Love - 4 types Flashcards
What are the four types of love?
agape
philial
divine
eros
What is agape love?
unconditional
selfless
active/willed love
How is agape love demonstrated in Buddhism?
known as advesa and maitri
needed for enlightenment
e.g. motivates Bodhisattvas to delay final step of nirvana so that others could be helped
Examples of agape in Christianity?
The Good Samaritan
Adulterous Woman
How can agape be shown in everyday life?
giving to charity
What are the benefits of practicing agape?
benefits others - selfless
equality - unconditional love toward everyone
what are the potential issues with practicing agape?
detrimental to self
difficult to love everyone equally
false concept - no one can be entirely selfless
What is philial love?
brotherhood / sisterhood
friendship
bonds between communities
What are the benefits of practicing philial love?
encourages community + harmonious society
What are the potential issues with practicing philial love?
tensions between groups - clan identity
peer pressure
What is divine love?
love for God
Example of divine love?
practicing religion - going to church
What are the benefits of practicing divine love?
something to believe in
What are the possible issues with practicing divine love?
does not apply to everyone
love towards something that may not exist
What is eros love?
sexual love
love that seeks wholeness
focus on physical body
passions of love
Example of eros love?
sex
love at first sight
what are the benefits of practicing eros love?
procreation
strengthens relationship
What are the potential issues with practicing eros love?
too much focus on physical body
too individual - not focussed on benefitting society
not eternal
