Swami Swaroopananda

Q: What is the difference between love and attachment?

A: Firstly, let us look at the very expression of love – “I fell in love.” In the lower form of love, you slip and fall. It is after something small, something lower. Very often, a teenager sees a beautiful girl and falls in love with her physical form. Love is then for the limited, finite body. This attachment brings out the lower emotions of anger, mistrust, anxiety, fear, and sorrow.

However, love directed towards the higher, the nobler, brings out the best in a person. It is not for the physical personality, but for the emotions, intellect and the very soul of that person. It brings out the nobler aspect of one’s personality – music, art, kindness, compassion, and inspiration. It could be for parents, for the country or for God. Here, there is no “fall” but a rise and growth.

Attachment is the one, exclusive of the many. Love is the one, which includes the many. Love for your country expands to include all your fellow citizens. When you love God, you love humanity and the entire creation.

Swami Swaroopananda is the recently appointed Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. Swamiji will give discourses on Upadesh Sara and Meditation from Guru Granth Sahib from 13-18 Feb 2017 at Chinmaya Mission 89 Lodi Road