Platonism

January, 1977                    

A prose by Klin Cheng

   There is a kind of love, not brotherly concern exactly, not fatherly affinity entirely, not erotic passion exclusively, but a mixture of them, a purification of all these great fellow feelings. In essence, it is an affection based on imagination. But, when put into practice, it shows friendly interest in, fatherly attention to and heterosexual obsession with one’s object of devotion. Often, it is expressed by letter-notes, without incurring any obligation upon the receiver of those noble sentiments. And all the stuff that made it work is out of the consecration of a devout fellow who is emotionally and intellectually ebullient. 

    In almost all cases, this love is applied to a haunting beauty who is ensconced in the sanctuary of one’s most pious dedication. The incarnation of this beauty is a lady who understands him, responds readily to him, and shares all the beautiful things with him, though, in fact, they are never together. It is this woman he is always missing and would exert all his efforts to enjoy soul-communion with.  Thus, the merit of this relationship is, through it, a man with strong spiritual longings may gain a spur to sublimation and  transfer the wish of getting union of his eternal love to artistic creation. Historically, the episode of Tchaikovsky and Madam Meck typified Platonic love’s utmost value—because of it, both became immortal.  Therefore, it’s a divine attempt that awed us.