Chapter 48 presents a deeply interconnected relationship between faith and love, suggesting they are mutually reinforcing, with faith being the foundation. The chapter explicitly states, 'Love does not arise without faith (Bhava); know that where there is faith, there is God; love is fully present in the womb of faith.' This indicates that faith is the foundational cause from which love is born. However, the text also dedicates significant praise to love, saying that before its greatness, 'everything else is trivial' and that devotion, peace, and liberation reside where love is present. Therefore, as per the teachings in Chapter 48, a devotee must first cultivate faith, as this is the very cause that allows the all-important quality of uninterrupted love to manifest and flourish.
According to Chapter 48, what is the precise relationship between faith (Bhava) and love (Prem)? Which is more fundamental for a devotee to cultivate?
π Chapter 48