Love and Silence

Love and Silence

Love is the most direct way to God: love of God and love of all beings. Every human being feels love in some form or in some way. Why then are so many caught in a labyrinth, trying to find the way, or just are unhappy, not even aware that here is a way?

The essence of love is giving. The one real thing any of us can give is ourselves. And this is where the problem lies. Most love between people is an exclusive, possessive type of love. It is not unselfish giving but is anxiously waiting for return. Even well-meaning people often deep down consider love as a kind of an investment. We love now and will reap the benefits later…. This is particularly prevalent in the relationship between parents and children. Little wonder that the children brought up with this won’t give love unselfi­shly either. Love is often carefully port­ioned, as if there was only a finite amount of it for distribution. This applies even more to the return of what we feel is our due. We expect that return and want it to be exclusively ours. The whole situati­on is like trying to read fine print by candlelight, when the sun is shining outside.

To ensure and preserve the feelings of others, we strive to “own” them. We try to manipulate them, often by evoking guilt, so they give us what we erroneously conceive is their love. This only leads to great anxiety and unhappiness. And it forms binding karma too.

Why do we do this? It is because of fear and insecurity. Most of us certainly don’t stand securely on the ground. As Swami said, “There are three selves.   The one we think we are, the one others think we are, and the one we really are.” Our self-­image is poor. We want to gain confidence by seeing ourselves through the mirror of others, through their affection for us. We are unable to stand on our own feet, so we use the love of others as a crutch.

How to stand straight? How to gain self-confidence? First, we must begin to see ourselves the way we really are. Then, we must be able to accept the truth. Each of us should spend some time alone in silence. It is then that we meet real self. At first it is not easy. This is one reason why people are afraid to be alone and quiet. But it is in silence that we can realize that we are loved, loved by God far beyond what any human can give us. No matter what happens, that Love will always be there. We can close the shutters of our window to the sunlight. We can turn off our ability to feel this Love. The sun will keep on shining, but with shutters closed, the room stays dark and cold. Many people keep the shutters closed all the time and most of us do so some of the time.

But in the quiet calm of that silence, we can find the way to open ourselves to Divine Love, and in its warmth we feel more secure. This Love will not be a crutch. Nurtured by it we can stand securely on our own feet, and receiving it we will have the courage to love selflessly, without thought about the return.

And then we will also understand and realize that Love is not a finite quantity to be rationed out. It is infinite, freely given and received, all radiating from the one Source­.

~Peter Hacker
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, March 1981

Love and Silence

In today’s fast-moving world, people often search for happiness in external achievements, relationships, and possessions. Yet, true peace is discovered when the heart is filled with Love and Silence. These two divine qualities have the power to transform human life, bringing inner harmony, spiritual wisdom, and lasting joy. Every seeker who sincerely walks the path of truth eventually realizes that love expressed through silence carries greater strength than words spoken without compassion.

True love is not merely an emotion; it is the natural expression of a pure heart. Silence, on the other hand, is not simply the absence of speech but a peaceful state where the mind becomes calm and receptive to divine guidance. When Love and Silence come together, they create an atmosphere where kindness, patience, forgiveness, and understanding naturally flourish. Such silence is filled with love, and such love speaks even without words.

Many spiritual masters have taught that the loudest lessons in life are often learned during moments of quiet reflection. When the mind stops wandering, the heart begins to hear the voice of God. Instead of reacting with anger or judgment, silence allows us to respond with wisdom and compassion. This sacred balance helps us overcome negative emotions and strengthens our connection with the Divine.

The teachings shared by Devotional India inspire devotees to cultivate these noble qualities in their everyday lives. Whether at home, at work, or while serving society, practicing silent prayer and selfless love creates an environment of peace. A gentle smile, a kind gesture, or a compassionate act performed without seeking recognition becomes a beautiful form of worship.

Practicing Love and Silence does not require special rituals or isolated meditation. It begins with small daily habits—listening patiently, speaking kindly, controlling unnecessary words, and offering unconditional love to everyone. Silence prevents misunderstandings, while love heals emotional wounds. Together, they strengthen relationships and bring unity within families and communities.

Every challenge in life presents an opportunity to practice these virtues. When faced with criticism or conflict, responding with calmness instead of anger reflects inner strength. Love softens even the hardest hearts, while silence protects the mind from unnecessary disturbance. As spiritual maturity grows, one discovers that inner peace is not dependent on external situations but on one’s own state of consciousness.

The wisdom shared through Devotional India reminds us that every individual carries the divine spark within. When we recognize this truth, we naturally begin to treat others with respect, humility, and compassion. Silent remembrance of God fills the heart with divine love, making every action meaningful and every moment sacred.

Ultimately, Love and Silence become a way of life rather than occasional practices. They guide our thoughts, words, and actions toward righteousness and selfless service. A person who lives with love in the heart and silence in the mind radiates positivity wherever they go. Such a life becomes an inspiration for others and a humble offering at the feet of the Divine.

May every seeker embrace Love and Silence with sincerity, allowing divine grace to illuminate the path toward peace, wisdom, and eternal bliss. Through the timeless spiritual values promoted by Devotional India, every heart can experience the joy of living with unconditional love, inner silence, and unwavering faith.