Is it True Love?

On Valentine's day people buy flowers, cards and chocolates to show that they 'love' their partner or parents or family. But what is love?

For me, love is unconditional. It is a feeling of affection towards something or someone - and this comes in many forms.

Embrace humanity by showing love for all, for everyone, for everything around you. The first message we read in Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ੴ – ik oa(n)kaar – there is but one God. Now when I read this, I don’t omit the word ‘but’ because to me that’s a crucial word in this translation. It says to me that everything around me has God within it, everything is God, there is nothing but God. Now if we are taught to love maharaj (or God) then should we not be loving each and everything (person, animal, soul) around us?

samu(n)dh saah sulathaan girehaa saethee maal dhhan ||
Even kings and emperors, with mountains of property and oceans of wealth

keerree thul n hovanee jae this manahu n veesarehi ||23||
-these are not even equal to an ant, who does not forget God. ||23||

There are many wonderful organisations out there who provide food, shelter, support and love for those in need. This is love, unconditional in every sense, and in its purest form.

When we are at our lowest and are in need of love and care, when we hit a bad patch in our life: it could be a as small as having a bad day to as big as a loss in the family or an illness. Regardless we always have maharaj to speak to. We always have a friend next to us. Maharaj has a plan for each and everyone of us - but are we ready to listen?

janan pithaa lok suth banithaa koe n kis kee dhhariaa ||
Mothers, fathers, friends, children and spouses-no one is the support of anyone else.

sir sir rijak sa(n)baahae t(h)aakur kaahae man bho kariaa ||2||
For each and every person, our Lord and Master provides sustenance. Why are you so afraid, O mind? ||2||

ooddae oodd aavai sai kosaa this paashhai bacharae shhariaa ||
The flamingoes fly hundreds of miles, leaving their young ones behind.

thin kavan khalaavai kavan chugaavai man mehi simaran kariaa ||3||
Who feeds them, and who teaches them to feed themselves? Have you ever thought of this in your mind? ||3||

A key component of love is sacrifice. If we truly love something or someone, we should be prepared to make sacrifices. Be it time, money, sleep or food for example.

Ultimately we should recognise that Gurbani states that if a person wants to become a true lover, they can only love one thing. Love can therefore not be shared. Let us learn to love Vaheguru and his creation. These are all the same and those that truly love god, will receive that love back and also be loved by all around.

​jo har kaa piaaraa so sabhanaa kaa piaaraa hor kaethee jhakh jhakh aavai jaavai||17||

One who is dear to the Lord, is dear to all; so many others come and go in vain. ||17||

Look at your Sangat and you’ll see glimpses of this love in every face and every interaction. Listen to a child share a Sabad for the very first time, watch a parent tie a dastar on their child for the first time, see a sibling teach their younger sibling Gurbani—these are all actions of love that bring the Sikh closer to Guru Ji, and that closer love those actions spread love to our families and our friendships. We have all heard the saying that actions speak louder than words. Let’s act on our love this year!

Let's embrace Sikhi and take one more step towards Guru Ji.