Ep. 212 – Bhakti and the Path of Love with Mirabai Bush & Sharon Salzberg
Nov 2, 2022
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In this enlightening discussion, Sharon Salzberg, a renowned Buddhist teacher and author, joins Mirabai Bush to explore the path of love. They reflect on the mystical poetry of Hafiz and Rumi, encouraging listeners to redefine their understanding of love amid life's challenges. They share personal anecdotes, including whimsical encounters and the power of connections born from vulnerability. The conversation highlights how suffering can deepen love and foster community, reminding us of love's transformative nature in every aspect of life.
Love is a transformative force that transcends reason, connecting individuals and fostering feelings of safety and belonging.
Suffering can be a catalyst for personal growth, allowing vulnerability that invites deeper love and understanding into our lives.
Deep dives
The Nature of Love and Interconnectedness
Love is portrayed as a force that transcends reason and exists in everything, often manifesting through the connections we share with others. This episode emphasizes how love can create feelings of safety and belonging, allowing individuals to let go of their insecurities and appreciate their interconnectedness with the world around them. The discussion highlights that even during times of sorrow and suffering, these challenges can serve as reminders that lead us back to love, cultivating a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. By embracing love as an essential aspect of life, one can experience a profound sense of fulfillment and connection to others, fostering an environment where love thrives.
The Role of Suffering in Opening to Love
The conversation explores how suffering can act as a catalyst for personal growth and connection with love, arguing that pain often makes individuals more receptive to love's presence. It is suggested that through experiencing suffering, one can cultivate vulnerability, which allows love to enter more fully into their lives. The episode recounts personal stories that illustrate how moments of emotional distress can lead to transformative experiences of love and understanding. By acknowledging the value of suffering, listeners are encouraged to embrace their struggles as opportunities for healing and connection.
Cultivating Loving Awareness
Practices such as loving-kindness meditation are discussed as effective tools to foster a sense of loving awareness both for oneself and for others. The podcast encourages listeners to understand that while love cannot be forced, engaging in love-centric practices prepares the heart and mind to receive love more openly. The discussions also highlight the importance of self-love and self-acceptance as foundational elements necessary for extending love toward others. This nurturing of loving awareness ultimately paves the way toward a more compassionate and meaningful existence in a world filled with interconnected relationships.
From the 2012 Open Your Heart in Paradise retreat in Maui, Ram Dass is joined by Mirabai Bush and Sharon Salzberg for a freeform jam session dedicated to the path of love.
Today's podcast is sponsored byBetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/ramdass
"I was meditating on loving everything. I looked at the wall, and I loved the wall. Well, I said, ‘It’s God’s manifestation. I love it for that reason. People created it. It’s made of cells… each one has God in it.’ But I couldn’t rationalize it, I just loved it. I love it. Just this, just this.” – Ram Dass