The Mystery Series topic “The Magic of Love” Discourses by Swami Swaroopananda ji on Aug 28, 2025.
Summarized by Brni. Jyoti Chaitanya ji
The Magic of Love
There is no pursuit which humans take up as fervently, yet none which we fail at as miserably, than love. Undeniably it is observed, that the maximum pain we give to, or experience from others, is with regards to those whom we feel that attachment we call love. Swamiji pointed out brilliantly, that you cannot hate anyone whom you do not have some love for…Think! So what is it about love that can create such agitation and sorrow at times?
Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji demystifies this enigma though a compendium of exquisitely insightful observations and puts it all in perspective through his superb analysis. The conclusions of which provide a cornucopia for mananam (reflection). Swamiji points out the inherent flaws in lower self-seeking/ self-satisfying love (Sneha) versus higher selfless/self-inclusive love (Prema) which eventually blossoms the supreme all-inclusive love (Bhakti) :
| Lower love | Higher Love |
| Focuses on our expectation | Focus is on understanding the other |
| Intensity predominant | Based in reverence |
| A receiving love (brings dependence) | A giving love (blossoms freedom) |
| It desires love in a predetermined conformation | Allows freedom to love’s expression |
| Breeds attachment & insecurity | Brings Independence |
| ‘Exclusive’ | Inclusive |
| You like someone because of something | You love someone in spite of everything |
Consequent to these observations, certain transformation points were elucidated:
True love breeds love, therefore become a conscious giver of love, not a passive receiver. And when the love does not meet your expectation, realize that the world is an echo of your love and your personality. Thus, be ready to act on it, instead of demanding a change in others outside, submit to a transformation within by saying, “I love you, but please help me, show me how to.” Because when sincere love evolves, we seamlessly begin to realize what is the right thing to say and do.
Always remember : Love is Identification with the beloved. So, when there is Supreme love, there is total identification. Sant Kabir Sahib reminds us : The path of love is so narrow, two cannot walk. If ‘I’ am, the Lord is not. And where my Lord is, ‘I’ disappear. Such a self-inclusive love means that I do not see the other as separate from myself. A most heart-wrenching example of which, Swamiji expounded from the Mahabharata in Draupadi’s identification with the motherhood in even her enemy’s mother.
Finally Swamiji concluded with the “4 Essentials of Love”:
- A loving concern for the wellbeing of the beloved
- A sense of deep response (if you love so much, what are you ready to do!)
- Understanding what the beloved actually needs at that moment
- Treating them like they exist, as they are! (not the way you decide they should be)
When we do this, you will not have to run after your beloved. The beloved will run after you! Like Sri Krsna did with the gopikas.