Sutra 50

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 50:

स तरति स तरति। स लोकांस्तारयति॥ ५०॥

"He crosses, indeed he crosses (the ocean of Samsara). He helps others also to cross."

He having become perfect in his love crosses; he indeed crosses the Maya. After enumerating the twelve conditions to be created in our personality, the teacher concludes that such an individual indeed crosses over; certainly he will cross over the Maya. Not only will he cross over the Maya, but afterwards he will help the world to cross over it. Love or devotion is not a selfish end in itself. Love is insistent by its very nature. Once having achieved this liberating love, the devotee remains immersed for a time in it, submerged and breathlessly drowned in its ecstacy. It is such an individual alone, possessing all these qualities and having crossed himself over the Maya – meaning having realised the experience of the Brahman – such a one alone is the Master who comes to help others also to cross over the limited life of sorrow in finitude.

This Sutra emphasizes the transformative power of Bhakti (Devotion). The repeated phrase "स तरति" (he crosses) signifies the certainty and repeated success in overcoming the metaphorical ocean of existence, or Samsara, which is characterized by the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The one who is imbued with Bhakti not only attains liberation for themselves but also becomes a beacon for others, guiding them towards the same goal. The Sutra suggests that true Devotion is not just a personal achievement; it has a ripple effect, inspiring and elevating those around the devotee.

The act of crossing over refers to achieving Moksha or liberation, which is the Ultimate Goal in many Hindu philosophies. This liberation is not from physical bondage but from the cycle of life and death and the associated sufferings. Bhakti is portrayed here as a powerful force that not only liberates the individual but also empowers them to assist others on their spiritual journey. The essence of this Sutra lies in the communal aspect of spiritual growth, where individual enlightenment contributes to the collective liberation of society.

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

Chandogya Upanishad 7.25.2:

सर्वांश्च लोकानाप्नोति सर्वांश्च लोकान्तरति॥

   

"He obtains all worlds and transcends all worlds."

Bhagavad Gita 4.36:

अपि चेदसि पापेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यः पापकृत्तमः।

सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं संतरिष्यसि॥

   

"Even if you are the most sinful of all sinners, you shall verily cross all sins by the raft of Knowledge."

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9:

ब्रह्मविदाप्नोति परं तदेषाभ्युक्ता।

सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं ब्रह्म॥

   

"The Knower of the Supreme Brahman attains the Highest. The Truth, Knowledge, and Infinity is Brahman."

These verses from the Vedic texts resonate with the message of the Narada Bhakti Sutra, highlighting the theme of transcendence and liberation through knowledge, Devotion, and Realization of the Ultimate Truth. They all convey the idea that spiritual wisdom or Devotion leads to Realization, not just for oneself but for all beings, indicating the universal and inclusive nature of these teachings.