Expressing LOVE in Sanskrit
Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages of the world, is more than just a medium of communication; it’s a window into profound philosophies that have been ingrained in its very structure. One of the most intriguing aspects of Sanskrit is its approach to expressing the concept of love. In the sentence, “अहं त्वयि स्निह्यामि ahaṃ tvayi snihyāmi,” which can be used as a translation for ‘I Love You’, we discover a deep philosophy that transcends mere words. This sentence encapsulates the idea that love is not just an external emotion but something to be found within oneself.
Here is small note on the profound philosophy of love in Sanskrit and its implications for our understanding of love and self-discovery:
Sanskrit is renowned for its intricate grammar and diverse set of grammatical cases, one of which is the locative case. In the sentence “अहं त्वयि स्निह्यामि ahaṃ tvayi snihyāmi,”, “त्वयि” (tvayi) is in the locative case, signifying ‘in you.’ This choice of case is deliberate, emphasizing that love is not directed outward but is a feeling discovered within the subject, “I.”
The sentence in Sanskrit the translates as: “I Find Love in You”. In the sentence ‘I Love You’, the word ‘You’ is in objective case signifying you are the object of my love. But in Sanskrit the whole meaning changes when it uses the locative case.
The verb “स्निह्यामि” (snihyami) means ‘I find love’. This choice of verb is profound in itself, as it underscores the act of ‘finding’ or ‘discovering’ love, suggesting that love is not something we receive from or give to others, but an innate feeling that is realized within ourselves. This realization is a journey of introspection, where love is uncovered within the depths of one’s own being.
The construction of the Sanskrit sentence implies that before we can find love in others, we must first find it within ourselves. This philosophy reflects the idea that true love originates from self-love. Before we can authentically love another, we must have a deep understanding and appreciation of our own capacity to love. Self-love becomes the wellspring from which love flows outward.
What sets this Sanskrit sentence apart is its emphasis on love itself (‘प्रेम’ prema in Sanskrit) as the central focus. It’s not just about loving someone for their external qualities or attributes, but about recognizing the universal and intrinsic nature of love itself. This perspective aligns with philosophical and spiritual traditions that stress self-discovery and the recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Sanskrit sentence “अहं त्वयि स्निह्यामि ahaṃ tvayi snihyāmi” inspires us to explore the depths of love, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. It reminds us that love is not an external gift but an internal realization. By acknowledging the profound philosophy embedded within the structure of Sanskrit, we gain insight into a language that is not just a means of communication but a vessel for profound wisdom and self-discovery. It makes us realise that love is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a reflection of our innermost selves and the universal essence that binds us all. It teaches us that to find love in others, we must first discover the love that resides within our own hearts.
Here is a wonderful story from the Upanishad that illustrates alchemy of love that is to be discovered in the very design of Sanskrit:
In the twilight of his life, Yajnavalkya, a sage steeped in the wisdom of the Vedas, decided to renounce his household life. In a poignant moment, he invited his wife Maitreyee and offered to make separate provisions for her and their possessions. To this, Maitreyee responded with a profound question, “If all my possessions could fill the entire earth, would they bring me immortality?”
Yajnavalkya, in his infinite wisdom, explained that material wealth could provide a life of enjoyment but not immortality. Perplexed, Maitreyee questioned the purpose of possessing something incapable of granting eternal life.
Yajnavalkya, recognizing her deep inquiry, revealed the essence of true love and the nature of the Absolute Self. He elucidated that in all relationships — husband and wife, father and son, friend and friend — it is the one Self that is truly loved. The individual identities dissolve when one realizes this universal Self.
In a metaphorical analogy, Yajnavalkya explained that just as salt dissolves in water, the separate self dissolves in the sea of pure consciousness. Physical identification with the body creates separateness, but when this identification dissolves, one realizes the unity of the Self with the infinite and immortal consciousness.
In the context of the philosophy of love found in the Sanskrit sentence “अहं त्वयि स्निह्यामि ahaṃ tvayi snihyāmi” (“I find love in you”), Yajnavalkya’s teachings emphasize that true love transcends individual identities and extends to the recognition of the universal Self. Love, in its purest form, is an acknowledgment of the divine essence within oneself and others.
Here are few words denoting LOVE in Sanskrit:
अनुराग anurāga: a deep and abiding attachment or affection that persists over time.
प्रणय praṇaya: Praṇaya refers to an intense and complete form of love or affection that leads the lover and the beloved in their progressive journey.
स्नेह sneha: This is all about making relationships smooth, emphasizing the idea of a loving, nurturing bond that promotes warmth and smoothness in interactions.
प्रीति prīti: A sense of satisfaction or delight derived from a deep connection or love.
प्रेम prema: A profound and selfless form of love that fills the heart and satisfies the soul. This is often associated with a spiritual or divine love that transcends the mundane.
वाल्लभ्य vāllabhya: The quality of being beloved or dear, indicating a reciprocal and cherished relationship. It suggests a sense of being the chosen or preferred one in someone’s affections.
Each of these words encapsulates a unique aspect of love, from enduring attachment (anurāga) to intense passion (praṇaya), nurturing affection (sneha), contented delight (prīti), profound and selfless love (prema), to being the cherished or beloved one (vāllabhya).
The roots of these words provide insights into the depth and richness of the Sanskrit language in expressing the nuanced facets of human emotions and relationships.
||अहं त्वयि स्निह्यामि||
||ahaṃ tvayi snihyāmi||
