Narada Bhakti Sutras - Text, Transliteration, Translation & Commentary /27

<page>
<ignore>1. THE NATURE OF DIVINE LOVE
 
19
 
</ignore>
<p text="C"><bold>Atha:</bold> Now: indicates that Narada Rishi is now

entering into the exposition of nature of Bhakti and

the means of attaining it, after having already ex-

pounded the other cults and disciplines of Karma,

Jnana, etc.
 
</p>
<p text="C"><bold>Athah</bold> therefore, alludes to the reasons that

prompted Narada to propound the Bhakti Sastra, viz.,

Bhakti itself leads to God-realisation and escape from

samsara. It is the easiest path. It can be followed by

any one. It is a help to those who aspire for Jnana.

Even Jnanis like Sankara, Madu Sudhana, Suka Dev

took to Bhakti after realisation to enjoy the sweetness

and loving relationship with God. Narada himself

likes Bhakti most and is eager to share his bliss of

love with others.
 
</p>
<p text="C">The term <bold>BHAKTI comes from the root '</bold> comes from the root &apos;Bhaj'&apos;,

which means "&quot;to be attached to God."&quot; Bhajan, wor-

ship, bhakti, anurag, prem, prithi are synonymous

terms. Bhakti is love for love'&apos;s sake. The devotee

wants God and God alone. There is no selfish expec-
tation here.
 

tation here.</p>
<p text="C"><bold>Vyakhyasyaamah:</bold> This means literally 'shall
comment upon'&apos;shall
comment upon&apos;. This work is not a commentary in the

usual sense of the term. It is a commentary on the

actual experiences of the devotees. It is not a mere

speculative philosophical exposition, based on reason.

Nor is it a second-hand knowledge based on other's
&apos;s
experiences. It is the exposition based on the author's
&apos;s
own personal experiences, supported by scriptures.
 
</p>
</page>