Love and lust
Many people say, “I love you,” but their actions contradict their words. Some truths that explain what real love is—and how it is manifested:
Everyone is capable of loving. When directed toward its real object—the Supreme Beloved—love is in its natural state. When directed toward the material world, it manifests as lust.
Love is giving and nurturing; lust is taking and exploiting.
When a person thinks of himself as the center, enjoyer and controller of his existence, he falls into lust. When one sees himself as a humble servant of the Supreme, he experiences genuine love!
The handmaidens of love are kindness, humility, generosity, concern and tranquility. The handmaidens of lust are envy, greed, arrogance and anger.
When you love the Supreme, it expands to all His sparks. When you’re immersed in self-enjoyment, you see others only as tools for your own gratification—and your pleasure is limited.
Temporary pleasures
Love is the cooling water that quenches the fire of craving in the soul. Lust is the fire that burns in the pursuit of sense enjoyment and temporary pleasures.
The nectar of love is sweet; the bitterness of lust is painful.
We can swim in the ocean of love, or burn in the fire of lust!
Love cannot grow where there’s fear in the heart; lust thrives on fear and intimidation.
One must nurture the plant of love with great care—good association, introspection, and spiritual meditation by the chanting of His Holy Names!
