Original Love, as described in the book by Henry Shukman, is not about romantic love but instead is the secular spiritual handbook we need to ease our troubles. It provides a pathway to deep and fulfilling meditation by focusing on four key “inns” of practice. These “inns” are designed to guide practitioners, regardless of their experience level, towards a more profound understanding of themselves and the world around them. This process aims to alleviate suffering and cultivate a sense of peace.
The Four Inns of Practice
Shukman’s approach centers on these four key areas of practice:
- Mindfulness: This involves being fully present and aware of the current moment, without judgment. It is about observing your thoughts and feelings as they arise and pass away.
- Support: This acknowledges the importance of a support system, which can include community, mentors, and practices that sustain your meditative journey. This highlights the importance of external support in personal growth.
- Absorption: This is the practice of deeply immersing oneself in the present moment, leading to a state of focused attention and clarity. It aims to help the mind settle into the present moment by dissolving the usual sense of separation between self and experience.
- Awakening: This refers to the transformative insight that arises from sustained practice, leading to a deeper understanding of reality and oneself. It is the result of consistent dedication to the preceding "inns."
Practical Insights from the “Inns”
| Inn | Description | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness | Being fully present and aware of the current moment. | Practicing daily mindful breathing exercises and noticing sensory experiences. |
| Support | Recognizing the need for a supporting environment. | Joining a meditation group or seeking guidance from a qualified teacher. |
| Absorption | Deeply immersing yourself in the present moment. | Focusing on the breath or a specific meditation object to deepen concentration. |
| Awakening | Gaining transformative insight from your practice. | Reflecting on your meditation experiences to identify personal insights and transformations. |
Conclusion
Original Love, within this context, is not a concept of romantic love but a framework for spiritual practice that uses four interconnected stages. These “inns”—Mindfulness, Support, Absorption, and Awakening—offer a path to personal transformation. They are designed to move practitioners towards a more profound understanding and inner peace. It is presented as a practical method, useful for practitioners at all experience levels, as a "secular spiritual handbook" for easing life's difficulties.
