The Narada Bhakti Sutra (IAST: ) is a well known sutra venerated within the traditions of Hinduism, reportedly spoken by the famous sage, Narada. The text details the process of devotion (Bhakti), or Bhakti yoga and is thus of particular importance to many of the Bhakti movements within Hinduism. It has received particular attention among the Vaishnava traditions.
Sanskrit scriptures often appear in variant editions which may show differences in organization and verse numbering. For example, in the translation by Swami Prabhavananda there are eighty-four verses arranged in nine chapters, whereas in the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his disciple Satsvarupa dasa the eighty-four verses are organised into five chapters.
As organized by Swami Prabhavananda, the text covers the following subjects:
Chapter 1 (verses 1–6) provides a definition of bhakti. Chapter 2 (verses 7–14) stresses the importance of renunciation and self-surrender. Chapter 3 (verses 15–24) provides exemplars of divine love. Chapter 4 (verses 25–33) endorses bhakti as the highest goal of human life. Chapter 5 (verses 34–42) provides suggestions on how to practice divine love. Chapter 6 (verses 43–50) explains the importance of seeking holy company. Chapter 7 (verses 51–57) discusses the difference between preparatory and supreme devotion. Chapter 8 (verses 58–73) covers the forms of divine love. Chapter 9 (verses 74–84) recommends the practice of ethical virtues and worship of God.
In the translation by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada the chapters break at similar points, but with the first four chapters arranged into double the amount of verses:
Chapter 1 (verses 1–14) The Value of Devotion
Chapter 2 (verses 15–33) Defining Bhakti
Chapter 3 (verses 34–50) The Means of Achievement
Chapter 4 (verses 51–73) Pure and Mixed Devotion
Chapter 5 (verses 74–84) Attaining Perfection
Key Concepts
Within the text Narada explains the perfectional stage of pure devotion; the process to achieve this state; gives quotations from other Vedic personalities on the subject matter; things to avoid when developing bhakti; and finally explains the nature of selfless love and the different forms of attachment to the Supreme person.
Pure devotion
Firstly bhakti itself is defined as being "the most elevated, pure love for God" which is eternal by nature and through following which one obtains perfect peace and immortality (release from samsara). The symptoms of such devotion are that one no longer has any selfish desires, nor is affected by the dualities of loss or gain for himself being fully content with (and experiencing ecstasy through) the process of bhakti itself. Narada describes that lust is absent in those who execute bhakti purely because they naturally have no personal desires to fulfill.
The aspirant bhakta is encouraged to renounce "social customs" and "religious rituals" and to focus purely on service to God with exclusive dedication, being indifferent to whatever may stand in the way of such service. Activities of social custom and religious rituals that are favorable to devotional service are still promoted but devotional activities are given as "the only means for reaching the perfection of life."
The text then goes on to quote Vyasa, Garga and Sandilya in terms of their opinions on what is bhakti, giving the opinion that all three are correct but declaring in conclusion that "bhakti consists of offering one's every act to the Supreme Lord and feeling extreme distress in forgetting Him". The Gopis (cowherd women) of Vrindavan are given as an example of devotees who display this form of pure bhakti, but warning is also given about 'false devotion' that imitates this perfectional stage. Narada follows this warning by stating, "Furthermore, the Lord dislikes the proud but is pleased with the humble".
Bhakti begets bhakti
An important point is made in verse 30 in regard to the relationship between bhakti and knowledge: "But the son of Brahma [Narada] says that bhakti is its own fruit". In his commentary, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada further describes in regard to this verse that "bhakti is not dependent on anything else for nourishment" being complete in itself, without dependence on the paths of either knowledge or renunciation.
Obtaining bhakti
The methods initially described for obtaining bhakti are as follows:
Giving up worldly pleasures and the close company of others who indulge in such activities Worshipping the Supreme Lord ceaselessly Hearing and speaking about the Lord's special qualities and activities