Amma's profound assertion, "Love is your true nature. Don't search for it. Be it," invites us to reconsider our understanding of love as something external to be sought after, rather than an intrinsic quality that we embody. This perspective shifts the focus from a quest for love to an awakening of the love that already resides within us. In a world often characterized by longing and desire, this teaching serves as a gentle reminder that love is not a destination but a state of being that we can cultivate in our everyday lives.
In a society that frequently equates love with possession or romantic attachment, Amma's words challenge us to redefine our relationship with this powerful emotion. By urging us to "be" love, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and presence in our interactions. This call to embody love resonates deeply in the context of our spiritual journeys, where the essence of our true nature often becomes obscured by the distractions of modern life. To embrace love as our true nature is to embark on a transformative path that leads us back to ourselves and to one another.
The image / the metaphor
At the heart of Amma's quote lies a rich tapestry of imagery and action. The phrase "true nature" evokes a sense of authenticity, suggesting that love is not merely an emotion but the very essence of who we are. The verbs "search" and "be" create a contrast between the external pursuit of love and the internal realization of it. This distinction invites us to explore the difference between seeking love in the world around us and recognizing that it is already present within our own hearts.
Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that the act of searching for love often leads to feelings of inadequacy or lack. It implies that love is something to be acquired, a commodity that can be found in relationships, achievements, or possessions. In contrast, the invitation to "be" love suggests a radical shift in perspective. It encourages us to cultivate an inner landscape where love flourishes, allowing it to radiate outward into our interactions and relationships. This metaphor of love as a state of being invites us to nurture our inner garden, where love can grow freely and abundantly.
In the speaker's tradition
Amma's teachings are deeply rooted in the tradition of bhakti, which emphasizes devotion and love as pathways to spiritual realization. In this context, love is not merely an emotion but a transformative force that connects us to the divine and to each other. Concepts such as dharma, or righteous living, and kenosis, the self-emptying of one's ego, align closely with Amma's message. By embodying love, we engage in a practice of selflessness that allows us to transcend our individual desires and connect with the greater whole.
In the Bhagavad Gita, a foundational text of the bhakti tradition, we find echoes of Amma's teaching in the concept of "nishkama karma," or selfless action. This principle encourages individuals to act out of love and devotion, without attachment to the fruits of their actions. Just as Amma invites us to be love, the Gita teaches us to perform our duties with love, thereby transforming our actions into expressions of our true nature. This alignment with the divine through love and selfless action is a central theme in the bhakti tradition, reinforcing the idea that love is both our essence and our purpose.
Living the teaching
Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can take root: a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and life. In the pursuit of success, they may find themselves searching for validation and love in external achievements, only to feel increasingly isolated and unfulfilled. By embracing Amma's teaching, this individual can shift their focus from seeking love in accolades to embodying love in their daily interactions. Simple acts of kindness, compassion, and presence can transform their experience, allowing them to connect more deeply with colleagues and loved ones.
Another application of this teaching might arise in the context of a strained relationship. When conflicts arise, it is easy to fall into patterns of blame and resentment, searching for love in the resolution of disagreements. However, by choosing to "be" love in these moments, individuals can approach their partners with empathy and understanding, fostering a space for healing and connection. This practice of embodying love, even in challenging situations, can lead to profound transformations in relationships, reminding us that love is not contingent upon circumstances but is a choice we make in each moment.
A reflection
As we contemplate Amma's invitation to recognize love as our true nature, we might ask ourselves: "In what ways can I embody love in my daily life?" This question encourages us to reflect on our interactions, our thoughts, and our intentions. By exploring this inquiry, we open ourselves to the possibility of living more authentically and compassionately, allowing love to guide our actions and relationships. In this journey of self-discovery, we may find that the love we seek is not a distant goal but a vibrant reality waiting to be expressed through our very being.
