Nita Bajoria asked Jane Wilson-Howarth:

You quoted " “I think of the irony that in our language [Nepali] the word for love can also mean deceit.” ....could you explain? which Nepali word means both love and deceit?

Jane Wilson-Howarth Hi Nita,
I understand that both words that are commonly used to mean love in Nepali (maya and sneha) can have other meanings and connotations.

Sneha = love, affection, oiliness; ritual ablution.
In Ayurveda, sneha is a method of preparing oil or ghee, lightly heating it with herbs and/or herbal extracts to make medicine. Perhaps this is why sneha is occasionally defined as meaning oily or wheedling.

Maya = love or infatuation; mesh of illusion; foolishness
In Hindu philosophy, Māyā means "illusion".
It seems to me that Nepalis well understand the complexities of love and that because it is a powerful emotion, it can stimulate people to act in less pleasant ways.

I was amused to read recently - here in Kathmandu - advice on the back of a truck that read: Don't Trust Girls.

I hope you enjoyed 'Snowfed Waters' that this quote is from - it is an easy feel-good read.

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