Sutra 39

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 39: The value of association with great souls

महत्सङ्गस्तु दुर्लभोऽगम्योऽमोघश्च॥ ३९॥

(Till the last Sutra Sage Nārada was indicating the opinion of the great thinkers. In these following Sutras he is emphasising his own opinion with a conviction born out of his self-assuring experience). 

"The company or the Grace of great learned people is difficult to get, is not easily attained, and never goes waste."

This Sutra emphasizes the rarity and value of the association with great souls or enlightened beings. The term 'महत्सङ्ग' (mahatsanga) refers to the company of the great, which is said to be 'दुर्लभ' (durlabha), meaning rare or hard to find. The word 'अगम्य' (agamyo) suggests that such company is not easily accessible or understood, and 'अमोघ' (amogha) indicates that it is infallible or unfailing in its effect. The Sutra implies that the presence of such individuals can have a profound and positive impact on one's spiritual journey.

Truly great souls are indeed at any given period of history very rare and therefore, it is not always possible for all people to come into contact with such perfect Masters. Even when we come in contact with them, it is extremely difficult to recognise their greatness and to tune ourselves fully to them. We are apt to misunderstand the great Masters as inconvenient entities. 

The rarity of mahatsanga is due to the fact that truly enlightened individuals are few, and their presence is a gift that cannot be sought out through ordinary means. Their wisdom and virtues are subtle and profound, often beyond the grasp of the uninitiated. The association with such beings is considered invaluable because it can lead to a transformation of one's own character and perspective, aligning them more closely with spiritual truths.

The infallibility of mahatsanga lies in its transformative power. The influence of great souls is said to be amogha, or never in vain, because it plants the seeds of spiritual awakening and growth. Even a brief encounter can leave a lasting impression, steering an individual towards a path of Self-Realization and enlightenment.

When the right type of a student who is fit for the Knowledge, meets a true Teacher, the transformation that takes place in the student is almost miraculous and sure. Devarṣi Nārada here has said that the influence of a true Master is unerringly sure and infallibly helpful at all times to all sincere and serious students.

For context, let's compare this with similar verses from Vedic texts:

Bhagavad Gita 12.11:

चित्तस्य शुद्धये कर्म 

"If you are unable to focus your mind steadily on Me, then seek to reach Me by the practice of any other spiritual discipline that suits you well." 

This verse highlights the importance of finding a suitable spiritual path, which often comes through the guidance of enlightened beings.

Panchadasi (by Vidyaranya)1.16:

सत्सङ्गत्वे निस्सङ्गत्वं 

"Through the company of the good, there arises non-attachment." 

This verse echoes the sentiment of the Narada Bhakti Sutra, suggesting that association with great souls leads to detachment from worldly concerns and a focus on the spiritual.

Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.12:

तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत्

 

"To know That, one should go to a Teacher." 

This verse underscores the necessity of seeking out a teacher for spiritual knowledge, aligning with the idea that the company of the enlightened is both rare and invaluable.

These verses from different texts all point towards the significance of guidance from spiritually advanced individuals in one's quest for enlightenment. They highlight the transformative effect such association can have, leading to detachment, understanding, and ultimately, Self-Realization. The consistent message across these texts is that the path to spiritual growth is greatly enhanced by the influence of those who have already traversed it.