Acharya Prashant explains that love is neither a want nor an obligation; one does not have to love somebody, nor does one want to love somebody. Love is not at all related to the world around you. First and foremost, love is your own state of being. It is entirely an internal phenomenon that shows up with respect to the world, but primarily it has not much to do with the world. It has to do with your own consciousness. The fundamental question is, 'Am I connected to myself?' That connection, that closeness with yourself, is love. The speaker addresses the complaint that 'when we go out, we slip.' He suggests that the question is wrongly placed. The problem is not that when you go out, you slip; the problem is that you never come in at all. If you were really 'in,' you would find it impossible to go out. You are always half-in, with your defenses on, always ready to jump out, always with your armors on. You are never in, you never open up, and you don't have that complete vulnerability, that faith. When you come in, you will see that there is no point in going out, ever. Referencing Osho's statement about loving a man with all his limitations, Acharya Prashant clarifies that this means the one who is capable of loving is already so unlimited that limitations don't matter to him. It's like the sun, which shines and gives without discrimination because it has something to give; it cannot help giving. It's not a choice anymore. When you say 'if you want to love' or 'you have to love,' there is a clear element of choice and decision-making involved, and all that is ego. You don't have to love, and you don't want to love. When your internal health is good, then you radiate love. When the being is healthy and strong, it radiates love. Forget that love has to do with anybody outside. Forget about loving somebody. Turn inwards, look within, cure yourself, and then you don't have to worry about love. Even without knowing, you will become loving, and in strange ways, you would be reaching out to others. That's the mysticism of love. Love is not a relationship with the other; it is not a behavior displayed towards others. Love is your internal fullness. That inner closeness is called love. When that is in its place, then everything is alright. If you have relationship problems, turn within, look at yourself. The solution lies there.
