Understanding Personal Love and True Transcendental Love
Love is a complex emotion that manifests in various forms, one of which is the phenomenon of “personal love.” This type of love evokes a sense of connection with others, often drawing us to particular individuals. However, it’s essential to distinguish this from what can be considered “true love.” True love transcends the physical and the mental, rooted in the recognition of the formless essence within ourselves and others. Without that recognition, what we often label as love may just be a conditioned response of the mind.
The Duality of Human Experience
Humans exist in two dimensions: the ‘form’ and the ‘being.’ The form refers to our physical existence, whereas the being signifies our essence as formless consciousness. The attraction to others primarily arises from our perception of incompleteness. In the duality of gender, for instance, we may feel drawn to the opposite sex in an attempt to achieve wholeness. This longing for connection is a natural part of the human experience, albeit often misinterpreted as love.
The Nature of Attraction
Our affinities with others can stem from multiple sources. They may resonate with qualities we see in ourselves or contrast with them, exposing our desire for balance. However, if our relationships remain on the personal level without tapping into a deeper, transcendental dimension, they may lead to dissatisfaction or misery. Personal love can provide momentary fulfillment, but is often marked by instability and emotional turmoil.
Deepening Relationships
As relationships progress, an essential question arises: is there space within this connection? When interactions are dominated solely by thoughts and emotions, life becomes a prison of sorts. True relationships require a spaciousness that allows for emotional fluctuations without total identification with them. This space represents the Stillness and awareness that can exist alongside feelings, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
The Role of Space in Relationships
Having space in a relationship means recognizing and acknowledging the presence of the other beyond their physical form. Daily routines and tasks often overshadow this acknowledgment, leading to a diminished appreciation for each other’s essence. It’s crucial to consciously create moments of recognition in our relationships, allowing the space to foster true love rather than remaining confined in the ego’s narrative.
By cultivating space in this way, we foster the opportunity for love to evolve from a superficial phenomenon into something profound—where true transcendental love may shine through, enriching both individual lives and the relationship itself.