SACRED TRIANGLES: INTERPRETING PASSION, INTIMACY, AND COMMITMENT IN THE POETRY OF SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITTAI THROUGH STERNBERG’S LOVE THEORY

Abstract

This research explores the intricate emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of love in the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, one of South Asia's most celebrated Sufi poets. By applying Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love—which comprises passion, intimacy, and commitment—the study investigates how these components are expressed and transformed through the experiences of iconic female characters such as Sassi, Sohni, Marui, Noori, Lilan, Sorath, and Moomal. Drawing upon selected verses from Shah Jo Risalo and supported by recent scholarship, this study examines how love in Latif’s poetry goes beyond conventional romantic frameworks to include spiritual longing, ethical resilience, and cultural identity. The analysis reveals that while Sternberg’s model is a useful starting point, it is insufficient in fully capturing Sufi love's metaphysical, symbolic, and gendered complexities. The verses show that passion often becomes a vehicle for spiritual elevation, intimacy is expressed through emotional surrender and union with the divine, and commitment manifests as unwavering moral and cultural loyalty. Additionally, using feminine voices as central narrators reflects a proto-feminist discourse, empowering women as seekers, sacrificers, and mystics. This study proposes that a fourth component—spiritual transcendence—be added to Sternberg’s framework when applied to mystical literature. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the paper not only contributes to literary and psychological studies but also reimagines love as a sacred, transformative, and culturally embedded experience.