The Depth of True Love: A Consciousness Beyond Feeling
Preethaji's assertion that "True love is not a feeling. True love is a state of consciousness" invites us to reconsider our understanding of love. In a world often driven by fleeting emotions and superficial connections, this statement challenges us to explore love as a profound, enduring state of being. It suggests that love transcends the ephemeral nature of feelings, urging us to cultivate a deeper awareness that can transform our relationships and our lives.
This perspective on love is particularly significant in our contemporary society, where emotional experiences are frequently equated with love itself. By distinguishing between love as a feeling and love as a state of consciousness, Preethaji encourages us to seek a more stable and authentic form of connection. This shift in understanding not only enhances our personal relationships but also fosters a sense of unity and compassion that can ripple outward into the world, creating a more harmonious existence.
The image / the metaphor
At first glance, the quote presents a dichotomy between feeling and consciousness, two terms that evoke different dimensions of human experience. Feelings are often transient, arising and dissipating like clouds in the sky, while consciousness suggests a more stable, enduring presence. The choice of words here is deliberate; Preethaji emphasizes that true love is not merely a fleeting emotion but rather a profound awareness that encompasses acceptance, empathy, and connection.
In the speaker's tradition
Preethaji's teachings are rooted in the oneness movement, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of cultivating a shared consciousness. This perspective aligns with concepts such as dharma, which refers to the inherent duty and purpose that each individual holds within the greater tapestry of life. By recognizing love as a state of consciousness, we are encouraged to embody our dharma, acting with compassion and understanding toward ourselves and others.
In the context of this teaching, we can draw parallels to the Buddhist concept of sunyata, or emptiness, which invites us to let go of attachment to transient feelings and embrace a more profound awareness of interconnectedness. Similarly, in the Sufi tradition, the idea of fana, or annihilation of the self, encourages us to transcend our individual desires and merge into a greater love that encompasses all. These teachings remind us that true love is not confined to personal relationships but is a universal force that binds us together.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can be applied: a disagreement between friends. In the heat of the moment, emotions may run high, leading to hurtful words and actions. However, if both individuals can shift their focus from their feelings of anger or disappointment to a state of consciousness rooted in love, they may find a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. This conscious approach allows for healing and reconciliation, transforming a potentially damaging conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection.
Another application of this teaching can be found in romantic relationships. Often, couples may experience the highs and lows of love as a series of emotional peaks and valleys. By recognizing that true love is a state of consciousness, partners can cultivate a deeper bond that transcends the ups and downs of daily life. This awareness fosters patience, empathy, and a commitment to nurturing the relationship, allowing it to flourish even in challenging times.
A reflection
As we contemplate Preethaji's profound insight, we are invited to reflect on our own understanding of love. Are we allowing fleeting feelings to dictate our relationships, or are we striving to cultivate a deeper state of consciousness that embodies true love? In this moment of reflection, consider: How can I shift my awareness from the transient nature of my emotions to a more enduring, conscious love that connects me with others and the world around me?
