Significance of True love
True love is defined across various traditions and narratives, encompassing genuine affection, mutual feelings, and selfless connections. In South Asian perspective, it ranges from the deep bond between royal figures to devotion towards the divine in Vaishnavism and Vedanta. Puranic interpretations emphasize love's transformative power and spiritual pursuit, while Mahayana describes it as desire-free. Historical contexts reveal true love as a resilient emotional connection that transcends societal barriers, embodying ideals of respect, sacrifice, and fulfillment, ultimately highlighting love's profound significance in human relationships.
Synonyms: Genuine affection, Authentic love, Deep affection, Sincere love, Real love, Heartfelt love, Genuine love, True affection
In Dutch: Ware liefde; In German: Wahre Liebe; In Finnish: Todellinen rakkaus; In Spanish: Amor verdadero
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'True love'
True love in Buddhism is interpreted as a deep, selfless affection experienced among individuals, characterized by a lack of desire or longing, reflecting a communal and compassionate connection without personal attachment.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A profound and selfless love felt by individuals in the assembly, devoid of desire or longing.[1]
Hindu concept of 'True love'
In Hinduism, True love encompasses selfless connections, genuine affection, spiritual inquiry, and unwavering compassion, highlighting a transformative bond that reflects oneness with others and devotion to the Divine, fostering enduring commitments to spiritual truths.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The genuine bond shared by the couple that endures through various forms and transformations.[2]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A profound love that propels an individual towards relentless inquiry and genuine effort in realizing spiritual truth.[3]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The deep, unwavering compassion and connection that arises once one has genuinely felt the truth of the Absolute, motivating ongoing commitment to that reality.[4]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A feeling of connection and compassion that arises when one experiences the oneness with others, feeling their pain as one's own.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The genuine affection that devotees bear towards the Lord, which is reciprocated even more dearly by Him.[6]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The feigned emotion that Malati is instructed to express to deceive the wealthy young man in Kuttanimata.[7]
The concept of True love in local and regional sources
True love encompasses unconditional, selfless affection, prioritizing others' welfare. It transcends romantic notions, fostering deep emotional connections, and is marked by mutual respect and sacrifice, evident in various relationships throughout the narrative.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ideal form of love that fosters genuine connection and understanding, contrasting the superficial nature of lust.[8] (2) The belief that genuine affection can foster understanding and connection, particularly in the context of India.[9] (3) An emotional bond characterized by genuine care, as represented through the character Rani Indira.[10] (4) The sincere affection and bond represented by the room in the big house, symbolizing Badi Bahu's feelings towards her husband.[11] (5) A kind of love that is genuine and does not rely on physical presence or personal satisfaction.[12]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The ideal relationship that Lita seeks with the Belbati princess, which ultimately leads to his happiness.[13] (2) The concept tested by Dukhu when he proposed his bonga-girl friend eat the remaining rice, believing it would prove her love for him.[14]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The mutual feelings between the royal Prince and the Princess, which drives much of the story's conflict.[15]