The Essence of Love: Being Beyond Feeling

Meister Eckhart's profound assertion, "The greatest act of love is not to feel it, but to be it," invites us to transcend the ephemeral nature of emotions and embrace a deeper, more enduring expression of love. In a world often captivated by fleeting feelings, Eckhart challenges us to consider love not merely as an emotion to be experienced but as a state of being that we embody in our actions and interactions. This distinction is crucial; it elevates love from a passive experience to an active commitment, urging us to engage with the world through the lens of compassion and presence.

To understand the weight of Eckhart's words, we must recognize that love, in its truest form, is not confined to the heart's flutter or the warmth of affection. Instead, it is a dynamic force that manifests through our choices, intentions, and behaviors. This perspective invites us to reflect on how we can cultivate love as a continuous practice, rather than a sporadic feeling. By embodying love, we align ourselves with a higher purpose, fostering connections that transcend superficiality and resonate with authenticity and depth.

The image / the metaphor

At first glance, Eckhart's quote presents a striking dichotomy between feeling and being, suggesting that the essence of love lies not in the emotional experience but in the active expression of that love. The imagery conjured here is one of transformation; it implies that love is not a passive state but a vibrant, living force that requires our conscious participation. The verbs "feel" and "be" serve as anchors in this exploration, highlighting the difference between an internal emotional state and an external manifestation of love that can be witnessed and experienced by others.

Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that "being" encompasses a holistic approach to love that integrates thought, action, and intention. It suggests a commitment to embodying love in every aspect of our lives, from our interactions with loved ones to our engagement with strangers. This notion of being is akin to a river flowing steadily, nourishing everything in its path, rather than a fleeting rain shower that offers momentary relief. In this way, Eckhart invites us to consider how we can cultivate a continuous stream of love that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

In the speaker's tradition

Meister Eckhart, a pivotal figure in Christian mysticism, draws upon a rich tradition that emphasizes the transformative power of love and the importance of inner experience. His teachings resonate with concepts such as kenosis, the self-emptying of one's own will to allow for divine presence, and the idea of becoming one with the divine essence. This aligns with the notion of bhakti in Hinduism, where love for the divine is expressed through devotion and action, suggesting that true love transcends mere sentiment and manifests in our relationship with the world.

In Eckhart's sermons, he often speaks of the "birth of the Word" within the soul, a metaphor for the divine potential that resides in each individual. This idea echoes the teachings found in the Gospel of John, where the Word is made flesh, emphasizing that love is not merely an abstract concept but something that must be lived out in tangible ways. By situating love within the context of divine union, Eckhart encourages us to recognize our capacity to embody love as a reflection of the divine presence within us.

Living the teaching

Consider a modern scenario where this teaching can take root: a busy parent juggling work, household responsibilities, and the emotional needs of their children. In moments of stress, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected, mistaking love for a fleeting emotion that can be easily lost in the chaos. However, by choosing to "be" love in these moments—through patience, understanding, and presence—a parent can transform their interactions, creating a nurturing environment that fosters connection and growth. This active embodiment of love becomes a powerful antidote to the challenges of daily life.

Another application of Eckhart's teaching can be found in the realm of relationships, particularly during difficult moments. When faced with conflict, it is common to retreat into feelings of frustration or resentment. Yet, by consciously choosing to embody love—through empathy, active listening, and a willingness to understand the other person's perspective—we can navigate these challenges with grace. This practice not only deepens our connections but also transforms the way we experience love, moving it from a passive feeling to an active force that shapes our interactions and relationships.

A reflection

As we contemplate Eckhart's profound insight, we are invited to reflect on the nature of our own love. Are we merely feeling love, or are we actively embodying it in our lives? In what ways can we transform our understanding of love from a transient emotion into a steadfast presence that influences our actions and interactions? This contemplation challenges us to consider how we can cultivate a deeper, more authentic expression of love that resonates with the essence of our being.