Significance of Intense love
Intense love encompasses a profound devotion expressed by individuals across various traditions, emphasizing deep emotional connections to the divine. In Vaishnavism, it manifests as passionate affection towards figures like Krishna and Yashoda, and is highlighted through the emotional turmoil experienced by devotees such as Narada. Similarly, in Vedanta and other spiritual texts, intense love is characterized by unwavering attachment to Parabrahman and deep feelings towards spiritual guides. This shared aspect across different beliefs underlines the transformative power of intense love in spiritual practices and relationships.
Synonyms: Passionate love, Fervent love, Deep affection, Ardent love, Fiery love, Overwhelming love, Strong love, Profound love
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Intense love'
In Buddhism, Intense love can be interpreted as a profound, affectionate connection, resembling a parental bond, exemplified by the hermit's deep affection for the infant boy and girl, embodying compassion and selflessness.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The strong affection the hermit felt for the infant boy and girl, akin to a parental bond.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Intense love'
In Hinduism, intense love embodies profound emotional connections, particularly toward one's child, Guru, and Parabrahman, characterized by an overwhelming devotion that facilitates spiritual growth and deep bonds with divine entities, like Krishna.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The overwhelming love of the Lord for the Alvar, surpassing the Alvar's own love.[2] (2) A profound and passionate form of devotion expressed by those who recite the ten songs, likened to the act of consuming nectar, emphasizing the depth of feeling involved.[3] (3) A powerful emotion directed towards the soul, indicating a deep connection and affection.[4] (4) The deep affection exhibited by the Lord towards the Alvar, illustrating the spiritual ties that bind them.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deep and powerful emotional feeling that the Lord expressed for Krishna.[6] (2) A profound and deep affection towards Shri Nityananda Prabhu exhibited by Murari Gupta.[7] (3) A deep, passionate affection that characterizes the emotional state of the devotees when expressing their feelings towards Krishna.[8]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The deep affection that Yashoda has for her child, influencing her actions and emotions.[9] (2) A strong emotional affection that causes a profound reaction, depicted in the text through melting heart.[10] (3) A defining characteristic of prema, which leads to the emotional turmoil that Narada is experiencing.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A powerful feeling described as a key reason for the physical and emotional state of the individual in the text.[12] (2) The extreme and passionate form of love exhibited by the gopis towards Shri Krishna, recognized as the highest limits of devotion.[13]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Love that is marked by a high level of emotional energy and commitment.[14]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A passionate and fervent form of devotion directed towards Parabrahman that seeks to remove all sorrows.[15] (2) A profound emotional and spiritual attachment to Parabrahman, which is cultivated through devotion.[16] (3) The profound emotional commitment to Parabrahman that characterizes the devotional feeling in ekantiki bhakti.[17] (4) A strong attachment towards the Guru, equated with the means to realizing one's own self and the divine.[18] (5) A strong and unwavering love for Parabrahman that parallels one’s love for their own body and relations.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The deep affection expressed by the queens towards Shri Krishna, highlighting their emotional bond with him.[20] (2) A deep and powerful affection, often characterized in the context of parental emotions toward a child.[21] (3) A deep, overwhelming affection expressed by Kardama towards Devahuti, demonstrating strong emotional bonds.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A deep emotional state experienced by the Adbhuta fire, leading him to seek the forest after being thwarted in his desires.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The overflowing affection and devotion that Goddess Lakshmi expresses towards Mahadeva during her meditation.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A proactive and passionate form of love that a devotee expresses towards God, facilitating a deeper connection.[25]
The concept of Intense love in local and regional sources
Intense love encompasses powerful emotions towards spiritual mentors, divine figures, and devoted relationships, highlighting deep emotional bonds that enhance storytelling, devotion, and the journey towards self-realization, as exemplified by figures like Kabir, Mirabai, and their connections.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Describes the deep and passionate devotion Kabir had for God.[26] (2) Mirabai's profound devotion and passion towards Shri Krishna, deemed the highest form of love.[27] (3) Deep, passionate feelings directed towards the divine, influencing Bhanudas's actions and emotions during kirtans.[28] (4) A powerful emotion that Kabir feels towards his guru and spiritual quest, symbolized by his actions.[29] (5) The deep affection and concern that a divine figure holds for His devotees, even from afar.[30]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A passionate and powerful emotion, particularly in reference to Jan's feelings.[31] (2) The deep affection expressed through acts of service and devotion, as exemplified by the relationships described.[32] (3) Describes the passion and dedication needed in the relationship between guide and follower on the path to self-realization.[33]