Sutra 49

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 49:

(Contd: Twelve ways to conquer Maya) 

यो वेदानपि संन्यस्यतिष केवलमविच्छिन्नानुरागं लभते॥ ४९॥

"(11)One who renounces even the Vedas and (12) remains absorbed solely in uninterrupted love for God attains the Highest State of Devotion."

Giving up the Vedas meaning, there is no more ‘I-do-mentality’ of ego (ahaṅkāra) in the devotee that ‘I’ am doing sādhanā, ‘I’ am doing worship, ‘I’ know so much and so on. When thus one’s sense of I-personality has been completely renounced, along with one’s useless intellectual inquiries and one’s pride in the studies already undertaken, one renounces his vanity in all book knowledge (meaning the Vedas as well as the vanity of having diligently performed all the elaborate rituals – rituals which entangle one in sense enjoyments here and hereafter). Thereafter, what does the individual do? What does he gain thereby? Then, says Nārada, ‘pure unbroken love alone comes to him.’

This love is like the unbroken flow of a river, as expressed in the analogy which Śrī Śaṅkarācarya so often uses, ‘like the constant stream of oil flowing from one pot to another’ in which there is no break. Unbroken, continuous – his mind becomes a constant flow towards Om, the Reality, rather than towards the objects, emotions and thoughts. This stream of pure love never leaves him; never is it dragged down from its heights, attracted either by the pleasures of the earth or of the heavens. Such love continuously flowing towards the Reality (Constant Remembrance ) is rare. In most cases it is not a constant flow – only a drop here and there, broken throughout the day by our sense of identity with our body, mind and intellect and other baser ideas and anxieties.

Meaning and Analysis:

- Renunciation Beyond Scriptures: 

The Sutra suggests that a devotee should go beyond mere intellectual understanding of scriptures. Even if one has studied the Vedas extensively, True Devotion lies in surrendering all knowledge and focusing solely on love for God.

- Uninterrupted Love: 

The term "avicchinnānurāgaṁ" refers to uninterrupted, unbroken love. The devotee's heart remains constantly absorbed in love for the Divine, without any distractions, also known as Constant Remembrance of God. 

- Highest Attainment: 

By renouncing all else and cultivating unwavering love (Constant Remembrance), the devotee reaches the pinnacle of spiritual Realization. This Highest State of pure Devotion leads to God Realization. 

Let's explore similar verses from other Vedic texts:

Taittiriya Upanishad:

  

 सत्यं ज्ञानं अनन्तं ब्रह्म ।

"Brahman is Truth, Knowledge, and Infinite."

The Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes the nature of Brahman as the Ultimate Reality. Like Narada's Sutra, it points to the essence beyond mere Knowledge.

Brahma Sutras:

 आनन्दमयो 'भ्यासत्।

 

"Brahman is Blissful due to its own Nature."

The Brahma Sutras discuss the nature of Brahman. Bliss (ānanda) arises from Realizing our inherent connection with the Divine.

Ishavasya Upanishad:

 ईशावास्यं इदं सर्वम् ।

 

"All this is enveloped by the Lord."

The Ishavasya Upanishad emphasizes that everything in existence is pervaded by the Divine. Love for God aligns with this understanding.

In summary, these verses converge on the idea that true spirituality transcends mere knowledge, leading to unwavering love for the Divine. Whether in the Narada Bhakti Sutra, Upanishads, or Brahma Sutras, the essence remains the same: Devotion is the key to Realizing the Infinite Truth.