Spiritualizing Human Relationships Part I

The Importance of Nurturing Human Relationships

Human relationships are extremely important for the obvious reason that almost every other aspect of life revolves around them. Naturally there will always be variations in these relationships because we are different people with varying temperaments, interests and capacities. Under ordinary times, relating to others occurs in a natural way. But today as a result of technological advances, the speed of life has accelerated so much, that it leaves people with little time or energy to focus on this essential element of interpersonal relationships  in their lives. So it has become imperative to emphasize the need of forming enduring relationships. Simply stated, success or failure in life is greatly influenced by our associations with others.

Our ordinary relationships are usually based more or less on our own self-interest, centering on certain personal needs, desires, and practical social necessities. With this in mind, psychologists and sociologists give us some insightful guidelines that encourage us to engage in more wholesome interactions with others, so that the resulting experience is healthier and increasingly beneficial.

The formation of character is one of the essential ingredients in developing healthy relationships

How Attitudes Play the Central Role

Communication is a subtle and sophisticated art. Often our assumptions regarding others are based on preconceived ideas, including misinterpretation of body language and behaviour. We don’t take the time to listen or analyze what the other person is saying or doing, but jump to conclusions. This mind-set sows the seeds of misunderstanding. That’s why the issue of relating to one another becomes very complicated. The repercussions are considerable. For good relations it is essential to make an earnest attempt to understand the other person’s perspective.

Deepening Life

As our insight in life deepens, we recognize that we are not isolated individuals but are interdependent. Basically we are all related to one another; there is one connecting thread bringing us all together, not only at the physical, social, or psychological levels, but more importantly at the spiritual level. This is the thread. Everything is woven with Ultimate Reality.

Further, our scriptures remind us that we are all one being.  “Love one another as we love ourselves.” We are always connected with everyone and everything spiritually. This relationship is natural and eternal. But somehow because of ignorance, or impurity, we don’t feel it. Instead, we have projected on each other innumerable, artificial or temporary connections, which bring both joy and sorrow.

Spiritual teachers emphasize that human relationships really originate from this basic, inner subtle, spiritual level. The psychological process of any individual is always from deep within, from inside out. In whatever way we conceive of ourselves, in that same way we think of others.

So in discussing the evolution of our relationships, they begin with the individual. To elaborate further: they point out that if we dwell in the physical realm and are body conscious, then we relate to others at the body level. If we are emotional by nature, we relate to others in an emotional way. If we think ourselves as separate individuals, we relate to others as individuals. If we feel we are spiritual, we perceive others as spiritual as well.