The bhakta who is so dear to Bhagavan, embraces everyone in his love. He has no axe to grind. He loves, because it has become his nature to love. He knows that through love everything is conquered. ‘Not by hatred is hatred appeased,’ said Buddha. Love alone conquers. Blessed is such a life. It is a life hidden in God or hidden in the Atman, a life hidden in love. Buddha names it brahmavihara, the joy of living in Brahman.
To point out the path towards such a life is the object of all scriptures; to that goal leads the teaching of the true guru, no matter to what religion he belongs. Buddha said: ‘Deceive none, hate none, injure none. Love all creatures, even as a mother loves her only child. Extend your love in all directions, east, west, north, south, above and below, without bounds or obstacles. Keep your mind active in the constant exercise of universal goodwill. Practise it, while standing, or sitting, or walking, or lying down, till sleep over takes you. Thus, man becomes perfect.’ Love is joy; love is bliss; love is truth. It is the highest state of consciousness. That love is Brahman. It is the essence of everything around us. It is the joy that is at the root of all creation.
To quote Tagore’s beautiful expressions on love:
Love is the ultimate meaning of everything around us. It is not a mere sentiment; it is Truth. It is the white light of pure consciousness that emanates from Brahman. So, to be one with this sarvanubhuh, this all-feeling Being who is in the external sky, as well as in our inner soul, we must attain to that summit of consciousness, which is love: ‘Who could have breathed or moved if the sky were not filled with joy, with love?’ It is through the heightening of our consciousness into love, and extending it all over the world, that we can attain Brahma-vihara, communion with this infinite joy.