When mystics use the word love, they use it very carefully - in the deeply spiritual sense, where to love is to know; to love is to act. If you really love, from the depths of your Consciousness, that love gives you a native wisdom. You perceive the needs of others intuitively and clearly, with detachment from any personal desires; and you know how to act creatively to meet those needs, dexterously surmounting any obstacle that comes in the way. Such is the immense, driving power of love.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the profound and spiritual nature of love, highlighting its power to foster wisdom and intuition in understanding others' needs.
Eknath Easwaran illustrates that love, when understood in its deepest sense, transcends mere emotion and becomes a source of intuitive wisdom that guides one's actions. This kind of love is characterized by a selfless concern for the well-being of others, enabling individuals to perceive their needs with clarity and to respond creatively and effectively, unencumbered by personal desires or obstacles. Love, in this context, is portrayed as a powerful force that not only connects individuals but also enhances their ability to navigate life's challenges.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of selfless love in relationships.
The Sufis advise us to speak only after our words have managed to pass through three gates. At the first gate, we ask ourselves, 'Are these words true?' If so, we let them pass on; if not, back they go. At the second gate, we ask, 'Are the necessary?' At the last gate, we ask, 'Are they kind?'
Whenever you are angry or afraid, nervous or worried or resentful, repeat the mantram until the agitation subsides. The mantram works to steady the mind, and all these emotions are power running against you, which the mantram can harness and put to work for you.
At the beginning of every winter people are careful to install storm windows. These extra panes of glass protect their houses against the bitter winds. We do something very similar to protect our minds through the practice of meditation.
Wherever people gather for selfless ends, there is a vast augmentation of their individual capacities. Something wonderful, something momentous happens. An irresistible force begins to move, which, though we may not see it, is going to change our world. In this lies the power and the meaning of spiritual companionship.
Activity is not achievement. It is not enough to rush about beginning a lot of things and keeping busy. A well-spent life is one that rounds out what it has begun.
To enjoy anything, we cannot be attached to it... What we usually try to do is capture any joy that comes our way before it can escape... We try to cling to pleasure, but all we succeed in doing is making ourselves frustrated because, whatever it promises, pleasure simply cannot last. But if I am willing to kiss the joy as it flies, I say, "Yes, this moment is beautiful. I won't grab it. I'll let it go."
During my incarceration Mother visited me. She had in some way managed to leave the workhouse and was making an effort to establish a home for us. Her presence was like a bouquet of flowers; she looked so fresh and lovely that I felt ashamed of my unkempt appearance and my shaved iodined head.'You must excuse his dirty face,' said the nurse.Mother laughed, and how well I remember her endearing words as she hugged and kissed me: 'With all thy dirt I love thee still.
Every human activity can be put at the service of the divine and of love. We should all exercise our gift to build community.
As I hope_x000D_ _x000D_ For quiet days, fair issue, and long life,_x000D_ _x000D_ With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den,_x000D_ _x000D_ The most opportune place, the strong'st suggestion_x000D_ _x000D_ Our worser genius can, shall never melt_x000D_ _x000D_ Mine honour into lust, to take away_x000D_ _x000D_ The edge of that day's celebration,_x000D_ _x000D_ When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are founder'd_x000D_ _x000D_ Or Night kept chain'd below.
The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we serve.
One must learn to be a sponge if one wants to be loved by hearts that overflow.
Cecilia wondered, as she sometimes did when she met a man for the first time, if this was the one she was going to marry, and whether it was this particular moment she would remember for the rest of her life - with gratitude, or profound and particular regret.
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