The more unconditional love we give, the more love we receive ― and the closer we get to the divinity within us and in others

What is true love? People may have different definitions of it, but true love is altruistic and unconditional; it means loving others without expecting something in return from them. However, we find it difficult to accept this definition of love, as we want a return for everything we give, including love.

Expecting returns from everything is not good at all. From expectation comes need, even jealousy, and also attachment — the notion that we deserve to get back something because of the love that we give to others brings in unhappiness when our expectations are not met.  

If we expect something in return, is it really love? Certainly not! The first and foremost aspect of true love is the pure intention and capacity to offer joy and happiness without any condition. To develop that capacity, we have to look at Mother Nature. She gives without any care for herself but only for the persons she is giving her bounties. She gives generously, like a mother does.

Nature expresses itself through unconditional love. She gives abundantly, altruistically and unconditionally, and also almost indiscriminately.

We can observe examples of such expression in trees that provide oxygen, shade and shelter to all impartially, even to those who cut its branches or cut it down completely. And the sun; see how it shines so brightly and so gloriously.  It is the sun that nourishes the earth every day, rising and setting unfailingly.

What will happen if all of nature’s elements start asking for a return for their gifts? What would happen if we had to pay for the air we breathe, and the sunlight that shines on our homes and on us? What if the authorities decide to levy taxes for these free gifts of nature? Would we have the resources to pay, considering the unlimited amount of air we breathe and the sunlight that we enjoy? 

Nature’s way of working is to give as it has everything in abundance. It never asks for a return. The sun gives light to everybody; trees give shade to all, and water quenches thirst of all. This happens because they follow and act according to their real nature.

Similarly, the real and essential nature of the human being is love, peace and bliss. When we realise our real and essential nature, we become ‘love personified’ and we won’t need to keep any conditions for giving our love to others. But, when we forget the essence of our true and original spiritual nature, we indulge in competition and one-upmanship in life.

The only way to be free again is to realise the Self and to start being selfless. The more we give selflessly, the happier we will feel. The more unconditional love we give, the more love we receive ― and the closer we get to the divinity within us and in others.

Brahma Kumaris is the largest spiritual organisation in the world led by women. It was the founder, Prajapita Brahma Baba, who chose to put women in the forefront. Founded in India in 1937, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 140 countries and has had an extensive impact in many sectors as an international NGO. However, their real commitment is to helping individuals transform their perspective of the world from material to spiritual.