VID-20250520-WA0017

Material love and Divine Love

"Prem" or love is mainly of two kinds: one is called "ghrit sneh" and the other is called "madhu sneh". Out of the two, "madhu sneh" is superior and it is characterized by the love of the Braj Gopis. The word 'madhu' is literally translated as honey. Honey is known to always retain its individuality or identity. Its character remains unblemished by seasonal fluctuations, such as winter, summer, rain and so on.

However, the word 'ghrit,' which denotes 'ghee' or clarified butter, is affected by seasonal changes. For example, it melts in the summer heat and solidifies in the winter cold.

In this way, "madhu sneh" type of love is, by nature, ever-increasing and ever-multiplying in an unconditional rhythm, while "ghrit sneh" is conditional by nature. For instance, in worldly love, both parties hope to satisfy their self-interest through the other. Conversely, "madhu sneh" type of love does not demand anything in return.

Once, Gaurang Mahaprabhu asked someone, "Why are you a lover of Shree Krishna?"

"It is because I cannot live without loving Him. He is mine. I love Him and will always love Him, even if it means that He may or may not reciprocate my love for Him,"
replied the person. This is "madhu sneh."

In material love, if the love of one party dwindles, so does the love of the other. If one side turns away, so does the other. Such kind of love keeps on rising and falling, and ultimately comes to an end. Worldly love can be likened to a bargain, which involves the act of giving and taking. It's like a business, and therefore, it is called "ghrit sneh". "Madhu sneh", on the other hand, is selfless and unconditional; it doesn't demand anything in return from the beloved.

(As individual souls aspiring for God's love, it is imperative that we constantly retain this understanding in our consciousness):
We are naturally entitled to everything that belongs to God. God is the absolute personification of perfect Bliss. He is omniscient and doesn't expect anything from us. Although our body, mind and intellect are all impure, it is only God's benevolent Grace that He resides in our heart, protects us, empowers us, and endows the fruits of our actions.

In essence, we have to nurture the "madhu sneh" type of love, meaning, we must selflessly adore and worship God. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
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