Sutra 58

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 58:

अन्यस्मात् सौलभ्यं भक्तौ॥ ५८॥

"Devotion is easy to practice compared to other paths."

Sage Nārada has by now pointed out not only the distinct types among the seekers of devotion but has also classified the kinds of Devotion each type entertains. He now promises in a flood of hopeful reassurance that bhakti is possible for everyone and through it, all can reach the Highest. In order to encourage the student to seriously take up his practices, Sage Nārada continues, ‘Among all other yogas (paths) bhakti is more readily available.’ 

For example, to be a student of Vedānta (jñāna-yoga), one must have the requisites of discrimination (viveka), dispassion (vairāgya), burning desire to be free (mumukṣutva) and the six inner wealths (ṣaṭ-sampatti) – the six qualifications of control of mind (śama); restraining sense organs in their own centres (dama); inner quietude without any attachment or relationship to the external world (uparati); forbearance (titikṣā); faith (śraddhā); fixing of mind single pointedly (samādhāna). So many attributes are difficult for any one student to ever gain all of a sudden.

This Sutra emphasizes the accessibility and simplicity of the path of devotion (bhakti) in spiritual practice. Unlike other paths that may require rigorous discipline, asceticism, or intellectual study, bhakti is presented as a more straightforward and natural way to connect with the Divine. It suggests that love and Devotion towards God or the Ultimate Reality can be cultivated more easily and may not necessitate the renunciation or scholarly pursuits that other paths might demand.

The Sutra implies that the essence of bhakti is the heartfelt emotional connection to the Divine, which can be fostered through various expressions such as singing, prayer, and remembrance. This emotional bond is considered to be a powerful means to attain spiritual realization because it is rooted in the innate capacity for love that all beings possess. Therefore, bhakti is seen as a universal and inclusive path, accessible to all regardless of one's social status, education, or background.

Furthermore, the Sutra suggests that bhakti can be a joyful and fulfilling practice. The devotional acts are not just means to an end but are also cherished as an end in themselves. The joy derived from Devotion is both the path and the goal, making it a deeply satisfying spiritual journey. The simplicity and joy of bhakti make it an appealing path for many seekers.

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

Bhagavad Gita 12.20:

ये तु धर्म्यामृतमिदं यथोक्तं पर्युपासते |

श्रद्धधाना मत्परमा भक्तास्तेऽतीव मे प्रियाः || २० ||

"Those who follow this immortal dharma (doctrine) as presented herein, endowed with faith, regarding Me as their Supreme Goal, those devotees are exceedingly dear to Me."

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 as to God, to such a great soul, all the truths of the scriptures are revealed."

Bhakti Sutras of Sandilya 28:

अथातो भक्तिं व्याख्यास्यामः ||

"Now, therefore, we will explain the nature of Devotion."

These verses, like Narada Bhakti Sutra 58, highlight the significance of Devotion as a path to spiritual Realization. They underscore the importance of faith, love, and reverence towards the Divine and the Guru, and suggest that these qualities can illuminate the deepest spiritual truths. The common thread in these teachings is the accessibility of the devotional path and its effectiveness in leading the practitioner to a state of Divine union and enlightenment.