Sutra 84

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 84:

य इदं नारदप्रोक्तं शिवानुशासनं विश्वसिति श्रद्धते स भक्तिमान् भवति सः प्रेष्टंं लभते सः प्रेष्टं लभते ।। ८४।।

"One who faithfully accepts these instructions of Lord Shiva as spoken through Nārada becomes a devotee and attains the desired object, attains the desired object."

This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in the spiritual instructions or teachings passed down through a legitimate tradition or Source. Here the reference is to the instructions of Lord Shiva as spoken through the revered saint Narada. By deeply believing and accepting such teachings with faith and surrender, one is able to awaken their innate spirit of Devotion or bhakti. This taking of shelter in the teachings then helps one attain their desired goal or objective, which in the context of these teachings would mean spiritual liberation or moksha. 

Having faith in time-tested wisdom aids spiritual progress. It allows one to freely learn and Realize the Truths explained therein. Without such faith, one may question and intellectually challenge in a way that prevents full Realization. Faith here does not mean blind belief but trusting what enlightened Masters have discerned as helpful for elevation of Consciousness. The verse also stresses that by virtue of the devotional attitude developed, one is assured of fulfilling their soul's highest purpose under God's guidance.

In a similar vein, the Yoga Vasistha 6.29.35 states:

अथ यस्य मतिर्मया सहचरति स च मोक्षं लभते । 

यस्य न मतिर्मया सहचरति स भ्रमत्यैव चैव भ्रमति ।।

"One whose intellect moves in harmony with mine attains liberation. But the person whose intellect does not move in harmony with mine simply wanders on confused." 

Here the reference is to the enlightened teachings of Sri Vasistha himself. By aligning one's understand with such teachings, liberation is gained, whereas remaining non-receptive leads to continued spiritual wandering and confusion. 

Similarly, the Isha Upanishad 3.4 state:

इयं आत्मा सर्वभूतान्तरात्मा । तस्यैवान्वयो जागर्ति सर्वभूतानि । तद्ज्ञानार्थं स्वदर्शनं परमात्मशब्दब्रह्मुपदेशति । 

"This Inner Self is indeed Brahman present in all beings; by its light all beings are illumined. To realize this Inner Self as Brahman Itself, the Upanishads impart this highest instruction through the mahavakya 'Tat Tvam Asi'."

Here faith and receptivity to the Upanishadic teaching helps one recognize their inherent Oneness with the Supreme Reality.

In the first preṣṭam labhate (प्रेष्टंं लभते) – a significant promise that all true devotees will gain their fulfilment of all their honest secular desires and in the repetition of the same pair of words comes an equally ardent promise that all their spiritual desires will also be fully and totally fulfilled. Both these desires are fulfilled for those who live this path of Devotion with faith and sincerity. With his most optimistic promises of the fulfilment of both secular and spiritual joys, the Nārada Bhakti Sūtra concludes.

Sutra 83

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 83:

इत्येवं वदन्ति जनजल्पनिर्भयाः एकमताः कुमारव्यासशुकशाण्डिल्यगर्गविष्णुकौण्डिन्य- शेषोद्धवारुणिबलिहनुमद्विभीषणादयो भक्त्याचार्याः॥ ८३॥

"Thus speak the united and fearless saints like Narada, Vyasa, Sukadeva, Shuka, Garga, Vishnu, Kaundinya, Seetoddhava, Aruni, Baali, Hanuman, Vibheeshana and others who are respected as the teachers of Bhakti."

This verse lists the distinguished spiritual teachers and saints who propagated the path of Divine Love and Devotion (Bhakti Yoga). It emphasizes that Bhakti or Devotion to the Supreme Lord is the highest teaching that has been consistently advocated by all great souls and sages of enlightenment across time and traditions. 

The verse pays homage to these enlightened beings who despite their varied origins and backgrounds, unanimously agreed upon Bhakti or loving Devotion as the ultimate spiritual practice leading to Spiritual Realization. Their concurrence lends the highest authority to the bhakti marga or path of Devotion.

The Sanatkumāra are the children of Lord Brahmā, the Creator, who are constantly merged in the experience of the infinitude. It is said that they were constantly chanting the mahāmantra, ‘Hari Śaraṇam.’ 

Vyāsa we know as the famous author of the purāṇas. 

Śuka is author of the Bhāgavatam. 

Śaṇḍilya’s aphorisms on love are still available for us today. 

Garga had also given out a bhaktisūtra text. 

Mahaṛṣi Viṣṇu gave out some smṛitis. 

Kauṇḍinya Mahārāja explained the path of absorption in Devotion and glorified the path of deep meditation for which bhakti is to be diligently cultivated. 

Śeṣa is the thousand mouth wondrous devotee in whose lap Bhagavān Viṣṇu is ever reclining. 

Uddhava is the friend and disciple of Lord Kṛṣṇa. 

Ᾱruṇi is a name used for Nimbārkācārya, who brought forth the idea of the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa love. 

Bali, who followed the path of surrender, performed one hundred yāgas and thus reached the status of Indra. 

Hanumān is the highest Master in the art of devotion and service. 

Vibhīṣaṇa, brother of Rāvaṇa, became a great expounder of righteousness.

To provide further context, here are a few similar verses from other scriptures emphasizing the glory and efficacy of the Bhakti Marg:

From the Bhagavad Gita:

ये त्वन्यभाक्तास्तेऽन्येऽहं भक्तः भजाम्यहं । 

मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य बहुविधां भजन्ते ये ॥

"But those who worship other gods with faith and devotion, they also worship Me, O Parth."

From the Vishnu Purana (6.7.61):

ये तु भक्त्या मयि प्रियांस्तेषां नास्ति हि कल्मषः ।

मयि ह्युपायसमुत्थान् भजन्ते ये मना गृहाः॥ 

"But those who worship Me with love and faith have no evil in them, for they are devoted to Me in mind and heart."

Sutra 82

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 82:

गुणमाहात्म्यासक्तिरूपासक्तिपूजासक्ति स्मरणासक्तिदास्यासक्तिसख्यासक्तिवात्सल्यासक्ति कान्तासक्त्यात्मनिवेदनासक्ति तन्मयतासक्तिपरमविरहासक्तिरूपा एकधाप्येकादशधा भवति॥

"Love for God arises in eleven kinds—through (love of) attributes, form, worship, remembrance, servitude, companionship, kindness, one's own revelation, full absorption and supreme separation."

This Sutra explains that Divine Love or bhakti arises in the devotee through eleven different manifestations. Starting from appreciation of God's glories and virtues, to worshipping the Divine form or murti, continually remembering God, serving the lord in servitude, finding company of fellow devotees, experiencing God's kindness, Self-Realization of one's relationship to the Divine, becoming totally immersed or absorbed in the lord, and culminating in the highest love which is felt in utter and Divine separation from God. 

The are some unique methods of Devotion mentioned among these eleven ways, as follows. Devotion can be reached by the unquestionable, reverential Devotion of the servant to the master (dāsya-āsakti), maintained in the pure heart of the seeker. Hanumān and Vidura lived this path. Attachment to the Lord as friend is yet another path (sakhya-āsakti). The attitude of Arjuna, Sudāmā and Kuchela falls under this category. 

As a beloved (kāntā-āsakti) is an attitude of relationship between devotee and the Lord. This is a path wherein the devotee considers herself to the Lord’s beloved like the eight queens of Kṛṣṇa, like Sītā approaching Lord Rāma. The devotee may also reach this great state of Supreme love through the devotion of parental Love (vātsalya-āsakti). Kausalyā, Devakī, Yaśodā are those who loved the Lord as their child. Total self-offering at the sacred feet of the Lord, complete surrender (ātmanivedana āsakti). The attitude of Hanumān towards Śrī Rāmachandra ready to give one’s own life for the Lord, is indeed a way by which devotion can be invoked, maintained and developed.

In the Shwetashvatara Upanishad 6.23, it is said that supreme love for God arises from deep contemplation:

स चेत्केवलं पञ्चयन्त्येकाग्रेण मनसा सुसमाहितेन ।

ब्रह्मरूपं तमनुस्मरन्यध्यायतो मुञ्चति पप्रक्षये ॥ २३॥ 

"One who contemplates on the Supreme Reality with a concentrated, peaceful mind, who remembers Me constantly and meditates on Me, that yogi obtains the Supreme Reality."

In the Bhagavad Gita 11.54-55, Lord Krishna says the highest spiritual achievement is to love him with an immersed mind and soul: 

भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावाञ्छ्रीयानि कर्मणि ।

तस्य आहुरिति प्रीतिर्भक्त्या लभ्या न अन्यया ॥ ५४॥

यदि ह्येकनिश्चितात्मा भक्तः शरणमश्रयेत् । 

अभक्तः समदुःखेसु सम्पाद्याऽप्सू माचरेत् ॥ ५५॥

"By Devotion alone can I be known, understood and seen truly. He who does all works for Me, who makes Me his Supreme Goal, who is devoted to Me, who has no attachment, who is free from enmity towards any creature—he comes to Me, O Arjuna." 

These verses exemplify that the height of Devotion or true bhakti is complete dedication, attachment, immersion and love for the Supreme Lord from one's heart and soul through Constant Remembrance, reflection, service and worship. This is the highest spiritual perfection according to Vedic philosophy.

Sutra 81

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 81:

त्रिसत्यस्य भक्तिरेव गरीयसी। भक्तिरेव गरियसी॥ ८१॥

"Of the three ‘Truths’ (paths) Devotion alone is the greatest. Indeed, Devotion alone is the greatest."

This Sutra from the Narada Bhakti Sutra emphasizes the supreme importance of Devotion or bhakti as the highest path to spiritual Realization. It highlights that among the three main paths in Hindu philosophy, namely karma yoga (the path of action), jnana yoga (the path of knowledge), and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), it is bhakti that holds the utmost significance. 

Devotion alone is the noblest as it is the most readily available for everyone. All are equally fit right away to start practising it. Devotion alone indeed is the path that was, is, and shall ever be the best for all. In all conditions and mental attitudes, in all circumstances and situations, in all environments and challenges, bhakti can be practised. Hence its special glory insists Sage Nārada. For extra special emphasis, he repeats. ‘Indeed, Devotion alone is the greatest.

Bhakti is characterized by profound love, Devotion, and surrender to a chosen deity or Divine figure. It is the path of cultivating a deep personal relationship with the Divine, transcending the boundaries of rituals and formalities. Through unwavering Devotion and surrender, one can attain union with the Divine and experience spiritual Realization.

Now, let us compare this verse with a few similar verses from other sacred texts for a broader understanding:

Bhagavad Gita (9.22):

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।

तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥

"To those who constantly meditate on Me with undivided devotion, I ensure the necessities and protect what they have."

This verse emphasizes the significance of unwavering Devotion to the Supreme Being. It states that those who wholeheartedly worship and meditate upon the Divine are provided for and protected by the Divine.

Vishnu Sahasranama:

प्रथमं पेशलः पुण्यः पुण्यकीर्तिरनामयः।

पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः पुण्यः पुण्यफलप्रदः॥

"He is the foremost, the most virtuous, the one without impurities, the one with auspicious fame, the one whose name bestows purity, the one who grants the fruits of virtuous listening and chanting."

This verse praises the Divine qualities of Lord Vishnu, emphasizing the purifying and virtuous nature of Devotion to Him. It highlights that through Devotion, one can attain purity, auspiciousness, and the fruits of virtuous actions.

Yoga Vasistha (6.1.98):

अथातो भक्तिरुच्यते श्रेष्ठा दुर्लभा परमाद्भुता।

यया सर्वेषु भूतेषु योगः परमः प्रयोजितः॥

"Now, Devotion is called the best, rare, and most marvelous, by which the highest yoga (union) is realized in all beings."

This verse conveys the exceptional nature of Devotion and its ability to lead one to the highest state of yoga, which is union with the Divine. It emphasizes that Devotion is the most remarkable path that can be practiced by all beings.

Sutra 80

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 80:

स कीर्त्यमानः शीघ्रमेवाविर्भवति अनुभावयति च भक्तान्॥ ८०॥ 

"When invoked, He indeed reveals Himself and makes the devotee realise His Absolute Nature Divine."

The fruit of Supreme Devotion is hinted at in this Sutra. When, through bhakti, the Lord is invoked, the whole being of the devotee comes to be exposed in ardent invocation of Him, the bhakta through such intense association with the Infinite, gradually gets himself transformed and discovers that he has attained the very Divine attributes he is worshipping, all-pervading, immutable, eternal, unmoving, all-blissful. When we worship the Lord, invoking Him with our whole personality, by our Constant Remembrance of His glories, our mind is turned towards the Higher through our earnest identification with His glories and the truth which is already within, unveils and reveals itself.

This verse emphasizes the power of true Devotion. It suggests that when the Lord is offered Devotion sincerely and wholeheartedly, they manifest their presence swiftly and engage with their devotees. It highlights the reciprocal nature of Devotion, indicating that the Divine or revered entity responds to the genuine reverence and adoration of their followers.

The Ᾱtman, the Self is ever with us but because It is now veiled from our direct perceptions we don't apprehend It. Apprehension of the Truth takes no time. The Self is revealed immediately when the non-apprehension is removed. Turning our whole mind towards Him through Constant Remembrance of His glories will lead us to apprehend the Reality. It is the Lord Himself who gives his faithful devotee the experience of this Absolute, unchanging Truth. The devotee cannot say ‘I am knowing God,’ ‘I saw God,’ for Reality is beyond the triple distinctions of experiencer, experienced and experiencing. At that stage there is no instrument for us to perceive or feel or think of Him! The knower, known and the knowing are all merged in the Pure Consciousness.

When we compare this verse with similar verses from other Vedic texts, we find a resonance of the concept of Devotion and its effects. 

In the Bhagavad Gita (9.22), Lord Krishna states, 

"To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me." 

Here, the idea of Devotion leading to Divine connection and guidance is echoed.

Similarly, in the Yoga Vashishta (6.1.3), it is mentioned, 

"Devotion is the firm abiding faith in the Supreme Self, which arises by hearing about, reflecting on, and constantly contemplating the Self." 

This verse emphasizes that devotion is nurtured by learning, meditating upon the Divine, and Constant Remembrance of the Divine, further reinforcing the significance of Devotion in spiritual practices.

In the Upanishads, the Chhandogya Upanishad (3.14.1) states, 

"He is to be Realized through sincere Devotion and service." 

This verse underscores the importance of Devotion and selfless service in Realizing the Divine.

These verses from various Vedic texts collectively emphasize the transformative power of Devotion and highlight the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the devotee and the Divine. They suggest that sincere and heartfelt devotion leads to a deeper connection with the Divine and grants seekers the understanding and guidance needed to progress on their spiritual path.

Sutra 79

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 79:

सर्वदा सर्वभावेन निश्चिन्तितैः भगवानेव भजनीयः॥ ७९॥

"Always, with unwavering devotion, one should worship the Lord in all his manifestations."

Sutra 79 emphasizes the importance of continuous and all-encompassing Devotion to the Divine. The verse encourages individuals to engage in worship and contemplation of the Supreme Being with a mindset devoid of any distractions or doubts.

Always, at all times, in all conditions, in all places, with all one’s bhāva, in perfect, wholehearted Devotion, let the Lord alone be worshipped, quietly, serenely, with a composed mind by those who have given up all worries and anxieties. This is Nārada’s prescription to all seekers. In the Gītā this same idea is beautifully stated: ‘Fly unto Him for refuge with all your being, O Bhārata; by His Grace you shall obtain Supreme Peace and the eternal abode.’

The phrase "सर्वभावेन निश्चिन्तितैः" (sarvabhāvena niścintitaiḥ) signifies the need to approach the act of worship with a holistic perspective, encompassing all aspects of one's being. It implies that the devotee should offer their Devotion without any reservations or limitations, recognizing the Divine presence in all aspects of life. The verse further emphasizes that the worship of the Lord should be constant and unwavering, irrespective of external circumstances.

Now, let us compare this verse with a few similar verses from other ancient texts. 

One such verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 22) states:

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।

तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥

"To those who constantly engage in worshiping and contemplating Me with unwavering focus, I ensure their well-being and preservation."

Another verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.22) states:

तदिदं तपो ब्रह्म विजिज्ञासितव्यं यद्ब्रह्मचर्येण नियमेनानुव्रतेन श्रद्धया विद्ययाऽऽचार्यमाचार्यवान्पुरुषो वेद॥

"That Supreme Knowledge must be sought by one who observes celibacy, self-control, and faith, with discipline and devotion to the teacher."

These verses from different texts highlight the significance of unwavering Devotion, consistent worship, and the integration of spirituality into one's daily life. They emphasize the need for a sincere and dedicated approach towards the Divine, ensuring the well-being and spiritual growth of the individual.

In conclusion, the Narada Bhakti Sutra 79 encourages individuals to cultivate a mindset of unwavering Devotion and worship towards the Divine in all its manifestations. The verse emphasizes the need for continuous and holistic engagement in the act of worship, without any distractions or doubts. This sentiment resonates with similar verses from other ancient texts, highlighting the universal importance of consistent devotion and the integration of spirituality into one's life.

Sutra 78

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 78:

अहिंसासत्यशौचदयास्तिक्यादिचारित्र्याणि परिपालनीयानि॥ ७८॥

"Virtues like avoiding harming others (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), purity (shaucha), compassion (daya), and adherence to principles (astikya), these are to be practiced."

This verse emphasizes the importance of certain virtues and ethical conduct in the path of Devotion. Let's delve deeper into its meaning.

In this Sutra, Sage Narada highlights five essential qualities that are to be nurtured and practiced by those seeking a path of Devotion. The first quality mentioned is "ahimsa," which translates to non-violence or avoidance of harm. It encourages individuals to refrain from causing harm to any living being, both physically and mentally.

The second quality is "satya," meaning truthfulness. This emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Practicing truthfulness builds trust and fosters genuine relationships.

The third quality is "shaucha," which signifies purity. It refers to internal and external cleanliness, both in terms of physical hygiene and purity of thoughts, intentions, and actions. By maintaining purity, one creates a conducive environment for spiritual growth.

The fourth quality is "daya," which translates to compassion. It emphasizes the need to develop empathy and a sense of understanding towards others. Practicing compassion fosters kindness, forgiveness, and a deep connection with all beings.

The final quality mentioned is "astikya," which represents adherence to principles and faith. It encourages individuals to have unwavering faith in the Divine and the path they have chosen. By following these principles, one can cultivate a devoted and righteous life.

Now, let's compare this verse with a few similar verses from other Vedic texts:

Bhagavad Gita (16.2):

अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम्।

दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम्॥

"Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, tranquility, absence of slander, compassion towards all creatures, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, and lack of fickleness."

Yoga Vasistha (6.1.3):

अहिंसा सत्यमास्तिक्यं शौचं ख्यातिः श्रुतिर्दया।

अर्जवं व्रतमाचारो दानं च निग्रहोऽनयः॥

"Non-violence, truthfulness, faith, cleanliness, fame, learning, compassion, straightforwardness, observance of vows, charity, and self-control."

These verses from the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Vasistha echo similar sentiments as the Narada Bhakti Sutra, emphasizing virtues such as non-violence, truthfulness, purity, compassion, faith, and self-control. They all highlight the importance of cultivating these qualities to lead a righteous and spiritually fulfilling life.