In the profound words of Meher Baba, "You don't have to find love. You only have to remember it." This statement invites us to reconsider our understanding of love, suggesting that it is not something to be sought after in the external world but rather a state of being that resides within us, waiting to be recalled. The stakes of this realization are high; in a society that often equates love with possession or achievement, we risk overlooking the intrinsic nature of love that is already woven into the fabric of our existence.
To remember love is to engage in a practice of deep introspection and connection with our true selves. It implies that love is not a fleeting emotion or a commodity to be acquired, but a fundamental aspect of our being that can be accessed through awareness and mindfulness. This perspective shifts the focus from an external quest for validation to an internal journey of rediscovery, urging us to cultivate a relationship with the love that is inherent within us and in the universe around us.
The image / the metaphor
The imagery in Meher Baba's quote evokes a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, suggesting that love is akin to a cherished memory rather than a distant goal. The verb "remember" carries a weight of recognition, implying that love is not lost but rather obscured by the distractions of life. This evokes a felt sense of warmth and comfort, as if love is a long-lost friend waiting patiently for us to acknowledge its presence once more.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that remembrance of love is an active process, one that requires intention and practice. It suggests that our journey is not about searching for something outside ourselves but rather peeling back the layers of forgetfulness that have accumulated over time. This act of remembrance can be likened to a spiritual practice, where we engage in rituals or contemplations that help us reconnect with the essence of love that is always available to us.
In the speaker's tradition
Meher Baba's teachings are rooted in the perennial philosophy, which emphasizes the universality of spiritual truths across different traditions. Concepts such as bhakti, or devotion, resonate deeply with the idea of remembering love. In this context, love is not merely an emotion but a divine force that connects us to the essence of existence. The practice of bhakti encourages us to cultivate a loving relationship with the divine, which in turn reflects our capacity to love ourselves and others.
Moreover, the notion of fana, or self-annihilation, aligns with the idea that in order to remember love, we must let go of the ego and the distractions that cloud our perception. In the Sufi tradition, which heavily influences Baba's teachings, the journey towards love is often depicted as a path of surrender and remembrance. The poetry of Rumi, for instance, echoes this sentiment, inviting us to dissolve our separateness and embrace the love that is our true nature.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where someone feels isolated and disconnected from their loved ones. In this state, they may search for love through social media or fleeting encounters, believing that fulfillment lies in external validation. However, if they were to embrace Meher Baba's teaching, they might instead turn inward, reflecting on the love that has always been present in their life—be it from family, friends, or even the simple beauty of nature. This shift in perspective can transform their experience, allowing them to cultivate a sense of belonging and connection that is not contingent upon external circumstances.
In a different application, imagine a couple navigating a difficult moment in their relationship. Instead of focusing on grievances or unmet expectations, they could practice remembrance by recalling the love that initially brought them together. This act of remembering can serve as a powerful tool for healing, enabling them to reconnect with the essence of their bond and approach their challenges with renewed compassion and understanding. By fostering a practice of remembrance, they can cultivate a deeper appreciation for their love, allowing it to flourish even in the face of adversity.
A reflection
As we contemplate Meher Baba's profound insight, we are invited to ask ourselves: What does it mean to remember love in my own life? This question encourages us to explore the ways in which we can reconnect with the love that resides within us and in our relationships. By engaging in this reflective practice, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing love not as a distant goal but as an ever-present reality that enriches our existence.
