| What is the definition of true love? I think most people | | | | gifts of flowers, candy or cards. |
| tend to think of true love as that one soul mate that | | | | In addition, Nirvana Day is often celebrated during the |
| 'completes' them. However, using a quote from | | | | month of February. Nirvana Day is the celebration of |
| Shaman Charles Crooks, "We are all part of the whole | | | | Buddha's death when he reached total nirvana, at the |
| and not separate" creates a dilemma when it comes | | | | age of 80. While many of us are reminded to |
| to this perception of true love. How can one be | | | | celebrate nirvana with one special loved one, real |
| incomplete when we are all part of the whole? | | | | nirvana is based upon a greater love; the love inside all |
| Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that true love may | | | | of us that we share with each other and with our |
| be something quite different. When we expect another | | | | creator. |
| to complete us, we are in essence stating that we | | | | Interestingly, oftentimes both the Chinese New Year |
| are inferior. We are looking out for ourselves only. | | | | and the Tibetan New Year occur closely to Valentine's |
| Therefore, it is really a selfish act. However, as Antoine | | | | Day. These days signify the beginning of something |
| De Saint-Exupery so eloquently stated, "True Love | | | | new! Indeed, even the New Moon many times arises |
| begins when nothing is looked for in return." | | | | mid-month of every month, sending out the vibration of |
| As for myself, I have experienced true love as I have | | | | new beginnings, including the wish for true love. |
| loved many people, but have not sought anything in | | | | To love another even though the love returned is not in |
| return. This includes family, children, friends and even | | | | the form you wish, is the real definition of true love. |
| unrequited loves. Yes, I may have been sad that | | | | Remember, we are all part of the whole and |
| someone I loved did not outwardly love me in return. | | | | therefore, the love another person may have for |
| Yet, I still loved them despite this fact. | | | | someone else is really a love in which you share. It |
| A search for true love is often exacerbated by | | | | may not be physical love, but it is a purer, more spiritual |
| outside factors. For instance, most of us think of love | | | | love. So instead of focusing on your love with just one |
| during springtime, February, or during the holiday | | | | person, why not begin anew with the chance to |
| season. For our example, let us use the month of | | | | receive love wholly from everywhere in the universe, |
| February since it is probably the most prevalent month, | | | | beginning within yourself? Furthermore, since our |
| at least in the United States, where most think about | | | | thoughts create our world, you will be in essence, |
| love due to February 14, or Saint Valentine's Day. This | | | | bringing into reality the physical manifestation of any |
| annual holiday mainly focuses on the intimate love | | | | perceived love you are missing. |
| between two people. Pope Gelasius I established this | | | | So, when you think you are all alone and without true |
| holiday over 1500 years ago, in 496 A.D. Traditionally, | | | | love, look around. Enjoy the love that is everywhere. |
| the day is most identified as a day where lovers | | | | You share it with all! |
| express love for one another by giving and receiving | | | | |