Sutra 35

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 35:

तत्तु विषयत्यागात् सङ्गत्यागाच्च॥ ३५॥

"Devotion is indeed attained through the renunciation of objects and the renunciation of attachments."

Here now starts the enumeration of the items of practice (sādhanā) for exploring the sources of Devotion in us and exploiting them to the full. The technique of self perfection consists of a plan of two schemes:

(1) detachment and gaining the consequent withdrawal from the pursuits of the senses seeking pleasures in the sense objects; and

(2) Attachment to the Supreme through a devoted selfless total surrender unto Him.

The essence of Sutra 35 is the importance of detachment in the path of Devotion. It suggests that true Devotion, or Bhakti, is not merely an emotional state but a disciplined practice that involves letting go of material possessions and worldly attachments. This renunciation is not about physical abandonment but rather an internal state of freedom from desires and dependencies. The Sutra implies that such detachment allows one to focus entirely on the Divine, leading to a deeper and more profound experience of Devotion.

In the context of Bhakti, renunciation is not seen as a loss but as a means to gain something far greater. It is about prioritizing the love of the Divine over transient pleasures. This Sutra echoes the broader Vedic philosophy that perceives the Ultimate Reality as beyond the sensory world. By renouncing attachments to the physical world, one can turn the mind inward, fostering a connection with the Divine that is unimpeded by external distractions.

The practice of renunciation is a common theme in various Vedic texts, reflecting the idea that spiritual liberation is achieved through the transcendence of worldly ties. Here are three verses from different Vedic texts that share a similar sentiment:

Katha Upanishad:

यदा सर्वे प्रमुच्यन्ते कामा येऽस्य हृदि श्रिताः।

अथ मर्त्योऽमृतो भवत्यत्र ब्रह्म समश्नुते॥

   

"When all desires that dwell in the heart are released, the mortal becomes immortal and attains Brahman in this world."

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

असङ्गो ह्ययं पुरुषः।

"This Self is unattached."

Bhagavad Gita:

विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि।

शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः॥

   

"The wise see with equal vision, a learned and humble Brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater (outcaste)."

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 35, emphasize the importance of detachment and equality of vision in spiritual practice, suggesting that true knowledge and Devotion lie beyond the distinctions and attachments of the material world.