This essay is not about love. It is about the word love. I am uncomfortable with this word.

For most of my life I have been aware of the Greek words for love which were often referred to in the church I joined at age eighteen. The Greek is so much richer than English as the brief Wikipedia article makes crystal clear. And language is important, the essence of human communication.

I was surprised by a footnote in Tom Morgan’s article Thinking the Unthinkable.

I am fond of the claim that Sanskrit has 96 words for love.

I asked Perplexity AI to Explore the claim that Sanskrit has 96 words for love.

The claim that Sanskrit has 96 words for love is often cited in discussions about the richness and complexity of emotional expression in different languages. This assertion highlights the contrast between Sanskrit and languages like English, which has a single word for love. The idea is that a more extensive vocabulary allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nuances of love.

Historical Context

The notion of having 96 words for love in Sanskrit can be traced back to various sources, including Robert Johnson's writings, where he compares the vocabulary of love across different languages. He notes that while ancient Persian has about 80 words for love, Greek has only three, and English just one. This comparison serves to illustrate what he perceives as a "poverty of awareness" in Western languages regarding emotional expression

A "poverty of awareness"  seems like a good description of Western culture.

I asked Perplexity AI to List all the Sanskrit words for love.

Key Sanskrit Words for Love

  1. Kama (कामा): Represents desire, often associated with sensual love and physical attraction.
  2. Prema (प्रेम): A general term for love, encompassing affection for deities, family, and romantic partners.
  3. Bhakti (भक्ति): Refers to devotion or love directed towards God or a higher power.
  4. Shringara (शृंगार): Represents romantic love and the emotional intimacy shared between lovers.
  5. Maitri (मैत्री): Signifies friendship or loving-kindness toward others.
  6. Rati (रति): Intense, passionate desire; also the name of the wife of Kamadeva, the god of love.
  7. Anuraga (अनुराग): Implies deep affection and passion, often conveying a sense of attachment.
  8. Sneha (स्नेह): Maternal love or affectionate care; it connotes warmth and tenderness.
  9. Ranja (रञ्ज): Meaning "to color," symbolizing how love brings vibrancy to life.
  10. Vana (वन): Related to the idea of winning love; also connects to nature and forests.

Additional Terms

  • Karuna (करुणा): Compassionate love that involves empathy and understanding of another's suffering.
  • Bhava (भाव): Refers to an emotional state or feeling of love, often tied to deeper spiritual connections.
  • Sambhoga (संभोग): Denotes the physical union or consummation in a romantic context.

I will have more to say about language in another essay that has lingered on my TO DO list for quite awhile, About Adverbs and Adjectives. In my opinion, these are very important in English and are often underutilized. Maybe it is not good that English is the dominant language in the world.