Sutra 70

The Narada Bhakti Sutra 70:

तन्मयाः॥ ७०॥

"Those who are absorbed in the Divine."

The seeker may wonder whether Nārada is not claiming too much importance for these supreme bhaktas! Here the sūtrakāra himself removes this doubt with the assurance that these souls are one with Him, they are full with Him. Lord alone has come to refill their bosom, from wherein the ego has been renounced, wherein the mind and its lust are dead and gone. Such saints are the walking gods upon the earth; their body has become the true temple of the Lord. These devotees, ever praying in the sanctum sanctorum of their own hearts for the welfare of all, move about in society, naturally unconscious of themselves and how others consider them.

In the context of the Narada Bhakti Sutra, "tanmayah" refers to individuals who are completely immersed and absorbed in the Divine (also known as Constant Remembrance). These individuals have attained a state of complete surrender and Oneness with the Divine. They have transcended their ego and worldly attachments, and their entire being is filled with Devotion and Love for the Divine.

Such a state of absorption in the Divine leads to a profound spiritual experience. It is not merely an intellectual understanding or belief in the existence of the Divine, but a deep and experiential connection with the Divine. The Sutra emphasizes that this level of absorption is the pinnacle of Devotion, where the devotee becomes inseparable from the Divine, and their actions, thoughts, and emotions are guided solely by their Devotion.

Now, let's compare this sutra with similar verses from Vedic texts to provide a broader context. 

One such verse can be found in the Bhagavad Gita (9.22), which states:

"To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."

This verse highlights the significance of Constant Devotion and love towards the Divine (Constant Remembrance), similar to the concept of absorption in the Narada Bhakti Sutra. It emphasizes that through unwavering devotion, one can attain a deeper understanding and connection with the divine.

Another relevant verse can be found in the Yoga Vashishta, which states:

"The mind of the wise one is absorbed in the Supreme Self, and hence he is totally free from all attachments and aversions."

This verse emphasizes the importance of absorption in the Supreme Self for attaining Realization. It aligns with the idea presented in the Narada Bhakti Sutra, where complete absorption in the Divine leads to freedom from worldly attachments.

In conclusion, Narada Bhakti Sutra 70 highlights the state of being absorbed in the Divine, where one's entire existence is dedicated to Devotion and Love for the Divine. This Sutra signifies a level of spiritual attainment where the devotee becomes one with the Divine, guiding their actions and thoughts solely through their Devotion.