"Although Love is formless and nameless but names can be used to cultivate devotion, which can be discarded at the advanced stages." James Swartsz in Meditation: an inquiry into the self, p. 130.
The desire for union is expressed as
The Slave(Dasya) - as we are not the masters of our destinies, feeling of powerlessness.This type of devotee shows loyality and respect; and develops a quiet mind to be able to distinguish God's voice from the self-serving ego voices of the mind.
The Wife (Kanta) - containing all expressions of love , desire for union and honor partners desires and obey and love beyond the grave.
The Friend (Meeta) - tender, joyful, playful relationship, desire to stay together, encouraging and supporting spiritual inclinations.
The passionate lover - In this style of love, all conventions, reservations, hesitations and personal views are cast aside. Read Guru Arjan Dev Ji's writings.
Forbidden Lover - The more love is obstructed, the more it intensifies. When a declaration of love would invite ridicule, condemnation and persecution, the devotee develops inner yearning, silent repetition of name and meditation, to protect their spirituality from possessive, insecure and jealous spouses.
The child - unsuspecting faith to love their parent, helpless, ignorant, dependent and attached but also vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation like the slave.
The Parent - forces the devotee to identify with the 'inner parent' who is caring, protective and nurtures with responsibility and love; and ready to make any sacrifices for the sake of God. According to Sawartz, this kind of devotion takes away mindless obedience, asking for favours of the Lord and complain about one's lot. Guru Gobind Singh ji had this kind of devotion as he never complained about his situation but took the responsibility to provide justice for all. The Khalsa created by the 10th Guru of Sikhs is to practice this kind of devotion.
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