Eros = Radical Aliveness x Desiring (Growing + Seeking) x Deeper Contact x Greater Wholeness x Self Actualization/Self Transcendence (Creation/Destruction)
A Return To Eros Evolved And Expanded
In "A Return to Eros," Eros is defined as the primal force of love and connection that animates all of existence.
It goes beyond mere physical desire or romantic attraction, encompassing a deep longing for union and integration with the divine, with others, and with oneself.
Eros is seen as the driving energy behind creativity, passion, and aliveness, infusing every aspect of human experience with vitality and meaning.
The book emphasizes that Eros is not limited to sexual expression but permeates all dimensions of life, including relationships, work, art, and spirituality.
It is the impulse that propels individuals towards growth, evolution, and self-realization, inspiring acts of compassion, creativity, and selfless service.
All The Way Up And All The Way Down - All The Way In And All The Way Out
Consciousness is a dynamic force that permeates the universe, evolving through multiple levels of matter, life, the human self-reflective mind, and beyond.
At each stage of this evolution, from the simplest particles to the complexities of human consciousness, there is an inherent drive towards greater unity, connection, and love.
Reality itself is imbued with this force, with Eros being the driving energy behind its evolution.
More than mere physical attraction, Eros represents the cosmic principle of love, the underlying current that propels all existence forward.
As consciousness unfolds through the various stages of evolution, it becomes increasingly self-aware and reflective. The human mind, with its capacity for introspection and contemplation, represents a pinnacle of this evolutionary journey. Yet, even within the human experience, there is a continual expansion of consciousness, a striving towards deeper understanding and connection with the world around us.
Reality, in its essence, is the unfolding of Eros, the continuous movement towards greater love and interconnectedness. This evolution of love manifests in myriad forms, from the bonds forged between individuals to the harmony found in nature's intricate ecosystems. It is through love that we transcend the limitations of the ego and recognize our fundamental unity with all of existence.
In embracing the concept that reality is the evolution of Eros, we are called to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, empathy, and reverence for the interconnected web of life.
By aligning ourselves with the evolutionary impulse towards love, we can play an active role in shaping a more harmonious and compassionate world.
As we expand our awareness to encompass the vastness of existence, we come to realize that love is not just a fleeting emotion, but the very fabric of reality itself, weaving its way through every aspect of our lives and beyond.
Evolutionary Love Not Ordinary Love
In the context of Eros as Evolutionary Love or Outrageous Love, we delve into a profound understanding of love that transcends the superficial expressions often associated with ordinary, ego-driven attachments.
While conventional notions of love may be steeped in societal norms or individual desires, Evolutionary Love represents a deeper, more expansive force inherent within the very fabric of existence.
It is not bound by the limitations of the ego or the constraints of social constructs; rather, it emanates from the core essence of Reality Itself.
Evolutionary Love is the pulsating heartbeat of the universe, guiding the ongoing process of transformation and growth across all levels of existence. It is the driving force behind the evolutionary journey of consciousness, propelling us towards greater awareness, interconnectedness, and unity.
Unlike fleeting emotions or temporary attractions, Evolutionary Love is unwavering and boundless, permeating every aspect of our being and extending beyond the boundaries of individual identity.
At its essence, Evolutionary Love calls us to expand our perception beyond the narrow confines of the Separate Self and embrace the interconnectedness of all life.
It invites us to recognize the inherent value and divinity within ourselves and others, fostering a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and reverence for the web of existence. In embodying Evolutionary Love, we align ourselves with the fundamental truth of Reality Itself, participating in the ongoing evolution towards greater harmony, wholeness, and love.
To embody Evolutionary Love is to engage in a radical act of transformation, both individually and collectively. It requires us to release the attachments and illusions of the egoic mind and surrender to the flow of life with an open heart and mind.
As we cultivate a deeper connection to the pulsating rhythm of Evolutionary Love, we become agents of change, catalysts for the unfolding of a more compassionate, interconnected world.
Evolutionary Love becomes not just a concept, but a lived experience—an expression of our truest nature and the essence of Reality Itself.
Internal Obligation
In exploring the concept of obligation within the framework of the wider set of First Principles, we uncover a deeper understanding of its roots and significance in the human experience.
While obligation may initially appear as an externally imposed structure, it is, in fact, an intrinsic aspect of our interconnectedness and unity with the whole of existence.
Embedded within the First Principle of uniqueness, obligation emerges as a natural consequence of the fundamental interplay between parts and beings, arising from the innate fullness of Eros that permeates the field of value.
Rather than being a burden or constraint, obligation is a profound internal experience, reflective of our deep-seated connection to the greater whole. It springs forth from the wellspring of love that flows through the fabric of reality, revealing the inherent wholeness that underlies all existence.
In this sense, obligation is not merely a moral imperative imposed from without but arises organically from within, as a recognition of our intrinsic unity with all beings.
Central to the understanding of obligation is the intuitive comprehension and awareness, or clarified gnosis, that different parts or beings are not ultimately separate.
This realization dawns upon us through the lens of love, unveiling the interconnectedness and interdependence that define our existence.
As we come to grasp the profound truth of our interconnected nature, obligation takes on a deeper significance, serving as a guiding principle for our actions and relationships.
In essence, obligation is a manifestation of the inherent harmony and unity that pervade the cosmos. It is a call to honor and uphold the bonds that tie us to one another and to the greater web of life.
Embracing this sense of obligation is not a burden. it is a privilege—an opportunity to participate fully in the unfolding tapestry of existence, guided by the luminous thread of love that connects us all.
The etymology of the English word "obligation," tracing back to the Latin "obligare," offers profound insight into its true nature. To "obligare" means to bind or connect, illuminating the inherent connection and interdependence that lies at the heart of our obligations.
While obligations are often viewed as external duties or responsibilities, they serve as tangible expressions of the invisible bonds that unite us with others and with the world around us.
Through the lens of love, these bonds are brought into sharp focus, revealing the intricate web of relationships that defines our existence.
Love serves as the catalyst for the revelation of these connections, acting as a guiding force that brings to light the implicit ties that bind us together. In moments of love and connection, our obligations become not burdensome tasks, and rather expressions of our profound interconnectedness and unity.
Obligation takes on a deeper significance, transcending mere duty to become a sacred commitment to the well-being of the whole.
It is through our obligations that we honor and nurture the bonds that unite us, recognizing our shared humanity and collective destiny.
Far from being restrictive or burdensome, our obligations serve as reminders of the rich tapestry of relationships that enrich our lives and give meaning to our existence.
Ultimately, the true essence of obligation lies not in the fulfillment of external expectations, but in the cultivation of authentic connection and care for one another.
As we embrace our obligations with love and reverence, we affirm our place within the interconnected web of life, bound together by the invisible threads of compassion, empathy, and mutual support.
Obligation, far from being a burdensome imposition, emerges organically from the deep wellspring of Eros that flows through the cosmos and courses within us.
It is the pulsating heartbeat of existence, propelling us towards a profound recognition of our interconnectedness and shared destiny. Within the intricate tapestry of the cosmos, each of us is imbued with a unique essence, a singular expression of the divine spark that animates all of creation.
From this wellspring of Eros springs forth our unique nature and capacity, bestowed upon us by the cosmos itself.
We are endowed with the ability to discern and address the unique needs of the world around us, to act as conduits for the expression of the cosmos in a particular nexus of space and time.
It is through the lens of our individuality that the cosmos finds expression, weaving together the threads of our unique selves to create a harmonious symphony of existence.
At the heart of this unfolding dance lies the concept of the Unique Self—a recognition of our inherent value and significance within the greater whole. Each of us possesses a distinct perspective, a singular vantage point from which to engage with the world and contribute our gifts to the collective tapestry of existence.
Our obligation, then, arises from the realization that we are called to honor and nurture this unique expression of the cosmos, to embrace our role as co-creators in the ongoing evolution of reality itself.
In embracing our obligation with openness and reverence, we tap into the boundless reservoir of Eros that flows through us, guiding our actions and illuminating our path. We become vessels for the transformative power of love, channeling its energy towards the fulfillment of our unique purpose and the realization of our highest potential.
Obligation becomes not a constraint, but a sacred invitation—an opportunity to embody the fullness of our being and contribute our unique gifts to the unfolding symphony of the cosmos.
Unclarified Eros Leads To Pseudo-Eros
The notion of a core contradiction between the erotic and the ethical often stems from a misunderstanding rooted in a confusion of terminology.
At a surface level, it may seem that the pursuit of one's desires or passions inevitably leads to a disregard for ethical boundaries.
There's a pervasive belief that one's life force, fueled by Eros, will inevitably clash with moral principles, resulting in a chaotic disregard for societal norms. This assumption is based on an unclarified understanding of Eros, or what could be termed pseudo-Eros, rather than the true essence of Eros Itself.
Eros, in its authentic form, transcends the superficial desires and impulses often associated with the erotic. It represents a deeper, more profound force—an expression of the fundamental drive towards connection, unity, and wholeness.
True Eros is not a force of chaos or discord; rather, it is inherently ethical, guiding us towards actions that honor and respect the interconnectedness of all beings.
When Eros is misunderstood or misinterpreted, it can manifest as pseudo-Eros—a distorted version of love that prioritizes individual gratification over ethical considerations. The pursuit of pleasure may indeed lead to conflicts with moral principles, as the true essence of Eros becomes obscured by egoic desires and impulses.
However, when Eros is clarified and understood in its true essence, it becomes clear that there is no inherent contradiction between the erotic and the ethical. Instead, authentic Eros serves as a guiding force towards ethical action, inspiring us to act in ways that promote harmony, compassion, and mutual respect.
The pursuit of Eros aligns seamlessly with the pursuit of ethical living, as both are rooted in a deep understanding of our interconnectedness and shared humanity.
Eros and Ethos
The interplay between Eros and Ethos lies at the heart of human experience, shaping our individual and collective journey through life.
When true Eros, the primal force of love and connection, is inaccessible or obscured, a profound sense of emptiness and alienation can take root within us.
This void, filled with ennui and longing, often leads to a desperate search for fulfillment through external means. In this state of disconnection, individuals may resort to unethical behaviors or acting out as a misguided attempt to alleviate their inner turmoil.
This phenomenon, known here as pseudo-Eros, represents a distortion of the true essence of Eros—a shallow imitation that fails to satisfy the deeper yearnings of the soul.
The consequences of this breakdown in Eros extend beyond the individual realm to encompass the broader fabric of society. When true Eros is stifled or suppressed, the collective ethos begins to unravel, leading to a proliferation of social discord and moral decay.
Challenges and collapses in societal norms and values can often be traced back to a prior erosion of the bonds of love and connection that hold communities together. In this sense, the health of a society is intimately linked to its ability to cultivate and sustain authentic expressions of Eros.
At its core, Eros and Ethos are inseparable—two sides of the same coin that shape the landscape of human experience.
The emergence of a new paradigm, termed here as ErosValue, seeks to encapsulate the intrinsic connection between these fundamental principles.
ErosValue represents a holistic understanding of reality—one that recognizes the inherent value of love, connection, and ethical living as essential components of a flourishing existence.
By embracing the unity of Eros and Ethos, we pave the way for a more harmonious and compassionate world, where the true essence of human flourishing can be realized.
Works Cited
Gafni, Marc, and Kristina Kincaid. A Return to Eros. BenBella Books, 2017.
Publishing Group, Amplify. “First Principles and First Values.” Amplify Publishing Group, amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/politics-and-current-affairs/first-principles-and-first-values/.
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