Topic: Relationships...

This might upset some members so I apologize for the inconvenience of the question, but to be blunt: Are relationships just another part of the illusion?

Relationships in the sense of a "romantic relationship" between two individuals.

Re: Relationships...

My answer would be: yes and no. Yes in the sense that all romantic relationships are fleeting, as is everything else in this physical world; and so many human "love" relationships are based on needy attachment, resentment, jealousy, fear of being alone, or any other form of negativity you can think of - that is surely illusion. But I believe that in some cases, there can be a deeper spiritual bond between two souls which transcends illusory physical reality. And that kind of love is infinitely more real than the kind that is founded on ego and negativity.

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

Re: Relationships...

Considering All is One... it would seem that all evidence to the contrary is merely illusion (i.e. the idea that there can even be an "other" to have a relationship with). And yet... every single relationship - between the various parts of what make up that Oneness - is sacred, Divine at essence, based in love and eternal. The trouble lies in our ability to perceive this essential truth... we tend to distort it as Daisy mentioned, through various aspects of our human make-up. So our perception of relationship, at this level, is illusion. The relationships themselves are not, nor is what we gain through exploring them.

Like so much else here, really.

"The most important decision you have to make is whether you live in a hostile or friendly universe."
~ Albert Einstein

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ~Marcel Proust

The evolution of humanity is an evolution of the heart. The path is through the heart.

Re: Relationships...

A part is and a part isn't.

A component of the part that isn't part of the illusion can speed some growth as you find out what "parts of you" you want to remain concrete and sacred to you and what parts can be whittled away. These will very from person to person.

Another component is, you may/can find those things that irritate you so, that might not otherwise happen. So in some regards you can learn "acceptance" of others and how to not take things personally a lot faster than you otherwise might as well.

Peace,
Teddy

"It means the Matrix can't tell you who you are" - Trinity

Re: Relationships...

Good answers everyone. Daisy, I totally agree with you.  And Auscastian, I think it's a great question.  I wouldn't think that many members on this forum would be disturbed by it.  I think that whatever we feel to be true deep in our hearts is the only thing in our existence that is not illusion.  Ah, relationships - so complex and fleeting at times.  But for me, I've grown tremendously as a person from experiencing the joys and pain of relationships.

Ellen