The Power of Universal Love: A Path to Oneness
Love is often misunderstood as something limited to close relationships—family, friends, partners. But true love, in its highest form, is universal. It extends beyond personal bonds and embraces all of existence. Universal love is the realization that we are all connected, that beneath our individual identities, we are one.
Giving as the First Step to Love
In the beginning, we give not necessarily because we love others, but because giving grants us a sense of freedom. Recognizing that clinging to possessions or emotions is unhealthy, we take the first step on the path of love by learning to share. This profound truth is beautifully expressed in the words of Swami Rama:
"At first, people give not because they love others, but because giving grants them freedom. The first step on the path of love is taken when one realizes that it is not healthy to only possess, but that one must give.
Why does a person want to do something for others? Where does this motivation come from? When someone sits down for a meal, no matter how dear the friend sitting beside them, they will not place food into their friend's mouth. Their hand will instinctively move toward their own.
So where does this tendency to love others come from? Love arises when one realizes that there is unity in diversity and begins to understand that, at our core, we are all one."
Love as an Act of Selflessness
The true test of love comes in moments of selflessness. Consider a situation where a house is on fire, and inside is a child. The family and neighbors are too afraid to act, but suddenly, a stranger rushes into the flames to save the child. This person has no personal connection to the child, yet they instinctively risk their life to protect them. Why? Because in that moment, they feel no separation between themselves and the child. Their love transcends personal ties—it is universal.
Expanding the Circle of Love
Many believe that love for one's family means excluding others. However, this is not true love. True love does not discriminate, nor does it limit itself to a select few. As Swami Rama explains:
"Most people think that when someone loves their family, they must exclude others who are not close to them. But this is not true; this is not love. True love is universal, not limited to a select few, but extending to all."
Universal love challenges us to expand our capacity for compassion beyond our immediate circle. It invites us to see the sacred in every being, to act with kindness without expectation, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all life.
Living with Universal Love
So how can we cultivate universal love in our daily lives?
Practice selfless giving – Offer kindness, time, or resources without expecting anything in return.
See yourself in others – Recognize that every being shares the same fundamental desire for love and happiness.
Break down barriers – Let go of prejudices and judgments that create division.
Embrace unity in diversity – Appreciate different perspectives, cultures, and experiences as reflections of the same universal source.
When we live with universal love, we step into a higher state of consciousness—one where love is not confined but limitless. In this space, peace, compassion, and harmony naturally flourish.
Let us remember: love is not meant to be restricted. It is meant to be shared, to connect us, and to remind us that at our essence, we are all one.✨