Introduction

Introduction to The Narada Bhakti Sutra 

All our philosophical textbooks are written out by the great seers and thinkers in the form of sūtras. The term, ‘sūtra’, means ‘string’ – the string on which the arguments and thoughts are strung together to become an enchanting garland of ideas. Sūtras are explanatory statements, and in their depths, they are also exploratory in their functions.

The Narada Bhakti Sutra is a collection of 84 aphorisms on the nature and practice of bhakti, or devotional service to the Supreme Lord. It is attributed to the Sage Narada, who is considered to be a great devotee and teacher of bhakti in the Vedic tradition. The Narada Bhakti Sutra is a revered text within Hinduism, specifically significant for followers of Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion. Composed by the legendary sage Narada, the text offers a concise yet profound guide to cultivating pure love and devotion for the divine. The 84 sutras (aphorisms) within the Narada Bhakti Sutra delve into the nature of Bhakti, its various forms, and the practical methods for developing it. The text emphasizes that Bhakti is not merely a ritualistic practice, but a complete transformation of the heart and mind, where every aspect of life becomes an offering to the divine.

The text begins with the definition of bhakti as the Supreme Goal of human life, and then describes the characteristics, methods, obstacles, and fruits of bhakti. It also gives examples of great devotees from the past, such as Prahlada, Dhruva, and the gopis of Vrindavana. The text also discusses the relationship between bhakti and other paths of spirituality, such as karma, jnana, and yoga, and emphasizes the superiority of bhakti over all other means of liberation.

The Narada Bhakti Sutra is based on the teachings of the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, which are the primary sources of authority for Hinduism. The text frequently quotes or paraphrases verses from these scriptures to support its arguments. 

Comparative Verses from other Vedic Texts

Svetasvatara Upanishad (VI.23):

प्राप्य तद्विधिना गुह्यं तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम् ॥

This verse from the Svetasvatara Upanishad acknowledges the significance of devotion (Bhakti) as a means to attain the supreme abode of Vishnu.

Yoga Vashishtha (Vairagya Ch.26, V.2):

भक्तिरूपा तपश्चर्या विष्णोः प्रीत्यै समर्पिता ।

Asceticism in the form of devotion (bhakti), offered for the pleasure of Vishnu.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad (6.23):

यस्मिं देव परा भक्तिः

In whom the gods have Supreme devotion. 

Bhagavad Gita (9.34):

मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु ।

मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायणः ॥34॥

सदैव मेरा चिन्तन करो, मेरे भक्त बनो, मेरी पूजा करो। अपने मन और शरीर को मुझे समर्पित करने से तुम निश्चित रूप से मुझको प्राप्त करोगे।

Fix your mind on Me, become My devotee.