What barriers stop you from self‑care?
Self‑neglect undermines ability to support others.