Sutra 19

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 19

नारदस्तु तदर्पिताखिलाचारता तद्विस्मरणे परमव्याकुलतेति॥ १९॥

"But according to Sage Narada, Devotion is doing all duties on behalf of Him, and become extremely sad even if you happen to forget Him for a second."

After having given out the different descriptions of bhakti, as given out by Vyāsa, Garga and Śāṇḍilya, now the author of the aphorisms Devarṣi Nārada himself is proposing a definition of Devotion.

In this Sutra he emphasizes the depth of Devotion where all actions are dedicated to the Divine, and forgetting the divine even momentarily causes immense distress. This level of devotion is profound and all-consuming, indicating that the devotee's life is entirely oriented around their object of worship. The Sutra suggests that True Devotion is not just about performing rituals or prayers, but about integrating the Divine into every aspect of one's life, making every action an offering to the Divine.

The intensity of emotion described in the Sutra reflects a state of Constant Remembrance and connection with the Divine. It portrays a picture of a devotee whose love and dedication are so deep that the mere thought of separation or forgetfulness brings about a state of extreme unease. This state of 'paramavyakulata' (supreme restlessness) is indicative of the powerful bond between the devotee and the Divine, where the devotee cannot bear the absence of the Divine presence in their Consciousness.

The Sutra also highlights the concept of 'tadarpita' (offering everything to Him), which is a form of surrender where the devotee sees themselves as an instrument of the Divine will. Every action, thought, and emotion is seen as an expression of devotion. This level of surrender requires a dissolution of ego and personal desires, where the devotee's identity merges with the Divine, and their individuality is lost in the service and Remembrance of the Divine.

For comparison, here are three similar verses from Vedic texts:

Bhagavad Gita 9.22:

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते। तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥

"To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the assurance of attaining what they lack and preserving what they have."

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 6.23:

यस्य देवे परा भक्तिर्यथा देवे तथा गुरौ। तस्यैते कथिता ह्यर्थाः प्रकाशन्ते महात्मनः॥

"To the one who has supreme devotion to God and as much to the Guru as to God, to such a great soul, all the truths of the scriptures are revealed."

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.40:

एवं-व्रतः स्वप्रिय-नाम-कीर्त्या जातानुरागो दृढचित्त उ च्चैः। हसत्यथो रोदिति रौति गायत्युन्मादवन्नृत्यति लोकबाह्यः॥

"Thus, with the vow of sincere devotion, chanting the holy name of his beloved, he develops attachment, and with a firm heart, at the highest level, he laughs, cries, shouts, sings, and dances like a madman, becoming indifferent to the external world."

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 19, emphasize the importance of Constant Remembrance, Devotion, and the surrender of one's actions to the Divine. They all convey the message that True Devotion transcends ritualistic practices and enters the realm of heartfelt love and surrender to God.