Gopi Prem Divas (Valentine's Day)
Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine Day) is annually observed on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. It was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
In India valentine's Day has been explicitly discouraged by some of the Hindu fundamentalists since it was considered as a “cultural pollution from the west".
In India valentine's Day has been explicitly discouraged by some of the Hindu fundamentalists since it was considered as a “cultural pollution from the west".
True meaning of Valentine's day
In nut shell it is the day of expressing love to each other. But, due to lack of knowledge of "what is love" everything is going wrong. Love is a divine entity, which can stay only in a divine personality just like the milk of a lioness can be stored only in a gold pot. Love is epithet of God, hence love can only be found in God and God-realized souls.
Let us compare and contrast "true love" with "love" as it is seen in the world.
True love is a divine power. It cannot exist in the heart of material beings. In the modern times mental attachment is called love. This is the bitter truth.
Even though we are unaware of the definition of true love, yet we always wish to attain true love. Why? Vedas answer this question. Every soul is an eternal part of God, who is personified love. Principally, ever part has natural affinity towards its source. Hence, every soul desires for true love.
One can only impart what one already has. So, if you desire to impart "true love" to others then you need to attain it first. You ask "how do I attain it?". The step by step guide to reach that point is
Comprehension and implementation of this philosophy is the real celebration of Valentine day.
Let us compare and contrast "true love" with "love" as it is seen in the world.
- True love is “ever increasing”. A true lover never sees any fault in his/her beloved resulting in ever increasing love. The human beings are full of faults like anger, greed, jealousy etc. Hence, it is quite natural to see those fault and criticize them. When one notices faults in the beloved then love diminishes.
- True love is so "selfless" that it doesn't ever demand for anything. As opposed to true love, sole basis of material love is fulfillment of desires. As hope of fulfillment of desires increases love increases, as that hope goes down love goes down.
- True love is "generous". A true lover constantly strives to impart happiness to beloved. That is also unnatural in the material world. Since material beings are constantly on the lookout for personal gratification (immediate or delayed). For that people expect to give and take.
True love is a divine power. It cannot exist in the heart of material beings. In the modern times mental attachment is called love. This is the bitter truth.
Even though we are unaware of the definition of true love, yet we always wish to attain true love. Why? Vedas answer this question. Every soul is an eternal part of God, who is personified love. Principally, ever part has natural affinity towards its source. Hence, every soul desires for true love.
One can only impart what one already has. So, if you desire to impart "true love" to others then you need to attain it first. You ask "how do I attain it?". The step by step guide to reach that point is
- To attain "true love" we have to love God wholeheartedly and unconditionally.
- Then, God will grace us and will give "true love"
- Now we too can impart "true love"
Comprehension and implementation of this philosophy is the real celebration of Valentine day.
Shri Krishna blessing the Maidens of Braj (Gopis)
On this auspicious occasion, one should offer flowers of sweet sentiments to God or a real saint, who is your spiritual master. Offer to Him a garland of tears of love and scrumptious food. Then distribute that prasad (offered sweets etc.) to your friends, kith and kin. There is no need of heart-shaped things or precious gifts etc. because God is omniscient and He adores love only. Yet, if one offers anything with heart full of love, He gladly accepts it.
Pattram pushpam falam toyam…..
He would not accept even Kohinoor diamond, which is devoid of love-sentiments. As Lord Krishna rejected the royal food of Duryodhan and He joyfully accepted the simple food of Vidurani and berries (जूठे बेर) tasted by Shabari.
In my opinion, it is the day of devotees. Shri Radha is the embodiment of highest form of divine love. Even Shri Krishna begs love from Her. So it is one of the greatest festivals, specially for the devotees of Shri Radha Krishna.We, the followers of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, all over the world are celebrating this day in a very spiritual and amusing way.
I wish all the devotees may celebrate this day with great love and get millions of blessings of God. Become richest person today by attaining ‘Premdhan’ (wealth of love)
In my opinion, it is the day of devotees. Shri Radha is the embodiment of highest form of divine love. Even Shri Krishna begs love from Her. So it is one of the greatest festivals, specially for the devotees of Shri Radha Krishna.We, the followers of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, all over the world are celebrating this day in a very spiritual and amusing way.
I wish all the devotees may celebrate this day with great love and get millions of blessings of God. Become richest person today by attaining ‘Premdhan’ (wealth of love)
