To Exist and To Be a Beloved (Companion)

To exist (Existence) is to know oneself. It is the human being's realization of their own presence, the "me"-centered dimension of consciousness. This consciousness is the foundation of perceiving life and knowing oneself. However, merely existing leaves the human being on the shore of meaning; because this consciousness is mostly individual, it draws boundaries.

To be a beloved or a companion (Companionship), on the other hand, is to know the truth by losing oneself in love. It is the state of consciousness that integrates with love, transforming the "me" into "us." In this consciousness, the human being establishes a bond with the other; they exist through sharing, mercy, and compassion. Companionship is a divine awareness that completes the purpose of existence. It is the transition from selfhood to unity.

The existential adventure of the human being is shaped by the echo of these two calls: To Exist and To Be a Beloved. To exist represents the direction of life given to us; to be a companion is the answer we give to life. The first is the gift of creation; the second is the act of gratitude felt toward that gift.

In Syriac wisdom, a human being is not merely a living creature of flesh and bone; they are the bearer of the Divine Breath.

Therefore, Mor Ephrem (306–373) states: "Love is the nature of God; a human being approaches God to the extent that they partake in that nature."

This word reminds us that love lies at the very essence of human existence. Existence finds meaning in the light of God; yet, this meaning does not become visible without becoming a companion. Because love reveals its truth only when it is shared.

Nevertheless, the consciousness of existence—that is, the "I exist" awareness—can sometimes separate by placing the human being at the center. Although this consciousness is the foundation of individual awareness, if it is not kneaded with love, it can transform into an egocentric state. The human being, acting with the instinct to protect their own existence and interest, forgets the "other" at this point; they draw boundaries, separate, and compare.

And this situation creates both a mental and a spiritual contraction. It drags the human being into distress. Yet, the consciousness of companionship transforms into a unifying awareness by melting the fine line between "me" and "you." Because being a companion leaves no room for selfishness. The consciousness of companionship integrates instead of separating; it produces synergy, not conflict. In this consciousness, there is no "me," there is "us."

Love replaces personal interest with the ecstasy of common existence. And this ecstasy opens new horizons in the inner world of the human being; it parts the curtain to entirely different worlds.

In Syriac wisdom, this state is defined by the concept of “HNONO ܚܢܢܐ”—that is, tenderness, merciful love. This love is not merely an emotional wisdom, but a spiritual one.

In the words of Mor Jacob of Serugh (451–521): "To know God passes through knowing love. Because love is the eye of wisdom."

For this reason, to exist is about knowledge; but to be a companion is about wisdom. Knowledge makes the human being powerful in the world; wisdom makes them valuable.

Existence is the presence of the breath; companionship is the direction of that breath. Existence is the root; companionship is the fruit. Existence belongs to the material dimension; companionship to the spiritual dimension. Existence sees the world; companionship feels God. The human being is tested by existing; but they are completed by being a companion.

A human being can merely "exist"; but then, life is only a process. When they choose to be a companion, however, life gains a meaning. Because love is the divine bond that unites the essence of life with the soul.

As Mor Ephrem (306–373) said: "Love is the secret that meets two souls in a single light."

The human being who crowns their existence with morality, meaning, and responsibility does not merely live; they keep alive. They rescue themselves from the narrow boundaries of existence and carry themselves to the wide horizon of love. Because existence is consumed within time, but companionship takes root in the depths of the soul.

And at the end of the day, the human being will not be asked, "Did you exist?" but rather, "Were you a companion?" For the real matter, while striving to exist, is not to forget how to be a companion.

Yusuf Beğtaş