THE FIRST STEP TO LIBERATION

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

101. THE FIRST STEP TO LIBERATION
The first step to liberation is to engage in the sadhana of selfless service unto all beings.
Selfless service unto all beings is impossible where self-love is the normal state of our interior.
When we love ourselves more than all other things, then our whole life will be based on this


self-love only. It is when this fact is clearly recognised that one tries to liberate oneself from the
binding shackles of self-love and extends one’s love to the whole world—to all of God’s creation
including animals, reptiles, insects and even the grass that grows under our feet.
We try to become a centre of goodwill and benefit to all. Nothing is considered to be below
our attention. Everything is great because one great God has created all things large and small. Then
alone the spiritual life begins, because unless self-love gives place to love of all, selfishness cannot
be overcome. Unless selfishness is overcome, the process of liberating oneself from the
I-dominated consciousness will not proceed. We overcome selfishness by practising its opposite in
a dynamic manner.
Selflessness practised in a dynamic manner is called selfless service—with no hidden
motive, wanting nothing, expecting nothing, not even recognition or thanks. As a matter of fact,
they say that real selfless service should be done secretly. The one that is served should not know
that he is being served. “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand is doing.” This, of course, is
the ideal, the height of selfless service.
It is only possible if one liberates oneself from self-love and extends one’s love to all
creation. And this love is impersonal. It is objectless and impersonal. It is divine, spiritual, not
human, although it starts with the human dimension. It is totally motiveless, devoid of any desire.
Then it can do wonders. It can completely reconstitute our interior consciousness by transforming
it.
It is the expression of God through our heart, through our mind and through our vision, the
way in which we view everything that God has created—looking at them through God’s eye. That
means looking at them with a love-filled eye. Because God and love are not to be distinguished.
They are one and the same.
Therefore, love is something that goes beyond mere human sentiment or emotion. It is a part
of us that does not belong to our human nature. Because our reality is not human. That part of us
which is an amsa (part) of paramatma is our true identity and it is totally divine. And, inasmuch as
God is an ocean of love and compassion, expressing this love in the form of acts of kindness,
goodness, compassion, benefit, usefulness and servicefulness is the first step towards liberation.