Sutra 12

The Narada Bhakti Sutra, Sutra 12

भवतु निश्चयदार्ढ्यादूर्ध्वं शास्त्ररक्षणम्॥ १२॥

"From the strength of conviction comes the protection of the scriptures."

This Sutra emphasizes the importance of firm conviction in the path of Devotion. It suggests that when one has unwavering faith and certainty in the principles of bhakti, it naturally leads to the preservation and adherence to the scriptures. The scriptures here refer to the sacred texts which guide the devotee on the path of devotion. This conviction is not blind faith but is born out of a deep understanding and personal experience of the divine love that the scriptures speak of.

Lord Krishna says: “If also thou art not equal to constant practice, be intent on My service; performing actions for My sake, thou shalt attain perfection.” (XII-10. ) “Acts of sacrifice, gift and charity should not be relinquished, but should be performed; sacrifice, gift, and also austerity are the purifiers of the intelligence.” (XVIII-5. ) These rituals purify the heart and prepare the ground of Antahkarana for the growth of devotion. These actions should be performed without attachment and without expectation of fruit. 

The sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for fruit as enjoined by the scriptures, under the firm belief that sacrifice is a duty, that is pure. The three kinds of austerity viz., physical, verbal, and mental Tapas prescribed in the Seventeenth Chapter of the Gita purify the heart rapidly. They are:

Physical: Worship given to the gods, to the twice-born, to the teachers and to the wise, purity, straight-forwardness, continence and harmlessness, are called the austerity of the body. 

Verbal: Speech causing no annoyance, truthful and beneficial, the practice of the study of the scriptures are called the austerity of speech. 

Mental: Mental happiness, equilibrium, silence, self-control, purity of nature, this is called the austerity of the mind.

Moreover, the Sutra points out that the protection of the scriptures is not a passive act but an active one that stems from the strength of one's conviction. It is a dynamic process where the devotee, through their unwavering commitment to the path of bhakti, becomes a living embodiment of the scriptures, thereby ensuring their preservation and relevance for future generations.

For comparison, here are similar verses from Vedic texts:

Yoga Vasistha

यत्पिण्डे तत्ब्रह्माण्डे |

"What is in the microcosm is in the macrocosm."  

This statement from the Yoga Vasistha echoes the sentiment of seeing the Divine within oneself and in the scriptures, aligning with the idea of conviction leading to the protection of sacred wisdom.

Taittiriya Upanishad, 11.1

सत्यं वद धर्मं चर |

 

"Speak the Truth, practice Righteousness."  

This directive from the Taittiriya Upanishad complements the Narada Bhakti Sutra's call for conviction and adherence to scripture, emphasizing the importance of living one's truth and following the path of dharma.

These verses, together with Narada Bhakti Sutra 12, highlight the significance of internalizing spiritual teachings and living them out with conviction and integrity. They all point towards a life where the divine is recognized in every aspect of existence and the scriptures are upheld through one's actions and Devotion.