Sutra 46

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 46:

Means to develop Devotion

कस्तरति कस्तरति मायाम् ? यः सङ्गं त्यजति। यो महानुभावं सेवते। निर्ममो भवति॥ ४६॥

"Who crosses Maya? Who really crosses Maya? (1) He who gives up all attachments to sense objects; (2) He who serves the great Masters and (3) He who renounces all sense of possession in himself;"

In Sutras 46 to 50, Sage Nārada is again stressing that love alone ultimately leads man to his final Liberation. From Sutra 46 onwards, Sage Nārada now raises a new problem and discusses it exhaustively: ‘Who crosses, who crosses the Maya?’ After all, we are told Maya is very very powerful. How can we cross it and get real Devotion and the fulfilment of it? Can anybody cross the Maya? Is it ever really possible to exhaust these vāsanās and rediscover the Ᾱtman, the Consciousness within us? ‘Whoever he be’, Nārada answers, ‘he who renounces all attachment – saṅgam – to the world of objects, who clutches off his wrong and false relationship with the world, he will cross the māyā.’

This Sutra addresses the concept of Maya, often translated as "illusion" or "ignorance," which is a fundamental principle in Hindu philosophy referring to the deceptive power that makes the material world appear real. The verse suggests that one can transcend Maya by renouncing attachments to the transient material world, serving those who are spiritually advanced, and cultivating a sense of selflessness. This process leads to the Realization of the True Nature of Reality, which is beyond the illusory experiences of life.

The act of renouncing attachment is not merely the physical act of giving up possessions or relationships, but a deeper psychological release from the desires and aversions that bind one's Consciousness to the material plane. Serving the great, or mahānubhāva, implies engaging with and learning from those who have already Realized the ultimate truth, thereby gaining insight and guidance on the spiritual path. Becoming nirmamo, or selfless, involves dissolving the ego and the sense of 'mine-ness' that separates one from the Divine and from others, leading to a state of unity and Oneness with all existence.

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

Bhagavad Gita 13.34:

   

संसारसागरमथनं च यो वेद निर्ममः स तरति तरति।

   

"He who knows the churning of the ocean of worldly existence and is devoid of 'mine-ness', indeed crosses over it."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the sentiment of the Narada Bhakti Sutra, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of worldly existence and overcoming the ego to transcend the cycle of birth and death.

Isha Upanishad (Verse 1):

   

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्।

"Everything in this moving universe is enveloped by the Lord."

The Isha Upanishad begins with this profound statement, which sets the tone for a life of renunciation and selflessness. It implies that by seeing the Divine in everything, one can live a life of detachment and service.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 6.19:

   

यस्य देवे परा भक्तिर्यथा देवे तथा गुरौ।

   

"He who has supreme Devotion to God and as much Devotion to the Guru..."

This verse highlights the importance of Devotion to both God and one's spiritual teacher. It suggests that the path to overcoming Maya includes deep reverence and commitment to the guidance of a Guru, aligning with the idea of serving the great as mentioned in the Narada Bhakti Sutra.

These verses collectively emphasize the importance of detachment, service, and Devotion as means to transcend the illusory nature of the material world and Realize the Ultimate Truth.