2026-03-22 15:51:38 by akprasad
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NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS
The Bhakti Sutras of Narada number 84 in all.
The first twenty-four of them deal with the nature
of Bhakti. The next nine Sutras, i.e., 25 to 33 explain
why and how the path of Bhakti is superior to Karma,
Jnana and Yoga.
Sutras 34 to 50 (seventeen in all) describe the
methods by which Bhakti may be practised and
developed.
The next sixteen Sutras (51 to 66) give a des-
cription of the external marks by which Bhakti can
be detected in a true devotee.
The last 18 Sutras (67 to 84) glorify the great
realised souls who are full of devotion to the Lord.
ORIGIN OF NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS
Sri Veda Vyasa was staying in his hermitage of
Badarikasrama. One day Narada went to the Ashram
in the course of his wanderings. Sri Vyasa welcom-
ed the Rishi with due rites and said, "Man seeks
freedom etc. But without devotion it is dry. Devotion
does not lead directly to the goal. Knowledge bestows
freedom, etc. But without devotion, it is dry. Devotion
is the only way for attaining salvation. All the others
have importance only in so far as they are auxiliary
to it. I humbly ask you to explain to me the virtue
of devotion."
Narada said, "Your disciple Jaimini has already
discussed the problem of action in the Purva
Mimamsa. You have yourself completed the enquiry
of the problem of knowledge in the Uttara-Mimamsa.
NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS
The Bhakti Sutras of Narada number 84 in all.
The first twenty-four of them deal with the nature
of Bhakti. The next nine Sutras, i.e., 25 to 33 explain
why and how the path of Bhakti is superior to Karma,
Jnana and Yoga.
Sutras 34 to 50 (seventeen in all) describe the
methods by which Bhakti may be practised and
developed.
The next sixteen Sutras (51 to 66) give a des-
cription of the external marks by which Bhakti can
be detected in a true devotee.
The last 18 Sutras (67 to 84) glorify the great
realised souls who are full of devotion to the Lord.
ORIGIN OF NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS
Sri Veda Vyasa was staying in his hermitage of
Badarikasrama. One day Narada went to the Ashram
in the course of his wanderings. Sri Vyasa welcom-
ed the Rishi with due rites and said, "Man seeks
freedom etc. But without devotion it is dry. Devotion
does not lead directly to the goal. Knowledge bestows
freedom, etc. But without devotion, it is dry. Devotion
is the only way for attaining salvation. All the others
have importance only in so far as they are auxiliary
to it. I humbly ask you to explain to me the virtue
of devotion."
Narada said, "Your disciple Jaimini has already
discussed the problem of action in the Purva
Mimamsa. You have yourself completed the enquiry
of the problem of knowledge in the Uttara-Mimamsa.