Love : Universal-Particular -Blossoming Love

Ramana Maharshi

oi-Staff

By Staff

Monday, June 15, 2009, 11:39

There were no exceptions. When N.N.Rajan's wife was stricken by small pox, Ramana would ask for a daily report and suggest certain palliatives which would make the suffering more bearable. Ramana would take total and evident interest in what concerned his devotees, the marriage of their daughters, education of their sons, their official problems and the like. That very interest would be a balm to their hearts. Ramana's love was all embracing, available to each and every person individually and belonging to everyone in equal measure.

There was no question of any mental blocks for his mind was always merged in its source, the heart, wholly rid of dualities and the mind's desires and fears. The point to be remembered here is that universal love does not preclude individual expressions of it. Would this not make it clear that one need not be scared of losing all that one holds dear, love for the wife, sons and friends. On the contrary the removal of expectation from it, of give and take from it would be to make it more joyous and harmonious.

Unfortunately we are likely to put aside this glowing example of Ramana as a thing apart, as being possible only for enlightened ones like him. One might push aside the example by assuming that this is not possible for lesser mortals with their attachments and social taboos. This is a faulty perception of facts. There is no truth in it. Why? Because if you are really on the Ramana path and are practising it earnestly then gradually your heart would be expanding in love as waning attachments give us more and more of what we may call universal-particular love.

Perhaps we could remember Ramana's advice to Humphreys, the first Western devotee, that regular practice of self-enquiry even it be for fifteen or twenty minutes would result in power all round, though unconscious power but always there as an undercurrent and expressing itself in growing detachment and love of all life. How would it show itself? For instance there might be an enlargement of the family circle by including devotees at Sri Ramanasramam, Ramana Kendras and generally all Ramana devotees. It may take the form of non-egocentric service to the families of your household employees to the impoverished people around, in active expression of love to those outside your own circle. And love is something which grows on you.

One would not know when the fetters of love loosened. Often one is unaware of its growing fullness. As mental fetters are lifted the sunshine and joy of love blooms. Our shrivelled hearts open up giving meaning to life. As we move inward on the trodden and untrodden path to the source, from mind based life to heart based life, we feel light and free. Our people look so wonderful for they are seen then with a radiant heart freed from memory of experiences and expectations. Does it seem too much like having the cake and eating it? But that how it is. Love's vastness will take in its sweep particular love as an expression of universal love which is overflowing in the heart.

About the author

A.R.Natarajan

Sri A.R.Natarajan has had the opportunity of a long association of over 50 years with the Ramanashram. He was the editor of "Mountain Path" for two years. He was the secretary of Ramana Kendra, New Delhi for ten years. He founded the Ramana Maharshi centre for learning, a non profit institution. He has authored more than thirty six books and eleven pocket books on the life and teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.

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