Why is love important and

How can we develop it

Love should be considered as the very breath of life. This  love is manifested in all living things and should be seen as supreme consciousness. It is the same as the Almighty god. It is very hard to explain and describe what true love is because love itself is beyond words. For it is Kabir that said that Pothi parh parh Jag mowah pandit bhaya na koi. The whole world died  reading holy books and none was able to understand the true meaning of Love. When you have love there are no evil thoughts in your mind. This love comes from the heart and never becomes any thing less.

When you say that you love someone you are truly devoted to him, he is always on your mind and you are willing to do any thing for him. This is called true love. Kabir Sahib tells us this in one of his verses “Chchinahi Charhai Chchin Utarai, So To Prem Na Hoye Agaht Prem Pinjar Basai Prem Kahaava Soye.” This means The feeling of love which fluctuates every moment can in no case be considered true love. Love is something which never decreases and which keeps one engrossed in itself all the time and then only can it be called true love.

Love is important because it is the panacea for all ills in our life. It eradicates evil thoughts and tendencies and creates a peace of mind and joyful living. We can develop love by instilling in our minds humanly virtues such as non-violence, selfless service, friendliness, sharing and caring for one another. A lover must sacrifice his body and his faith to his beloved if needed, but never speak a word of his sacrifice. Kabir Sahib says” Prem Na Baree Oopajai, Prem Na haat Bikaaye Raaja Prajaa Jo Ruchai, Sheesh Deya Le Jaaye.” This means; the crop of love does not grow in farms and barns. Love is not something which can be bought in the city markets, there is no worldly business transaction of love. Love is nothing but love. A king or his subjects, the poor and the rich, whoever wishes, may exchange it with his head, by sacrificing one’s life.

On the level of love, all beings are the same, when love enters someone’s heart he is forever engrossed in it, becomes forever happy and spreads his love to make others happy and live a peaceful life

Kabir Sahib says that one without love is lifeless because every living thing needs love. He explains this in one of his sakhees “Ja Ghat Prem Na Sancharia, So Ghat Jaanu Masaan Jaise Khaal  Luhar Kee, Saans Let Bin Praan.”  This means A heart, in which there is no love, should be considered a cremation ground, because such a heart seems dead and gives an impression of being devoid of feelings. It is the same as the bellows of a blacksmith, which is made of leather of an animal which breathes in and out despite being inanimate.

Sant Kabir Sahib has said that love is found within. It lies buried right in our heart and soul. If we can dig within ourselves and find this love, we would realise that love is God and the way back to God  is love.

 By Pooja Dookie (Trinidad W.I.)