Sutra 53

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 53:

प्रकाशते क्वापि पात्रे॥ ५३॥

"Divine Love shines forth only in the heart that is prepared."

When Devarṣi Nārada asserts that love in its pure state of Devotion is indescribable, let us not misunderstand that it is also inexperienceable. Deep and true devotion in its state of utter fulfilment is experienceable but inexpressible.

Such a pure love, such a Devotion in all its fulfilment, comes to manifest or express itself in the bosoms of only a very rare set of individuals. Based upon this same eternal truth, Lord Kṛṣṇa explains in the Gītā why this love comes to manifest very very rarely: ‘At the end of many births, the wise man comes to Me, Realizing that all this is Vāsudeva (the innermost Self), such a great soul (Mahātmā) is very hard to find.’ Even though we may all try, this anubhava will manifest only in some rare bosom in certain prepared and polished ‘vessels’ only in fit recipients.

This Sutra emphasizes the importance of the receptivity of the heart for Divine Love to manifest. The heart, in this context, refers to the innermost core of one's being, which must be pure and free from selfish desires and egoistic tendencies. It suggests that Divine Love is not something that can be forced or acquired through mere intellectual understanding; it must be experienced in a heart that is ready and willing. This readiness involves a process of inner purification and surrender to the Divine Will.

The heart that is prepared is likened to a clean mirror that accurately reflects the light shone upon it. Similarly, when the heart is cleansed of impurities, it becomes capable of reflecting Divine Love. This state of preparedness is not limited to any specific time, place, or person; it can manifest in anyone, anywhere, provided the conditions within the heart are met. The Sutra implies that Divine Love is ever-present and waiting to be revealed, but it is the preparedness of the individual that determines its manifestation.

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

Bhagavad Gita 9.22: 

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।

तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥

"To those who are constantly Devoted and worship Me with love, I carry the burden of their welfare."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita resonates with the idea of preparedness and Devotion. It assures that for those whose hearts are Devoted and who think of the Divine constantly (Constant Remembrance), the Divine itself takes responsibility for their well-being.

Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1:

सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म तज्जलानिति शान्त उपासीत।

अथ खलु क्रतुमयोऽयं पुरुषो यज्ञेन यज्ञमयजन्त देवाः॥

"All this is indeed Brahman. From Him, it emerges; into Him, it dissolves; in Him, it breathes. Therefore, one should meditate in tranquility. The self is made of desire; the gods worshipped with sacrifice."

This Upanishadic verse highlights the omnipresence of the Divine and encourages meditation on this truth. It aligns with the Bhakti Sutra in suggesting that Realization comes from a tranquil and focused heart.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 6.23:

 

यस्य देवे परा भक्तिर्यथा देवे तथा गुरौ।

तस्यैते कथिता ह्यर्थाः प्रकाशन्ते महात्मनः॥

"To the one who has Supreme Devotion to God and as much to the Guru, to such a great soul, all the Truths of the scriptures are revealed."

This verse echoes the sentiment of the Bhakti Sutra, stating that the truths become clear to those who have profound Devotion, both to the Divine and to their spiritual teacher.

These verses collectively emphasize the significance of a heart that is Devoted, tranquil, and prepared for the Divine to reveal itself. The common thread is the necessity of inner purity and focused Devotion for spiritual Realization.