“More,” essentially, is the addition to something, whether it is in substance, quantity, measurement, volume, emotion, degree, etc. You can see more, pretend more, imagine more, believe more and probably, most importantly, to the student of meditation, you could love more.
The student spoke with the teacher, “Teacher, I find myself struggling to understand a parable from ancient text. The story is of a father with two sons who left their father’s side to venture out into the world. One son found worldly success and an awareness of conscious presence; while the other squandered his time and wealth, falling into anguish and suffering. If I understand, when the second son returned his father loved him more.”
The teacher lovingly replied, “Yes, it appears we do not choose suffering. That said, the majority of our fellow humans are driven by programmed, obsessive, compulsive thinking, like you and I are at times. Thinking that comes to mind and moves us in a certain direction or mindset that may lead to behaviors that interfere with the quality of our lives as well as those around us. It may appear humans are choosing the negative things they do. It appears their actions are purposeful, and in their control. They are asleep. Conscience presence is not in the forefront of their lives. We are all doing it… acting out. Some behaviors are accepted by some while at the same moment intolerable to others. Condemnation is not the cure for the woes in the world. Love is. Not surrender, not vulnerability, not blind acceptance. Love. The father loved his son more because that’s what he needed.”
The student replied, “I shall love them more.”
A meditation, try this on purpose, with intention; or don’t. Keep in mind, when you think of planning to put time aside for meditation you can do it now. Little or lengthy moments here and there to use meditation practices to bring you present. That said, a “love” meditation would consist of telling yourself you love you, once or a thousand times. Focus your attention on the reaction in your mind and body to the practice. Then tell yourself you love those beings and the situations around you. For instance, I love so-and-so or I love this thing and that thing. Even those things you despise. You’re not changing your disgust or disappointment for a person or happening, you’re adding love and observing the results.
It’s a new day. Your day. ••
