In Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, love emerges as an important part of spiritual evolution, offering profound insights into the nature of human relationships and our connection to the divine. At its core, Sri Aurobindo believes that there exists only one true love: the love for the Divine. This assertion might be scary for us as we do believe we love our wife, husband, children, family, and friends. So what does Sri Aurobindo mean when he says that there is only one true love: the love for the Divine?
There is a central concept in Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, its the concept of divine presence permeating all existence. For Sri Aurobindo Love has nothing to do with physical appearence, tone of the voice, cleaverness, age and not even values. When we love another, we are, in essence, recognizing and honoring this divine essence within them. This perspective transforms love from a mere transaction of desires to a sacred communion of souls, where each interaction becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth and awakening.
Sri Aurobindo emphasizes the importance of discernment in our expressions of love. He distinguishes between ego-driven affection, which seeks fulfillment and gratification, and love rooted in the recognition of the divine within oneself and others. Sri Aurobindo’s partner, the Mother, echoes this sentiment, stating, “True love is selfless and free from fear. It pours itself out upon the object of its affection, without demanding any return.”
In his seminal work, “The Synthesis of Yoga,” Sri Aurobindo explores the role of love in the process of spiritual evolution, describing it as a force that can uplift and purify the soul. He speaks of love as a potent catalyst for personal and collective transformation, urging us to harness its transformative energy to create a more harmonious and compassionate world.
Practice the Divine Love:
Sri Aurobindo offers practical guidance on how to cultivate a deeper understanding of love in our daily lives. Through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and selfless service, we can cultivate the qualities of empathy, compassion, and unconditional love, thereby deepening our connection to the divine within ourselves and others.
Sri Aurobindo often emphasized the importance of silent meditation as a means of connecting with the divine presence within. By setting aside dedicated time each day for meditation, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and attunement to the divine love that permeates all existence.
Sri Aurobindo encouraged individuals to question their beliefs, desires, and motivations in order to uncover the deeper truths of existence. Through self-inquiry practices such as journaling, contemplation, and reflection, individuals can gain insight into the obstacles that may be blocking the flow of love in their lives.
Sri Aurobindo viewed selfless service as a powerful means of expressing and embodying divine love in action. By serving others with kindness, compassion, and humility, individuals can cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and unity with all of creation. Whether through volunteer work, acts of kindness, or charitable giving, selfless service provides an opportunity to channel divine love into tangible expressions of care and support for others.
For those interested in delving deeper into Sri Aurobindo’s teachings on love, I recommend exploring the following books:
- “The Synthesis of Yoga” – In this seminal work, Sri Aurobindo elucidates the path of integral yoga, which encompasses the transformation of all aspects of the being, including the cultivation of divine love.
- “The Life Divine” – Sri Aurobindo’s magnum opus delves into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the evolutionary journey of the soul, offering profound insights into the transformative power of divine love.
- “Letters on Yoga” – This collection of letters written by Sri Aurobindo to his disciples provides invaluable guidance on various aspects of spiritual practice, including the cultivation of love and devotion.
- “The Mother” by Sri Aurobindo – This book contains Sri Aurobindo’s conversations with his spiritual collaborator, the Mother, offering profound insights into the nature of love and its role in the process of inner transformation.
