Sutra 38

The Narada Bhakti Sutra, Sutra 38

मुख्यतस्तु महत्कृपयैव भगवत्कृपालेशाद्वा॥ ३८॥

"But most importantly it reaches completion only by the Grace of Great learned people and by the Divine Grace."

It is an endless controversy among the beginners of spiritual efforts – whether Divine Grace (Īśvara-kṛpa) will help them or whether the entire path is built up by one’s own independent, deliberately planned out self-effort (puruṣārtha). The textbooks are very eloquently clear about it. Through self-effort when the mind of the seeker is purified, the Grace Divine shall rush in to flood his life with light and joy. In the earlier Sutras, Sage Nārada chalked out the programme of self-effort. In these following three Sutras the definition of Grace is indicated. In all religions this point is made clear by the prophets. Even here the self-effort – ask, seek, knock – are the first and of course Grace Divine follows – ‘it shall be given to you’; ‘you shall find’ and ‘it shall be opened.’

This Sutra emphasizes the paramount importance of Grace in the attainment of Bhakti (Devotion). The term 'Mahatkrupa' refers to the Grace of great souls or enlightened beings. These individuals, through their deep understanding and experience of Divine love, can inspire and ignite a similar sentiment in others. The Sutra suggests that such Grace is a crucial catalyst in the spiritual journey towards complete devotion. Additionally, 'Bhagavatkrupa' indicates the Grace of the Divine itself. It implies that ultimate Devotion is not solely a result of personal effort but also requires the benevolent and compassionate intervention of the Divine. This dual source of Grace underscores the interplay between human aspiration and Divine will in the path of Bhakti.

The concept of Grace is central to many spiritual traditions, and it is often described as a transformative force that elevates the seeker beyond their own limitations. In the context of Narada Bhakti Sutra, Grace is the Divine assistance that helps a devotee transcend the ego and merge with the Divine Consciousness. It is an acknowledgment that while personal effort in practicing Devotion is necessary, it is the Grace of the Divine and the guidance of enlightened beings that ultimately bestows the state of pure, selfless love and Devotion.

The role of Grace in spiritual development is not unique to the Narada Bhakti Sutra. It is echoed in various other Vedic texts, which also highlight the significance of Divine favor and the blessings of the wise. Here are verses from different Vedic texts that resonate with the message of Sutra 38:

Isha Upanishad (Verse 1)

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।

"Everything in this moving universe is enveloped by the Lord. One should enjoy with renunciation, not covet anybody's wealth."

Maitri Upanishad 6.34:

यदा चर्मवदाकाशं वेष्टयिष्यन्ति मानवाः |

"When men shall roll up space as if it were a piece of leather, then there will be an end of misery without the Grace of God."

Bhagavad Gita 9.22:

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते |

"To those who are constantly Devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."

These verses, like Sutra 38, convey the idea that the Ultimate Reality (God or the Divine) is the source of all existence and that human efforts are complemented by Divine Grace. They suggest that union with the Divine is not achievable solely through human endeavor; it requires the benevolent presence of the Divine, which is often bestowed through Grace. This Grace is available to those who live with a spirit of renunciation, as indicated in the Isha Upanishad, or to those who are devoted and worship with love, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita. The Maitri Upanishad verse poetically asserts that even if humans achieve the impossible, like rolling up space, without Divine Grace, the end of suffering is not attainable. Together, these verses reinforce the message that Grace is an essential and Divine element in the spiritual journey.