Path To Love

1. Love is a spiritual journey of self-discovery and union with the divine

To realize "I am love" is not reserved only for those who marry. It is a universal realization, cherished in every spiritual tradition. Or to put it most simply, all relationships are ultimately a relationship with God.

Love as spiritual path. The journey of love is not just about finding a partner, but about discovering our true nature as divine beings. This path leads us from separation to unity, from ego to spirit. As we progress, we learn to see ourselves and others as expressions of the divine, realizing that all love ultimately stems from and leads back to God or universal consciousness.

Stages of spiritual love:

• Attraction: Recognition of the divine in another
• Infatuation: Temporary dissolution of ego boundaries
• Courtship: Sharing of spiritual essence
• Intimacy: Union of individual souls
• Commitment: Ongoing practice of seeing the divine in each other

2. Romantic love opens the door to spiritual awakening and growth

Romance is set apart from all other forms of love by the intensity of bliss.

Transformative power of romance. Falling in love provides a powerful opening to spiritual experience. The intense emotions and sense of connection we feel in romantic love offer a glimpse of our true nature beyond the ego. This blissful state, known as ananda in Sanskrit, is a taste of divine consciousness.

Spiritual opportunities in romance:

• Experiencing unity and dissolution of separation
• Awakening to higher states of consciousness
• Recognizing the divine in another person
• Cultivating selflessness and compassion
• Expanding beyond limited self-concepts

3. Surrender and letting go are essential for deepening love and relationships

Spiritually, no action is more important than surrender. Surrender is the tenderest impulse of the heart, acting out of love to give whatever the beloved wants.

The power of surrender. True surrender in love means releasing ego-driven desires and control. It involves trusting in the flow of life and opening ourselves fully to our partner and to the divine. This surrender allows for deeper connection, growth, and spiritual realization within relationships.

Practices for surrender:

• Letting go of expectations and preconceived notions
• Releasing the need to control outcomes
• Accepting your partner as they are
• Trusting in the wisdom of the heart
• Allowing vulnerability and openness

4. Attachment hinders true love; practice non-attachment for spiritual growth

Love allows your beloved the freedom to be unlike you. Attachment asks for conformity to your needs and desires.

Freedom through non-attachment. Attachment in relationships often stems from fear and insecurity, leading to possessiveness and control. Non-attachment, on the other hand, allows for true love to flourish. It means loving without clinging, giving freedom to your partner while remaining fully present and committed.

Cultivating non-attachment:

• Recognizing the impermanence of all things
• Loving without expectations or conditions
• Embracing change and growth in yourself and your partner
• Focusing on giving love rather than seeking to receive it
• Developing inner security and self-love

5. Passion is the expression of divine energy and creativity in relationships

Passion isn't personal, even though another person triggers it; passion is universal.

Divine energy of passion. Passion in relationships is not merely about physical attraction or emotional intensity. It is the expression of Shakti, the divine creative energy that flows through all of existence. By embracing and channeling this passion, we connect more deeply with the divine and with our own creative potential.

Aspects of divine passion:

• Chitta Shakti: Awareness of the divine
• Ananda Shakti: Bliss of union with the divine
• Icha Shakti: Divine will and intention
• Gyana Shakti: Knowledge of the divine
• Kriya Shakti: Divine action and creativity

6. Ecstasy is the ultimate state of union with the divine through love

Ecstasy is the final stage of intimacy with yourself.

Transcendent union. Ecstasy in love is not just about intense pleasure, but a state of profound spiritual realization. It involves the dissolution of ego boundaries and the experience of oneness with all of existence. This state of ecstasy is the ultimate goal of the spiritual path of love.

Characteristics of spiritual ecstasy:

• Dissolution of separate self-sense
• Experience of timelessness and infinite space
• Profound peace and bliss
• Direct knowledge of divine truth
• Sense of unity with all beings

7. Cultivate inspiration and presence to experience love's transformative power

Every second is a door to eternity. The door is opened by perception.

Power of present awareness. By cultivating inspiration and presence in our relationships, we open ourselves to the transformative power of love. This involves being fully attentive to each moment, recognizing the divine in our partner and in all of life. Through this practice, we can experience the eternal nature of love in the here and now.

Practices for inspiration and presence:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Cultivating gratitude and appreciation
• Seeking moments of awe and wonder in daily life
• Engaging in creative expression
• Regular reflection on the spiritual nature of love

Last updated: August 19, 2024