Significance of Perfect love
Perfect love, as defined in Vaishnavism and Shaivism, embodies an idealized, unconditional affection towards the divine. It is characterized by a deep emotional connection that transcends material motivations, exemplifying harmony and spiritual fulfillment. This love fosters a transformation, eliminating fear and leading individuals to a higher understanding. It promotes a state of emotional completeness without superiority or inferiority, emphasizing selflessness and giving without expectation. Ultimately, perfect love aligns with true knowledge and is essential for achieving both happiness and spiritual growth.
Synonyms: Ideal love, Unconditional love, True love, Genuine love, Complete love
In Dutch: Volmaakte liefde; In Finnish: Täydellinen rakkaus; In Spanish: Amor perfecto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Perfect love'
In Hinduism, Perfect love embodies an ideal, unconditional devotion to the divine, illustrated through the heartfelt reverence for Lord Rama in Ayodhya and the selfless affection shown by Sri Gaursundar's loved ones.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The unparalleled devotion towards Lord Rama exhibited by all creatures in Ayodhya, superseding normal forms of sustenance.[1]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) An unconscious love expressed through the actions of Sri Gaursundar's parents, relatives, friends, and servants, showcasing a deep affection not influenced by material motives.[2]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) An aspiration for an ideal and unconditional form of love for the divine, sought by the poet in the Cento.[3]
The concept of Perfect love in local and regional sources
Perfect love is a spiritual, transformative force that fosters fearlessness, emotional completeness, and unconditional affection. It transcends earthly attachments, fosters true knowledge, and embodies harmony and deep understanding between individuals, leading to ideal happiness.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to the highest form of love, which is very rare in human relations, and it is a constant stream, which nothing can hurt or disturb.[4] (2) This is what builds character, and the heart never reacting, and there is no allegiance possible where there is no character in the leader, and perfect purity ensures the most lasting allegiance.[5] (3) This is a state that is bound to bring true knowledge, according to the provided text.[6] (4) This particular form of affection, as presented in the text, possesses the capacity to eliminate any feeling of apprehension, representing a higher state of emotional existence.[7] (5) This ideal is characterized by fearlessness and a lack of selfishness, representing the highest aspiration where one gives everything without expecting anything in return, signifying a boundless and unconditional affection.[8]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An idealized form of love that embodies longing and a dreamlike essence, reflective of deep emotions.[9] (2) An idealized form of love characterized by harmony, emotional completeness, and absence of negativity.[10] (3) A state in which there is no feeling of superiority or inferiority between partners, marked by deep understanding and affection.[11] (4) A spiritual love that surpasses earthly attachments and is associated with connection to the divine.[12]