Significance of Divine love
Divine love, as understood in Vaishnavism, encompasses a profound and unconditional affection directed towards God, particularly Shri Krishna. It is characterized by deep devotion among followers, transcending worldly relationships, and is regarded as the ultimate goal of spiritual practices. This sacred love brings about intense emotional responses and is celebrated through various expressions within religious traditions. Divine love serves as a transformative force, inspiring deep attachment, joyful worship, and a sense of connection with the divine, motivating many spiritual seekers in their devotion.
Synonyms: Sacred love, Spiritual love, Unconditional love, Sacred affection, Holy love, Spiritual adoration
In Dutch: Goddelijke liefde; In Finnish: Jumalallinen rakkaus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Divine love'
Divine love in Hinduism embodies powerful, unconditional affection toward God, essential for spiritual practice, demonstrated through deep devotion to Krishna, characterized by bliss and transcending ordinary relationships, ultimately representing an eternal bond with the divine.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A sacred and profound form of love that brings about significant emotional transformations.[1] (2) The affectionate devotion (priti) generated by Shri Govardhana in service to Shri Krishna.[2] (3) A profound and unconditional affection that is associated with a spiritual or sacred aspect.[3] (4) A profound, spiritual affection that arises within an individual’s heart, often associated with a strong emotional response.[4] (5) The innate affection and devotion that living entities, including trees and creepers, experience as a result of being enlightened by pure goodness.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An intense and fervent affection towards the divine, which offers solace and satisfaction to the souls despite worldly disapproval.[6] (2) A profound and intense love that is directed towards a divine being, often characterized by devotion and longing.[7] (3) The all-encompassing, unyielding affection from the Lord, which can transform the hearts of His followers.[8] (4) The pure and unconditional love exhibited by God towards His devotees.[9] (5) Represents the profound affection and devotion that the Gopis feel for Krishna, which is significantly important in their lives.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term referring to the powerful devotional love experienced by devotees towards God.[11] (2) A profound spiritual feeling that connects individuals to God, emphasized in the context of the listeners' reactions to Mukunda's performance.[12] (3) The concept of love associated with the divine, exemplified by the relationship between devotees and God.[13] (4) A spiritual affection that connects devotees to God, specifically achieved through the influence of Nityananda.[14] (5) The transcendent bliss and devotion towards God that is central to the teachings of the text, as opposed to materialistic pursuits.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Divine love signifies a spiritual bond and devotion that transcends material attachments.[16] (2) Divine love signifies the profound and spiritual affection that the speaker desires to maintain eternally towards Lord Krishna.[17] (3) The eternal and pure love between Krishna and the gopis, exemplified through their exchanges and pastimes.[18] (4) A central theme represented by Radha's character, emphasizing the spiritual and transcendent aspects of affection.[19]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The profound affection directed towards the divine, often associated with various sentiments or emotional states in spirituality.[20] (2) A higher, spiritual love that transcends ordinary relationships.[21] (3) The ultimate expression of devotion and connection with the divine, sought after in kamanuga-bhakti.[22]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The profound emotional connection and devotion experienced by the gopis towards Krishna, marked by deep attachment and longing.[23] (2) The profound love exhibited in the pastimes of Shriman Mahaprabhu and His interactions with Lord Jagannatha.[24] (3) The blissful, transcendent affection that Krishna bestows upon His devotees, enabling them to experience profound joy through their devotion.[25]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The pure, unconditional affection displayed through the relationships and acts of devotion towards Krishna, transcending worldly understandings of love.[26]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of deep emotional devotion to the Lord, characterized by ecstatic experiences among devotees.[27] (2) The affectionate and benevolent emotions inspired in devotees through sincere worship of the Lord.[28] (3) The transcendent and profound affection that the devotees have towards Krishna.[29]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Unselfish and intense love toward the divine, necessary for the path of devotion.[30]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The idealized affection seen in the relationship between Nala and Damayanti, symbolizing purity and virtue.[31]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A higher form of love that is connected with the Lord and is crucial for spiritual fulfillment.[32]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) The fundamental theme of the poem indicating that pure love for God surpasses ritualistic practices and external qualifications.[33]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A love characterized by its purity and focus on the spiritual essence of Parabrahman, free from personal desires or demands.[34]
The concept of Divine love in local and regional sources
Divine love embodies a profound, unconditional affection for God that inspires selfless actions for humanity, transcending personal relationships, illustrated in various spiritual traditions and poetic expressions, fostering deep connections between the divine and individuals.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The profound and transformative feeling of love that the narrator experiences with Raji, contrasting with the torment from the father figure.[35] (2) The notion that an understanding and connection to God fosters an infinite, enduring love that sustains and guides individual and collective actions.[36] (3) An exalted form of love that embodies compassion, grace, and an infinite connection between the divine and the faithful.[37] (4) A profound and transcendent affection that arises from the deep connection to music.[38] (5) A central theme in Sri Aurobindo's teachings, expressing unconditional love that connects individuals to the divine.[39]