MY MIND: Love, the essence of all things
A child donates to the poor on a street in Nepal. Alms giving is a great way to express love. Agency Photo
What you need to know:
- What will it take to wake us up from our slumber? Maybe these demolitions happening in the world, the disunity, clashes, killings, and self-destruction mode we find ourselves in, will serve as a reminder, and as we sense the danger closer by the day, we realize no one is safe, this ravaging fire if not controlled, will engulf all and there will be nothing left.
Thank heavens the 14th day of February is once again over, and done with. I’m quite sure, there are some content people around who got “happy” through any, and I mean any sign of appreciation, from anyone. The extent of this need for recognition makes some people happy even with virtual gifts and flowers that are downloaded from any website for free, and with a click, copied and pasted on their virtual wall.
Fruitless day
On the other hand, are a few others whose wait and yearning bore no fruit, either because no one bothered to drop them a line or two, or that their loved ones believe that showing love does not need a day, nor is it measured by gifts and letters.
It is quite interesting that the strict, business nature of this day and its economic revenues and gains have been revealed to all, still, people are taking this day so seriously that in a country like the United States of America millions of dollars are spent on gifts and especially on diamonds. These people seem to be living on another planet, not the one we live on.
More commercial than spiritual
It’s also interesting that the Valentine story is a sad one albeit with a very spiritual message. Before St Valentine, a humble Christian became a martyr because of his faith, he left a message to the girl he was talking to, urging her to remain close to God.
This story, if true, sounds very mystical, but has been distorted beyond recognition by commercialising it. Where are we from the message of staying close to God? The furthest we can be! Where are we from these divine words revealed in the Baha’i writings about the meaning of true love: “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.”
Do you realise what will happen to our planet if we indeed, let our heart burn with loving-kindness for all? Will some still sleep in the comfort of their plush homes satisfied, while thousands of others sleep on the streets at the mercy of harsh weather conditions while holding their stomachs that ache from hunger? True love can heal wounds caused by years of estrangement, tribalism, and hostility towards one another. It can bring nations close to each other, not further apart as its happening now.
What to do
What will it take to wake us up from our slumber? Maybe these demolitions happening in the world, the disunity, clashes, killings, and self-destruction mode we find ourselves in, will serve as a reminder, and as we sense the danger closer by the day, we realize no one is safe, this ravaging fire if not controlled, will engulf all and there will be nothing left.
Let’s not be content with “at least something” we must strive to truly and devotedly give and receive love, in its fullest of forms and shapes, while remembering why He created us: Because He loved us.
TEACHING
“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving-kindness for all who may cross your path.” Baha’I teaching
