Calling of love

Greeks believe there are 3 different facets of love manifested in human beings: eros, philos and agape. Eros is physical, sentimental love that grips two people. It has its good and bad sides, as well as selfish and unselfish aspects. It enables two people, a man and woman, to get married and live for each other. However, it may turn to possessiveness, excessive attachment, jealousy and insecurity.

Philos is love as friendship. In elderly couples, philos keeps a happy marriage alive long after the flame of eros has died down. It is love between family and friends. Nevertheless, it is still conditional love; it seeks something from the loved one, family member or friend.

Agape is unselfish, unconditional love. It is a complete and all-consuming experience in itself. It was the kind of love that Jesus recommended to us when he urged us, 'Love thy neighbour as thyself.' Martin Luther King Jr also used the term 'agape' to describe a universal love that 'discovers the neighbour in every man it meets'.


Those who feel agape in its highest form renounce the world to seek the ultimate vision of unity that we call samadhi. Others who are capable of such love choose a life of active participation with the human family, a life of loving service filled with enthusiasm, boundless compassion and selflessness.