To love is to cherish,
Cherish sentiments, cherish affinities,
Lovingly cherish your youth.

To love is to cherish,
To dedicate yourself, joyfully contribute,
And be enthusiastic.

To love is to cherish,
Without complaint, without resentment,
To be of service to others.

To love is to cherish,
Enjoy every moment,
And to live a life of gratitude.

To love is to cherish,
Cherish every encounter in this life.

To love is to cherish,
Cherish the affinities between you and me.

── from Renjian Yinyuan
(Sounds of the Human World)

Compassion is love elevated. The Buddha’s propagation of the Dharma to help others is love; his teachings and instructions for happiness are all love. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s great compassion, loving kindness, and rescuing people from hardships and difficulty, are all love. Love helps us, gives us respect, freedom, and makes life easier. Love is beauty, goodness, and truth; love is pure. The essence of Buddhism is lovingkindness, compassion, and pure love.

── from Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint for Life