Love may acquire various forms, be it parental, siblings, family, friends or the romantic types. However, foundation for love remains the same. In Indian history, the love between Radha and Krishna is immortal. Krishna was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came on earth to free the world from evil and to establish ‘dharma’ or righteousness on earth. Radha was an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi on earth, in the form of a cowherd girl. Radha and Krishna were childhood playmates. Of all the cowherd girls, Radha was dearest to Krishna as she was devoted to him. When Krishna played the flute, Radha sang and danced with him. Their love was truly divine and unconditional. It was at a platonic level. After spending 11 years of childhood together, Radha was cursed to bear separation from Krishna for 100 years! Meanwhile, Krishna fulfilled the purpose of his incarnation on the earth. Radha’s devotion to Krishna was unprecedented. She was a part of his soul. After 100 years, they did reunite and spent 14 years on earth, before returning to their heavenly abode. We aren’t even capable of imagining the amount of pain and emotional turmoil she must have gone through during their period of separation.

In today’s age when lust is perceived as love and ‘out of sight’ means ‘out of mind’, one would find it hard to imagine back then how pious and pure Radha’s love was! That is the reason that even after thousands of years, we still worship Radha and Krishna together. The name Radha-Krishna is inseparable. Another story goes as: Once Lord Krishna had a terrible stomach ache. He said that only solution to this problem is ‘charan amrit’ i.e. drinking the water with which the feet of his true love have been washed. All cowherd girls refused to give the Lord water with which their feet had been washed, since it would lead them to hell. Radha was the only girl who readily gave him the water since she felt that it is better to go to hell instead of seeing her Krishna in pain. This is truly what love really means! :-)

Love means.. A soulful connection with your beloved

It is said that the hearts of people in love are very close to each other, hence lovers speak very softly. At times, no words are needed when eyes do the needful.

Love means… Selflessness

True love is all about giving without expecting much in return. It is beyond materialism or any conditions. Seeing our beloved happy is blissful indeed!

Love means…. Madness

Love is about giving in to that awesome power that brings two people together in the craziest ways! Have you ever blushed thinking about your loved one? Or found yourself smiling do no reason at all? Traveled miles (or even oceans) just to catch a glimpse of your sweetheart? :-)

Love means… Loving with all your heart!

It is said that part of staying in love is believing in it. We genuinely care for someone; feel elated seeing them happy; feel restless or even have our mood off knowing that they’re sad. What love really means is pouring our heart out and loving them!

Love means… Acceptance

We are all human beings with various flaws. It’s perfectly alright. True love would overlook these flaws and love the other human for the gem of a person they are! That too, in the strongest way possible and complement them. A quote I remember goes like, “I chose to stay with him for all the things he did right and not leave him for one thing he did wrong.”

Love means… Being yourself too!

Agreed you have given your heart wholly to your beloved. How great would it be if you are able to retain your individuality even while being together! Because in the first instance, it was the original independent YOU that was so adorable for someone to fall for. Love yourself!

Love means… Courage

In some unpleasant situations, love could lead to disappointment. It may make you realize the hard way that though you wholeheartedly desire, you can’t make someone love you. Standing the test of time is essential; true love wasn’t achieved overnight. Take a chance, be enduring and courageous.

Love means… Hope

A quote that has captivated my mind is that, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it’s destination, full of hope!” Hope, even in the darkest hours, makes the happy ending worthwhile.

Love means… Humility

True love would be about zero ego; placing your beloved and his priorities above ours, thus being really humble.

Love means… Tremendous Patience

Some confrontations or misunderstandings with our loved ones tend to anger us. However, it is at ‘this’ point that one needs to have tremendous patience. It is like waiting for sunrise after the onset of night. Have faith in yourself that the end of this process would surely be worth! Give time some time for things to fall in place.

Love means… Trust

Trust yourself and your loved one. One should not rely on constant contact with your sweetheart, either in person or via text, just to feel secure. Instead, set it free. See how beautifully it comes back to you! :-) A verse from the Bible says, “Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful nor conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasures in other people’s sins but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, to endure whatever comes.” Need I say more? :-) Featured photo credit: Pixabay: meineresterampe via pixabay.com

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