From Paramahansa Yogananda’s “The Divine Romance.”

“The relationship that exists between friends is the grandest of human loves.  Friendly love is pure, because it is without compulsion.  One freely chooses to love his friends; he is not bound by instinct.  The love that manifests in friendship can exist between man and woman, woman and woman and man and man.

Love gives without expecting anything in return.  I never think of anyone in terms of what he can do for me.  And I never profess love to someone because he has done something for me.  If I didn’t actually feel love, I wouldn’t pretend to give it; and since I feel it, I give it. I learned that sincerity from my Master.  There may be some who do not feel friendly toward me, but I am a friend to all, including my enemies; for in my heart I cannot have enemies.

Love cannot be had for the asking; it comes only as a gift from the heart of another.  Be certain of your feeling before you say to anyone, “I love you.”  Once you give your love, it must be forever.  Not because you want to be near that person, but because you want perfection for that soul.  To wish for perfection for the loved one, and to feel pure joy in thinking of that soul, is divine love; and that is the love of true friendship.

The relationship between guru and disciple is the greatest expression of love in friendship; it is unconditional divine friendship, based on a shared, singular goal: the desire to love God above all else. The disciple bares his soul to the master and the master bares his heart to the disciple.  There is nothing hidden between them.  Even in other noble forms of friendship there is sometimes diplomacy. But the friendship of the guru-disciple relationship is taintless.”

“If my love can be bribed to compromise itself, then it is not love. If I have to alter my behavior toward you for fear of your reaction, then my feeling for you is not true love.  I must be able to speak with you honestly.”

                             Sri Yukteswar

blessings,
🙂 Lee
The Mega Coach