Sutra 17

Narada Bhakti Sutra 17:

कथादिष्विति गर्गः॥ १७॥

"Intense desire to hear the stories of the divine is Devotion according to Sage Garga."

Sage Garga in his definition emphasises the importance of that technique in bhakti wherein the instrument of speech is mainly employed. The importance of the speech aspect of bhakti sādhanā is firmly emphasised by the Maharṣi in his definition. To listen to the stories of the Lord’s Divine play, to repeat them – with joyous tears rolling down the cheeks – to other devotees who listen and get transported into a state of blissful self-forgetfulness, to sing His glories, to chant the songs of His love and infinite mercy – these are the methods by which one can employ the speech aspect of one’s personality in seeking the Lord of the universe. Garga Maharṣi emphasises this aspect in his definition of Devotion.

In this Sutra, Sage Garga emphasizes the significance of kathā (stories or narratives) related to the Divine. Devotion is not merely ritualistic worship or external practices; it involves an inner longing to connect with the Divine through hearing and contemplating sacred stories. By immersing oneself in these narratives, devotees cultivate love, reverence, and a deep emotional connection with the Divine.

To provide context, let's compare this concept of Devotion from the Narada Bhakti Sutra with similar verses from other Vedic texts:

Taittiriya Upanishad 2.8.1:

"तदेतत्सत्यं यथानुशासनं यद्वा वाचो ह वा तदेतत्सत्यं यथानुशासनं यद्वा वाचो ह वा॥" 

"That is true, as instructed, or as spoken."

The Upanishad emphasizes the pursuit of Truth and Knowledge as a form of Devotion.

Ishavasya Upanishad 6:

"यस्तु सर्वाणि भूतान्यात्मन्येवानुपश्यति।"

"One who sees all beings in the Self."

Devotion involves recognizing the Divine presence in all living beings.

Bhagavad Gita 6.30:

"यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र सर्वं च मयि पश्यति।" 

"One who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me."

 

Devotion is the Realization of the Divine's Omnipresence.

In summary, while the Narada Bhakti Sutra focuses on the power of Divine stories, other Vedic texts emphasize different aspects of devotion, such as truth-seeking, recognizing divinity in all, and perceiving the Divine presence everywhere. Each approach contributes to a holistic understanding of bhakti in the Vedic tradition.