Sutra 57

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 57:

उत्तरस्मादुत्तरस्मात् पूर्वपूर्वा श्रेयाय भवति॥ ५७॥

"From each preceding one (type of secondary bhakti), the next one is nobler."

The least evolved, the arthārthī, prompted by the tāmasika qualities in him, begs of the Lord the limited joys of sensuality – that also is called as devotion: ‘Oh Lord, give me bread, clothing and shelter; give me children, wealth and position and so on.’ Even this type has been noted, recognised and recorded by Nārada because even they are on the path of seeking. Only their mental calibre does not permit them to seek the Divine directly.

The next type defined is jijñāsu, rājasika in nature, he wants to venture forth into the daring realms of investigation. Intellectually alert and vigilant but not having the deep spiritual restlessness, he is craving to understand that which is the higher Reality. His intellectual discontent makes him adventuresome and aggressive. He studies, enquires, discusses and even if he practises, it is mainly out of a curiosity to gain some confirmation of his vague knowledge of the Self gleaned from books.

The highest secondary Devotion type, the ārta is discontented with the longing for his personality Liberation (mokṣa). He is dispirited with everything, disinterested in everything and he can find no satisfaction in anything any longer in the world. He demands the highest spiritual experience itself. His mind has come away from the world of physical hungers and intellectual urges. Mere philosophy or idealistic thought cannot satisfy him for, he has a state of complete material ‘dissatisfaction’ and ‘detachment’ (vairāgya). Totally under the influence of sattva, he has a claim on the Supreme Experience Transcendental (Brahman).

This Sutra emphasizes the progressive nature of Devotion and spiritual practice. The idea is that each step taken on the path of devotion leads to a higher state than the previous one. It suggests a journey of continuous improvement and deepening of one's relationship with the Divine. The Sutra encourages aspirants to persist in their spiritual practices, assuring them that their efforts will lead to greater and greater rewards.

In the context of bhakti, or devotional service, this Sutra can be understood to mean that as one advances in Devotion, their experiences and Realization s become increasingly profound. The initial stages of devotion might involve rituals and ceremonies, but as one progresses, they move towards a more personal and intimate connection with the Divine. This evolution in practice reflects a corresponding transformation within the devotee, where the heart becomes more purified and filled with love for God.

The Ultimate Goal of this progression is to reach a state of pure love of God, which is considered the highest form of Devotion. This state is characterized by a complete absorption in and surrender to the Divine will, where the devotee sees God in everything and everything in God. The Sutra thus serves as both a roadmap and an encouragement for spiritual aspirants, indicating that every effort made in the direction of Divine Love is a step towards the ultimate goal of life.

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

Bhagavad Gita (18.78):

यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः।

 तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम॥

"Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion."

This verse echoes the sentiment that the presence of the Divine (Krishna) and Devotion (Arjuna) brings about the highest good.

Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1):

सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं ब्रह्म

"Truth, Knowledge, Infinity is Brahman."

It suggests that the Ultimate Reality (Brahman) is the source of Truth and Knowledge, and is Infinite. As one progresses in understanding and experiencing Brahman, they move closer to these Divine qualities.

Annapurna Stotram:

अन्नपूर्ण सदा पूर्णा शंकरप्राणवल्लभे।

 ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति॥

"O Annapurna, who is always full, complete, and beloved consort of Shankara (Lord Shiva), give me alms for the attainment of Knowledge and dispassion."

It reflects the idea that spiritual nourishment is essential for the growth of knowledge and dispassion, leading to liberation.

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 57, highlight the importance of progression in spiritual life, where each step forward brings one closer to the Divine and to the Ultimate Truth.