Tagore is a poet and it shows in his prose. I found myself pondering deeper than usual on the meaning of things.
First, I wondered about the difference between "will" and "wish." The word "wish" has an element of uncertainty in it, and I seem to be saying, "There's nothing I control, but if I did, I'd want this." The word "will" on the other hand, has no uncertainty in it. "I will do this." When looking at my regular conversations, I am surprised by how much wish trumps will, and often leads to untruths. For instance, when asked if I have time, I am more tempted to say, "No, I'm busy," as opposed to, "Yes, but I will spend it elsewhere for now, and will get back to you later."
Second, when Tagore says, "when he realizes that he is much more than at present he seems to be," I wondered if this was a supernatural statement. Then the thought of love came to mind. When we truly love, our heart expands, and we connect in a deep inseparable, indelible way. In that moment of connection, there is no "I." There's only great joy. Love is not supernatural - it is an entirely natural experience.
Third, when Tagore says, "and perhaps never humanly can be," surely now he is referring to a supernatural possibility. Let us see how love holds up here. My interpretation of human limitations is that of space and time. With space, it would be ridiculous for me to say, "I can only love you if you are within 5 feet of me." We find in ourselves an ability to love others no matter where they are. Love therefore transcends space. It is also weird for us to timestamp love. I cannot distinguish between the love I received 10 years back from someone and the love I received from someone yesterday. There is "old" love or "new" love. Love is just love, fresh and ego-transcending as ever. Thus, love transcends the limitations of space and time, and yet, love is utterly natural.
Chris and Steve built on this notion, with Chris wondering what it would be like if what we consider supernatural were instead natural. What if our thoughts of well-being traveled around the world to the intended recipient? Steve challenged the very interpretation of "super-natural" - that which is superly natural, and not unnatural in any way. Loved that observation!
Ganoba shared how he found himself on the edge between the known and the unknown, and how he has to go beyond the past (memory) to face the present.
On the topic of love, I was reminded of my own experience with the dissertation defense. To prepare on the last day, I had decided to meditate to get rid of the butterflies. As I observed the fears, the source of it became clear. It was a preoccupation with "I," will I look good, will I be able to impress others, what if others reject what I have to say? As I observed some more, every slide on my deck flashed by, and I remembered how much help and love I had received toward preparing it. That brought up a lot of gratitude - which is really love in response to love. Somehow, with the emergence of gratitude, the fear had disappeared completely, and I don't quite remember what I said, but I was very happy saying it.
Manavi pointed out how she has struggled with fear as well, and how she's had similar conclusions about the connection with the ego, versus a focus on wanting to serve and give. By connecting with the larger self which wants to be of service, one can transcend the little self.
There were many other sharings that escape my memory but the authenticity with which they were shared have left an indelible mark of love.
On May 1, 2010 Somik Raha wrote :
Tagore is a poet and it shows in his prose. I found myself pondering deeper than usual on the meaning of things.
First, I wondered about the difference between "will" and "wish." The word "wish" has an element of uncertainty in it, and I seem to be saying, "There's nothing I control, but if I did, I'd want this." The word "will" on the other hand, has no uncertainty in it. "I will do this." When looking at my regular conversations, I am surprised by how much wish trumps will, and often leads to untruths. For instance, when asked if I have time, I am more tempted to say, "No, I'm busy," as opposed to, "Yes, but I will spend it elsewhere for now, and will get back to you later."
Second, when Tagore says, "when he realizes that he is much more than at present he seems to be," I wondered if this was a supernatural statement. Then the thought of love came to mind. When we truly love, our heart expands, and we connect in a deep inseparable, indelible way. In that moment of connection, there is no "I." There's only great joy. Love is not supernatural - it is an entirely natural experience.
Third, when Tagore says, "and perhaps never humanly can be," surely now he is referring to a supernatural possibility. Let us see how love holds up here. My interpretation of human limitations is that of space and time. With space, it would be ridiculous for me to say, "I can only love you if you are within 5 feet of me." We find in ourselves an ability to love others no matter where they are. Love therefore transcends space. It is also weird for us to timestamp love. I cannot distinguish between the love I received 10 years back from someone and the love I received from someone yesterday. There is "old" love or "new" love. Love is just love, fresh and ego-transcending as ever. Thus, love transcends the limitations of space and time, and yet, love is utterly natural.
Chris and Steve built on this notion, with Chris wondering what it would be like if what we consider supernatural were instead natural. What if our thoughts of well-being traveled around the world to the intended recipient? Steve challenged the very interpretation of "super-natural" - that which is superly natural, and not unnatural in any way. Loved that observation!
Ganoba shared how he found himself on the edge between the known and the unknown, and how he has to go beyond the past (memory) to face the present.
On the topic of love, I was reminded of my own experience with the dissertation defense. To prepare on the last day, I had decided to meditate to get rid of the butterflies. As I observed the fears, the source of it became clear. It was a preoccupation with "I," will I look good, will I be able to impress others, what if others reject what I have to say? As I observed some more, every slide on my deck flashed by, and I remembered how much help and love I had received toward preparing it. That brought up a lot of gratitude - which is really love in response to love. Somehow, with the emergence of gratitude, the fear had disappeared completely, and I don't quite remember what I said, but I was very happy saying it.
Manavi pointed out how she has struggled with fear as well, and how she's had similar conclusions about the connection with the ego, versus a focus on wanting to serve and give. By connecting with the larger self which wants to be of service, one can transcend the little self.
There were many other sharings that escape my memory but the authenticity with which they were shared have left an indelible mark of love.