Sutra 20

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 20

अस्त्येवमेवम्॥ २०॥

"This is indeed so" or "Verily, it is thus."

This Sutra is a confirmation and an assertion of the truths and principles laid out in the preceding Sutras. It serves as an affirmation that the path of Devotion (Bhakti) as described is not only valid but also leads to the Ultimate Truth and Realization. The Sutra emphasizes the certainty and the effectiveness of Bhakti as a means to attain Spiritual enlightenment and union with the Divine.

In the context of the Narada Bhakti Sutras, this statement comes after various descriptions of what constitutes True Devotion. It is a succinct conclusion that encapsulates the essence of Bhakti, affirming that the path of pure, selfless love towards the Divine is indeed the path to Realization. This Sutra reassures the seeker that the teachings are not mere philosophical musings but are grounded in Spiritual Reality.

The Sutra also implies that the path of Bhakti is universal and applicable to all. It does not discriminate based on caste, creed, or social status. The simplicity of this Sutra belies its profound nature, as it encapsulates the universality and the transformative power of Bhakti. It is a call to action for the devotee to embrace the path wholeheartedly, with the assurance that it is a true and tested way to divine communion.

Now, let's compare this with 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 carry the burden of their welfare."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the sentiment of the Narada Bhakti Sutra by emphasizing the importance of unwavering Devotion and the assurance that the Divine takes care of the devotee's needs.

Isha Upanishad (Verse 1):

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।

तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्॥

"Everything in this moving universe is enveloped by the Lord. Enjoy what He has given by renouncing it; do not covet anyone's wealth."

The Isha Upanishad starts with this verse, which sets the tone for a life of Renunciation and contentment, akin to the selfless Love and surrender advocated in the Narada Bhakti Sutra.

Rigveda (Mandala 10, Hymn 129, Verse 2):

न तदासीन्नो सदासीत्तदानीं नासीद्रजो नो व्योमा परो यत्।

किमावरीवः कुह कस्य शर्मन्नम्भः किमासीद्गहनं गभीरम्॥

"Then, there was neither existence nor non-existence, neither realm of space nor sky which is beyond. What stirred? Where? In whose protection? Was there water, bottomlessly deep?"

This verse from the Rigveda contemplates the nature of existence and the origin of the universe, which can be seen as an invitation to explore the deeper truths of life, much like the introspective journey of Bhakti described in the Narada Bhakti Sutra.

These verses, while diverse in their focus and origin, all point towards the Ultimate Goal of understanding and merging with the Divine, which is the essence of Bhakti as highlighted in the Narada Bhakti Sutra.