Expressing Love and Care- Vicente Hao Chin. Jr.

We often speak of love, and yet we rarely see its manifestation in daily life. Lovers, husbands and wives, parents and children—they often say they love each other, and yet much of their behavior does not seem to reflect this affirmation.

What is love? How is it distinguished from attraction, infatuation, desire or dependence? Is romantic love genuine love? Is jealousy a sign of love? Is physically punishing a child, a sign of love?

Modern culture has popularized certain meanings of the word love. These can often be gleaned from modern songs:

"I love you—because I need you."

"I am lost in love; I can’t live without you."

"Be mine tonight."

"What you did and where you’re coming from, I don’t care, as long as you love me, baby."

It’s obvious that what we call romantic love is often characterized by the need or desire of the one who "loves." If I say, "I love you because I need you," what happens when I no longer need you? Do I cease to love you? If I say, "I love you because you’re beautiful," what happens if you are no longer beautiful?

This kind of love is dependent on conditions. I give you love if you give me something else. If you don’t, then I don’t love you. This obviously isn’t love. It’s a business transaction.

© "Theosophical Digest" (4th Quarter 2002) published by Theosophical Publishing House, 1 Iba Street, Quezon city, Philippines. Reprinted with permission.

Click here to view the full content of the article.

<< Back