Sutra 33

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 33

तस्मात्सैव ग्राह्या मुमुक्षुभिः॥ ३३॥

"Therefore, that Supreme Love for God alone is to be sought after by seekers of God Realization."

Total Devotion to the Lord is superior to all other paths. Therefore Nārada, almost in the language of a fanatic, declares that all seekers striving for Realization themselves  must diligently strive to cultivate the spirit of Devotion in themselves. Through Devotion alone can the Supreme be easily and readily experienced in the hearts of the devotees. From this Sutra onwards Nārada gives his own opinion of how Devotion can be cultivated. He apparently seems not to have been very much satisfied by the above indicated three ‘springs’ of love. He is not contradicting them but this great exponent of bhakti is striving to integrate all the earlier views mentioned and to show a straight and broad path which is more practical and perhaps more intimate. This is to be practised by the ‘seekers of Realization’.

This Sutra emphasizes the importance of Supreme Love or 'Parama Prema' towards God as the Ultimate Goal for those who seek God Realization. It suggests that the highest form of Bhakti (Devotion) is not just any ordinary affection but an intense, unwavering love for the Divine. This love is so profound that it transcends all other desires and attachments, leading the devotee towards the ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

In the context of Bhakti Yoga, this Sutra serves as a guiding principle, indicating that the path to Realization is through the cultivation of an all-consuming love for God. This love is characterized by selflessness and a total surrender to the Divine Will. It is a love that is pure, free from ego and personal gain, and it is this love that has the power to dissolve the bonds of karma and lead one to liberation.

The pursuit of such Divine Love requires dedication, discipline, and a heart that is willing to be completely absorbed in God (Constant Remembrance). It is a journey that transforms the devotee's entire being, aligning their thoughts, actions, and Consciousness with the Divine essence. This transformation is not just a philosophical concept but a lived experience that culminates in the Realization of one's True Nature and Unity with the Divine.

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 resonates with the message of the Narada Bhakti Sutra, highlighting the significance of unwavering Devotion and love towards God. It assures that for those who are devoted solely to the Divine, God takes personal responsibility for their well-being.

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, all the truths revealed here shine forth clearly to that great soul."

The Shvetashvatara Upanishad asserts that Supreme Devotion to God and the Guru illuminates the path to enlightenment. This aligns with the Narada Bhakti Sutra's emphasis on seeking Supreme Love for Realization.

Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1):

 ब्रह्मविदाप्नोति परम्।

"The Knower of Brahman attains the Supreme."

The Taittiriya Upanishad succinctly states that Knowledge of the Ultimate Reality, Brahman, leads to the highest attainment. This parallels the idea in the Narada Bhakti Sutra that Supreme Love for God is the means to achieve the Ultimate Goal of Realization.

These verses collectively emphasize the central theme of Devotion and Love as the means to attain the highest spiritual goals, resonating with the teachings of the Narada Bhakti Sutra.