Love and the Mumbai Massacre

Into my quiet Thanksgiving day breaks the email of a friend who is horrified and shaken by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. She just recently stayed at the Taj Mahal Hotel, where all the killing is taking place.

And in the same breath she writes about her tremendous excitement and gratitude of how much she is growing in higher awareness and in her love for God.

This is a powerful combination, because dealing skillfully with both sides of reality brings her groundedness, brings reality to her aspiration. Spiritual realization has to take place in the real world, not in the kind of make-believe, ethereal reality that pretends that all is okay and wonderful, which we see so often today.

Looking only at the positive side of life is a nice state of mind. The ego loves it, but it will not set you free. Freedom must be gained by facing - and dissolving - what binds us, our fear, our anger, our depression, and not by denying it.

We can reach a state of mind where we have fully realized that everything is good. That is transcendence and not denial. We can get there by going through and beyond the negative. Then our peace will be unshakable. We must face the shadow to know the freedom that will last.

Unconsciousness is what creates suffering, at times on an unimaginable scale. At times violence and hate seem to snuff out all hope. But this hopeless view is as imaginary and untrue on the negative side as the ‘all is wonderful’ version of reality is imbalanced on the positive side.

When we’re looking with clear eyes, we see that darkness is no match to the light. The unconsciousness that commits acts of violence is less powerful than the heart-energy that brings peace. This is quite the opposite of how it appears.

But think of darkness – for instance the absolute darkness in an Egyptian tomb that has been sealed for 5000 years.

All it takes is one crack in the door, and the darkness of fifty centuries is gone instantly! That is the power of light, of awakening. That is the power of the new consciousness. Is it awakening in you? It is a new order of things, a new era with new facts and new rules. Just like night cannot prevent the sunrise, the new consciousness will prevail. Why?

Love is closer to the root of all things, closer to God, than fear, hate and violence. Like consciousness it is of the nature of light. Consciousness is the cause of creation. Universal consciousness is another name for God. All darkness is a shadow that exists only because there is light.

If we align ourselves with the light, with consciousness, with awakening, we are linked to the Source of all power. It is the boundless power of divine love.

We are however still tied to unconsciousness by old mental and emotional habits. These must be dissolved in order for us to have the full experience of our freedom. Yes, there is work to be done if we want to be free.

The most important question is this: Can you stop the war inside of you? Can you dissolve the darkness in your thoughts and emotions? Can you overcome fear and greed at their source, in your own mind and emotions? Are you ready to make peace in yourself?

My friend writes: “I will pray for our world love.” Her choice of words gave me an insight. We have hoped and worked for world peace. Perhaps that is not enough. It seems to me that love, true divine love, has a greater dynamic than peace. Through each one of us this love can manifest in this world. It’s happening. It’s no longer a pipe dream.


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Do you have less than five minutes? Here is a treat for you, more thoughts along these lines, by Adyashanti: http://pl.youtube.com/watch?v=1bRi6gDLJ_g&feature=related