How to unfold love from within
A teaching offered by Ananda based on The Magnetic Power of Love (Bhakti Yoga) by Swami Premananda
All possess love
Among Swami Premananda’s many publications is a 77-page booklet that explores the philosophy and power of love and the ideal of devotion as expressed through Bhakti yoga, the religion of love.
Premananda begins by stating, “In every man are hidden three divine qualities, intelligence, will, and feeling. The ideal of this life is to unfold these qualities to their absolute perfection. Intelligence attains its perfection in wisdom; will, in immortality; and feeling, in love.”
He connects the first two qualities to Jnana and Karma yoga and says the great blessing in Bhakti yoga is the immediate realization of God. The Bhakti devotee, or Bhakta, does not seek God but sees God everywhere. Everyone is born a devotee because all possess love, just as everyone is born divine.
Among the many aspects of love he describes are:
“Love reveals God...”
“Love completes life...”
“Love is eternally within us...”
“Love cannot be understood by intellect...”
“Love is an eternal tie...”
“Love unites in freedom...”
“Love sweetens life...”
“Love is a quality of soul...”
“Love in itself is pure, infinite, and perfect...”
“Love permeates all.”
Two things are necessary
Premananda also explains the differences between molecular attraction, animal passion, human affection, and divine love. The latter is the ultimate goal of a devotee of Bhakti yoga.
In order to unfold love from within, Premananda says two things are necessary.
Absolute trust in a God who is loving, merciful, just, eternal, and understanding.
Consciously living in these qualities by realizing and manifesting them.
He describes the Bhakta as one receiving God’s love in the heart, perfecting it within oneself, and offering it to all as a benediction of joy. This corresponds with my favorite definition of love: “the joyous realization of oneness in soul.”
“Pure love is protected by reason, and universalized by action.”
Devotion is a quality of soul, based on pure reason, perfect understanding, and vigilant consciousness.
In his conclusion, Premananda says “To make life worthwhile, man must think, work, and love. True love is not without reason and action, or application. Pure love is protected by reason, and universalized by action.”
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If you are interested in learning more about how to unfold love from within, there is a wealth of information available online about the teachings of yoga philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, and the mystical teachings of Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism, and Judaism. You are also invited to discover these teachings through Awake Yoga Meditation’s offerings. Based on your interest in this article, you may also enjoy:
Listening to our podcast from Season 2, Episode 8: Creating a Reality Based on Love
Taking our eCourse: Lion-Hearted: Strength, Courage, Love
Attending our next live meditation on Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday
Joining our free eYogi Facebook Community
You are also always invited to schedule a private, personal, spiritual conference with Swami Nityananda whether you are completely new to the study of yoga philosophy and meditation or one who is seeking to deepen your practice.