Divine Love as Attachment Model

Mirabai's bhakti tradition teaches that intense attachment to the divine is not codependency but enlightenment. In romantic relationships, this reframes anxious attachment—the yearning, the constant thoughts of the beloved—as potentially sacred rather than inherently dysfunctional. The concept invites examination: can romantic love mirror devotional love without losing autonomy? Mirabai danced in public temples for Krishna despite social shame, suggesting that authentic attachment may require courage to express openly. This doesn't romanticize unhealthy patterns but asks whether modern psychology's dismissal of passionate longing misses something vital. The examined heart distinguishes between neurotic clinging and genuine devotional presence, between losing oneself and transcending ego boundaries.