What is Love

by Jenny May


“The most ancient traveler in the Universe, is Love." This quote from Swami Rama has always inspired me to contemplate, and so recently, in a 108-day practice with the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, I began asking, “What is Love?”

 

I began the journey focusing on the pinpoint of presence right before action. The spark of divinity just before the fruit falls off the vine, as the mantra’s vibration invites. I feel it as the space that Swami Veda has asked us to notice in meditation; the very moment just before the out-breath turns and becomes the in-breath. What I began to recognize is that this sacred space, this pinpoint of presence from which everything emerges, is Love.

 

As I focus on this space, I experience what I believe is the profound essence Swami Rama is referring to when he says, “The most ancient traveler in the Universe, is Love.” As I practice witnessing this space, I begin to recognize it by many names, including Silence, Truth, Light, Consciousness, the Still Point and so on.

 

Meditation serves as a vital practice, guiding us to connect with this profound space. Meditation empowers us to tame the restless mind, allowing us to observe this stillness, even if just for a moment. The mind, in its habitual nature, seeks to solidify experiences, imposing distinctions and a separateness between 'you' and 'me.' Its primary function to generate thoughts; ramblings of the ego consciousness focused on 'I' and 'me.'

 

When we are able to rest in this Still Point, (and with practice, elongate the relinquishing of the mind’s restless chatter) we can experience an emptiness, or openness, that is truly peaceful.

 

Perhaps we have all experienced this witnessing awareness, as there is no right or wrong way of experiencing it. This pinpoint of presence can be accessed through meditation or other mindful activities. For some, it may arise while engaging in hobbies or exercising. But when we become aware of this sacred space, and awaken to the True Self and non-duality, the recognition can be very profound.

 

Yet, sustaining this awareness can present a challenge. The mind is conditioned to engage with the world of form, often drawing our focus outward. Continued practice directing our attention inward is essential, and we must watch the mind with patience. Meditation, regardless of its form, invites us to return to the Still Point, to rest and immerse ourselves in its essence for as long as possible. When thoughts arise, we let them go, they arise again, we let them go. We get a taste of that precious moment of Tat.

 

As we cultivate this practice, we can gradually let it become our new norm, the habitual space from which we act. There will be moments of failure and progress, baby steps interspersed with giant leaps forward. Each time we drift away from the present moment, we simply become aware of it and gently lead ourselves back to the Still Point.

Perhaps we can view it this way: we are not the actions we take or the practices we pursue; rather, we are the Singular Essence recognizing that we act. Embracing this Truth can guide us on our journey. May this essence resonate within, echoing in our hearts as we navigate the ebb and flow of life and Love. Om.

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