In today's younger generation, love is often seen in terms of attraction, dating and relationships. Is being attracted to someone or spending time with them really true love? Premanand Maharaj answered this question in a satsang to a devotee's question.
Premanand Maharaj, while clarifying the difference between love, infatuation, attachment and attraction, said that when selfishness is involved in a relationship, it cannot be called true love. In real love, the person gives priority to the happiness of the beloved more than his own happiness.
According to Maharaj, true love deepens with time. If after falling in love with someone, you start finding someone else more attractive, then it is only attraction or selfishness, and not true love.
Another sign of true love is that one feels happy after seeing the happiness of the beloved. There is no sense of authority in this, rather importance is given to the happiness of the beloved.
Premanand Maharaj said that there is no place for revenge or contempt in true love. Even if a person decides to spend his life with someone else, wishing for his/her happiness is a sign of love.
True love does not bind anyone forcefully, but wishes for the happiness and peace of the beloved.
According to Maharaj, the highest form of love is connected to God. Man can love his family and other living beings, but when the feeling of God is added to this love, it becomes even more comprehensive.
When a person sees a part of God in every living being and feels compassion and respect for him, then love is not limited to personal relationships only, but takes on a divine nature.
Premanand Maharaj told that to develop the feeling of divine love in the heart, one should adopt activities like chanting the name, going to God, listening to His stories, serving God and charity.
According to him, true love does not stop after satisfaction, rather dedication and connection with the beloved continuously increases. This feeling makes love a spiritual experience different from mere attraction.
