The Narad Bhakti Sutra is a Hindu scripture on the Path of Devotion to attain Self-Realization. It was written by the highly venerated, Divine Sage Narad. Narad is an immortal Divine Being who is a highly accomplished and pure devotee of Lord Vishnu. He has the power to travel across the entire Universe and all realms of Existence. His sole occupation is spreading devotion ( called as Bhakti in Sanskrit) towards Lord Narayan or Vishnu. He carries a musical instrument called as veena and plays it while singing the glory of Lord Narayan. He is very dear to Lord Narayan and out of supreme compassion and through the will of Lord Vishnu, He has written a book called as the Narad Bhakti Sutra which literally translates to " The Key to Devotion as by Narad".
Please don't get puzzled as to how this religious book will be helpful to you. Actually it is a very simple guide for people in all age brackets, profession, gender, religion, nationality caste or creed. It is the universal guide to connect with God while living in the world and facing all challenges of life. Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa, a great Indian mystic has categorically stated that for current times, the Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) is apt for attaining Self-Realization. This is so because, nowadays the human body and mind are riddled with weakness, disease and restlessness. It is quite a challenge to do meditation, yoga, knowledge studies etc. However, Bhakti Yoga is the most suitable as it is feasible for everyone irrespective of his capability. But then the question comes, how to do Bhakti Yoga ? Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa recommends Narad Bhakti Sutra as very good guide for the same.
So what do we gain by reading Narad Bhakti Sutra ? Firstly, you will be glad to know that even in your existing present condition, you can start practicing Bhakti Yoga right away ! Secondly, you will be able to apply the right principles and methods for following this path. Thirdly, you will feel immensely relieved to know that you can practice Bhakti Yoga throughout your life without disturbing anything whatsoever in your life. Aren't you excited and eager already to read this wonderful book ?
So let us briefly understand this book. Sage Narad has written this book in just 84 verses. These 84 verses can be grouped in 9 chapters as follows
- Definition of Bhakti.
- Importance of renunciation and self-surrender.
- Exemplars of Divine Love.
- Bhakti as the highest goal of human life.
- Suggestions on how to practice Divine Love.
- Importance of seeking holy company.
- Difference between preparatory and Supreme Devotion.
- Forms of Divine Love.
- Practice of ethical virtues and worship of God.
An essence of the book can be briefed as below:
Bhakti is intense love for God. Giving up all other refuge, the Bhakta or Devotee takes refuge in God. Bhakti is greater than Karma, greater than Gyana (Knowledge), greater than meditation, because Bhakti itself is its result, because Bhakti is both the means and the end (fruit). The principal cause of Bhakti is the mercy of a great (or free) soul. Bhakti is the easiest way of worship. It is its own proof and does not require any other. Its nature is peace and perfect bliss. Bhakti never seeks to injure anyone or anything not even the popular modes of worship. Merging the trinity of Love, Lover, and Beloved, worship God as His eternal servant, His eternal bride — thus love is to be made unto God. That love is highest which is concentrated upon God. When a man loves God so much, his forefathers rejoice, the gods dance, and the earth gets a Master! To such lovers there is no difference of caste, sex, knowledge, form, birth, or wealth. Giving up all other thoughts, the whole mind should day and night worship God. Thus being worshipped day and night, He reveals Himself and makes His worshippers feel Him.
There are many books that explain Narad Bhakti Sutra in details. But the highly recommended is " Narad Bhakti Sutras" by Swami Bhuteshananda, published by Adwaita Ashram, Kolkata, India. (ISBN:9788175051997).
Buy your copy and start your joyful journey to Divine Bliss and Love ! May the Lord Bless you with pure Devotion !
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