NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA : 3 TRANSLATIONS | NARADA

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 01 | NARADA

Athato bhaktim vyakhyasyamah

1. Now , therefore , we shall teach Bhakti , or the Religion of Divine Love .

2. Now , therefore , I will try to explain the process of devotional service .

3. Now , therefore , the doctrine of devotion we shall expound .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 02 | NARADA

Sa tvasmin parama-prema-rupa

1. Bhakti is intense love for GOD .

2. Devotional service manifests as the most elevated , pure love for GOD .

3. That ( Devotion ) is indeed of the nature of Supreme Love in ( directed towards ) GOD .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 03 | NARADA

Amritasvarupa cha

1. In its intrinsic nature this divine love is immortal bliss .

2. This pure love for GOD is eternal .

3. The Supreme Love for the Lord , called Devotion Divine , is of the nature of immortality also .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 04 | NARADA

Yallabdhva puman siddho bhavati , amrito bhavati tripto bhavati

1. By attaining IT , one becomes perfect , immortal , and satisfied forever .

2. Upon achieving that stage of transcendental devotional service in pure love of GOD , one becomes perfect , immortal , and peaceful .

3. Having gained this Supreme Devotion , the devotee attains perfection and immortality and becomes extremely satisfied .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 05 | NARADA

Yatprapya na Kinchidvanchati na sochatina dveshti na ramate notsahi bhavati

1. On attaining That one does not desire anything else ; one grieves no more , one is free from hatred or jealousy ; one does not take pleasure in the vanities of life ; and one loses all eagerness to gain anything for oneself .

2. A person engaged in such pure devotional service neither desires anything for sense gratification , nor laments for any loss , nor hates anything , nor enjoys anything on personal account , nor becomes very enthusiastic in material activity .

3. Having attained which ( Devotion ) one cares for nothing , never grieves , never hates , never delights in anything and one finds no urge or enthusiasm for sense enjoyment .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 06 | NARADA

Yajinatva matto bhavati sthabdho bhavatyatmaramo bhavati

1. The devotee may first become intoxicated with bliss . Then , having realized That , one becomes inert and silent and takes delight in the Atman .

2. One who understands perfectly the process of devotional service in love of GODhead becomes intoxicated in its discharge . Sometimes one becomes stunned in ecstasy and thus enjoys one's whole self , being engaged in the service of the Supreme Self .

3. Having known which ( Devotion ) one becomes intoxicated , silent , and enjoys in the Self .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 07 | NARADA

Sa na kamayamana nirodharupatvat

1. Bhakti cannot be used to fulfill any desire , being itself the check to all desire .

2. There is no question of lust in the execution of pure devotional service , because in it all material activities are renounced .

3. Because it is of the nature of renunciation there is no element of desire in that Love Divine .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 08 | NARADA

Nirodhastu lokavedavyaparanyasah.

1. Renunciation means dedication of all activities , secular as well as sacred , to GOD .

2. Such renunciation in devotional service means to give up all kinds of social customs and religious rituals governed by Vedic injunction .

3. The renunciation , indeed , is in the total giving up of all secular and religious activities .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 09 | NARADA

Tasminnananyata tadvirodhishudasinathacha

1. A Bhakta's renunciation means that one's whole soul goes toward GOD , and whatever militates against love for GOD one rejects .

2. Renunciation also means being exclusively dedicated to the Lord and indifferent to what stands in the way of the Lord's service .

3. In the Lord whole-hearted , single-minded devotion , and in all else that are contrary to it ( Devotion ) , complete indifference — this is the nature of renunciation .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 10 | NARADA

Anyasrayanam tyagonanyata

1. Whole-souled devotion means giving up every other refuge and taking refuge in GOD .

2. Exclusive dedication to the Lord means giving up all shelters other .

3. Renunciation of all other supports is whole-heartedness ( in Devotion ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 11 | NARADA

Lokavedeshu tadanukulacharanamtadvirodhishudasinata

1. To reject whatever militates against love for GOD means performance of such secular and sacred activities as are favorable to devotion to GOD .

2. Indifference toward what stands in the way of devotional service means to accept only those activities of social custom and Vedic injunction that are favorable to devotional service .

3. To perform all secular and religious functions that are congenial to GOD and ( to have ) total indifference to all action that are hostile to GOD . . . ( that is " indifference " ).

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 12 | NARADA

Bhavatu nischayadadhyadurdhvamsastrarakshanam.

1. Scriptures are to be followed as long as one's spiritual life is not firmly established in GOD .

2. One must continue to follow scriptural injunctions even after one is fixed up in determined certainty that devotional service is the only means for reaching the perfection of life .

3. After having thus decided to live the life of whole-hearted devotion , let there be protection of the Scriptural teachings .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 13 | NARADA

Anyatha patitya sankaya

1. For , otherwise there is the risk of a fall .

2. Otherwise there is every possibility of falling down .

3. Or else , there is the fear of a fall ( from the Spiritual path ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 14 | NARADA

Lokopi tavadeva kintu bhojanadivyaparastvasariradharanavadhi

1. Social customs and practices need only be followed until one's love for GOD grows intense ; but acts such as eating , drinking , etc , which are necessary for the preservation of the body , must not be given up .

2. For as long as the body lasts , one should engage minimally in social and political activities and in such matters as eating .

3. The worldly duties in the various social contacts are also to be performed only to that extent ( so long as the consciousness of the external world continues with us ) , but activities such as eating , etc , indeed will continue as long as the body exists .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 15 | NARADA

Tallakshanani vachyantenanamatabhedat

1. The characteristics of divine love have been described variously by sages because of difference in their viewpoints .

2. Now the characteristics of devotional service will be described according to various authoritative opinions .

3. Its ( Devotion or Bhakti’s ) characteristics are being described now ; due to the existence of different opinions .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 16 | NARADA

Pujadishvanurage iti parasaryah

1. Vyasa , offspring of Parasara , defines Bhakti as devotion to acts of worship and the like .

2. Srila Vyasadeva , offspring of Parasara Muni , says that bhakti is fond attachment for worshiping the Lord in various ways .

3. " In the worship of the Lord with deep Love and firm attachment " , thus declares the offspring of Parasara , Sri Veda Vyasa.

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 17 | NARADA

Kathadishviti Gargah

1. The sage Garge defines Bhakti as devotion to hearing and praising the name of GOD .

2. Garga Muni says that bhakti is fondness for narrations about the Lord , by the Lord , and so on .

3. " A great attachment to listening to the stories of the Lord's glories etc is Bhakti " , according to Maharshi Garga .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 18 | NARADA

Atmaratyavirodheneti Sandilyah

1. The sage Sandilya defines Bhakti as avoiding all distracting thoughts, and taking delight only in the Atman .

2. Sandilya says that bhakti results from one's removing all obstructions to taking pleasure in the Supreme Self .

3. " The devotion for GOD , which is not opposed to attachment to the inner-Self is true Devotion " , according to Sage Shandilya .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 19 | NARADA

Naradastu tadarpitakhilacharatatadvismarane paramavyakulateti

1. Narada gives these as the signs of Bhakti : When all thoughts , all words , and all deeds are given up to the Lord , and when the least forgetfulness of GOD makes one intensely miserable , then love has begun .

2. Narada , however , says that bhakti consists of offering one's every act to the Supreme Lord and feeling extreme distress in forgetting .

3. According to Devarshi Narada " total dedication of all actions at the Altar of the Lord, and at all moments of forgetfulness of the Lord , excruciating pangs " is Supreme Love-Divine ( Bhakti ).

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 20 | NARADA

Astyevamevam

1. Examples exist of such perfect expressions of love .

2. Bhakti is , in fact, correctly described in each of these ways .

3. Let it be exactly as described above .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 21 | NARADA

Yatha vrajagopikanam

1. As the Gopis of Vraja had it .

2. The Gopis of Vraja are an example of pure Bhakti .

3. Just as the Love of the Gopis of Vraja .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 22 | NARADA

Tatrapi namahatmyajnanavismrityapavadah

1. Although worshiping Krishna as their lover , the Gopis never forgot Krishna's GOD-nature .

2. Even in the case of the gopis , one cannot criticize them for forgetting the Lord's greatness .

3. Even there , in this condition of total love , there is no danger of forgetting the Glory of Lord .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 23 | NARADA

Tadvihinam jaranamiva

1. If they did not have that knowledge that Krishna was GOD , then their love would have been similar to the base passion of a worldly lover for a lover .

2. On the other hand , displays of devotion without knowledge of GOD's greatness are no better than the affairs of illicit lovers.

3. Love without the knowledge of the Lord's true nature ( is ) like the illicit love for the paramour .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 24 | NARADA

Nasthyeva tasminstatsukhasukhitvam

1. In lust there in only the desire for one's own pleasure ; one's happiness does not consist in making the beloved happy .

2. In such false devotion one does not find pleasure exclusively in the Lord's pleasure .

3. In the profane love for the paramour the sense of happiness in the happiness given to another , surely does not exist at all .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 25 | NARADA

Sa tu karmajnanayogebhyopyadhikatara

1. Bhakti is greater than Karma , greater than Jnana , greater than Yoga ( Raja Yoga ) .

2. Pure devotional service , on the other hand , is far superior to fruitive work , philosophical speculation , and mystic meditation .

3. The supreme Devotion ( Bhakti ) is indeed , as a technique even superior to the Path of Action ( Karma ) , the Path of Knowledge ( Gyana ) , and the path of Disciplined Contemplation ( Yoga ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 26 | NARADA

Phalarupatvat

1. For Bhakti is the ultimate end or goal of spiritual life . All other paths lead to its realization .

2. After all , Bhakti is the fruit of all endeavor .

3. Because it is of the Nature of the fruits of all Yogas .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 27 | NARADA

Easvarasyapyabhimanadveshitvad dainya priyattvaccha

1. Bhakti is the greatest also because GOD dislikes egotism and loves humility .

2. Furthermore , the Lord dislikes the proud but is pleased with the humble .

3. Also because of GOD’s dislike for egoism and because of the love for meekness ( Devotion alone is superior ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 28 | NARADA

Tasya jnanameva sadhanamityeke

1. Some are of the opinion that knowledge is the means to attain Bhakti .

2. Some say that knowledge is the means for developing Devotion .

3. " For the Love Divine , Knowledge alone is the means " , so say some Acharyas .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 29 | NARADA

Anyonyasrayatvamityanye

1. Others are of the opinion that Knowledge and Devotion are interdependent .

2. Others consider Bhakti and Knowledge interdependent .

3. " Mutually dependent " , declare others .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 30 | NARADA

Svayam phalarupateti brahmakumarah

1. Narada says that spiritual realization is its won fruit .

2. But the offspring of Brahma says that Bhakti is its own fruit .

3. " It ( Bhakti ) is its own fruit " thus say the offspring of Brahma the Creator .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 31-32 | NARADA

Rajagrihabhojanadishu tathaivadrishtatvat
Na tena rajaparitosha kshudhasantirva

1. One cannot please a ruler by merely knowing about the ruler and seeing the palace, nor can one satisfy hunger by the mere knowledge and sight of food ; similarly one cannot be satisfied by the Knowledge or perception of GOD until Love comes .

2. This is illustrated by the examples of a royal palace , a meal , and so on . A ruler is not really satisfied just by seeing a palace , nor can someone placate one's hunger just by looking at a meal .

3. Because it is seen demonstrated as such in the examples of places and dinner etc . Because of it ( a mere knowledge alone ) neither the favor of the ruler nor the appeasement of hunger can ever happen .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 33 | NARADA

Tasmatsaiva grahya mumukshubhihi

1. Therefore , those who desire to transcend all limitations and bondages ( of birth , death , rebirth , of all the pairs of opposites in this relative world ) must accept Supreme Love as the highest goal .

2. Therefore seekers of liberation should take to Devotional service alone .

3. Therefore , that Supreme Love for GOD alone is to be sought after by seekers of complete Liberation .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 34 | NARADA

Tasya sadhanani gayanti acharyaha

1. The great teachers describe in hymns and songs the following as the means of attaining supreme love .

2. Standard authorities have described the methods for achieving devotional service .

3. Ancient teachers sing differently upon the means of developing this Devotion in the bosom .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 35 | NARADA

Tattu Vishaya Tyagat Sangatyagaccha

1. To attain supreme love , one must renounce the objects of sense pleasure as well as attachment to them .

2. One achieves bhakti by giving up sense gratification and mundane association.

3. Indeed the sources of Devotion are explored and exploited fully through ( 1 ) renunciation of sense-objects and also by ( 2 ) giving up attachments to beings around .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 36 | NARADA

Avyavrita Bhajanat

1. ( Supreme love is attained ) by uninterrupted and constant worship of GOD .

2. One achieves bhakti by worshiping the Lord ceaselessly .

3. ( Also ) ( 3 ) through continuous tender and loving service of the Lord .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 37 | NARADA

Lokepi Bhagavat guna Sravana kirtanat

1. By hearing of and singing the glory of the Lord , even while engaged in the ordinary activities of life .

2. One achieves bhakti by hearing and chanting about the Supreme Lord's special qualities , even while engaged in the ordinary activities of life in this world .

3. ( Again ) ( 4 ) by hearing and singing the glories of the Lord , even while engaged in the activities of the world .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 38 | NARADA

Mukhyatastu mahakripayaiva bhagavatkripaleshadva

1. The principal means of attaining Bhakti is the grace of a great soul .

2. Primarily , however , one develops bhakti by the mercy of great souls , or by a small drop of the Lord's mercy .

3. Primarily it ( pure Devotion ) is gained ( 5 ) through the grace of great souls , or ( 6 ) through a little of the Divine Grace .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 39 | NARADA

Mahatsangastu durlabho agamyaamoghascha

1. It is hard to obtain the grace of a great soul , because it is hard to recognize such a one ; but if one receives grace , the effect is infallible .

2. The association of great souls is rarely obtained , difficult to understand , and infallible .

3. To come in contact with a great soul is indeed extremely difficult . It is impossible to know them fully . Yet, it is infallible in its effect .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 40 | NARADA

Labhyateapi tat kripayaiva

1. Through the grace of GOD alone an aspirant obtains the grace of a great soul .

2. The association of great souls can be attained — but only by the Lord's mercy .

3. " Nevertheless , by the grace of GOD alone great souls are attained . "

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 41 | NARADA

Tasminsthajjane bhedabhavat

1. There is no difference between GOD and the devotees .

2. ( One can attain bhakti either by the association of the Lord's pure devotees or directly by the Lord's mercy because ) the Lord and the pure devotees are nondifferent .

3. Because between GOD and the devotees , there is no sense of difference .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 42 | NARADA

Tadeva sadhyatam tadeva sadhyatam

1. Seek therefore the mercy of a great soul .

2. Strive , strive only for the association of pure devotees .

3. That alone is to be accomplished ; that alone be accomplished .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 43 | NARADA

Dussangah sarvathaiva tyajyah

1. Shun evil [ ignorant ] company , by all means .

2. One should give up all kinds of degrading association .

3. Evil [ ignorant ] company is only fit to be renounced by all means .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 44 | NARADA

Kamakrodhamoha smritibhramsa buddhinasa sarvanasakaranatvat

1. Evil [ ignorant ] company should be shunned , because it leads to lust , anger , delusion , forgetfulness of the goal , and ultimate ruin .

2. Material association is the cause of lust , anger , confusion , forgetfulness , loss of intelligence , and total calamity .

3. For it is the cause for creating lust , anger , delusion , loss of memory , loss of discrimination , and ultimately our utter ruin .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 45 | NARADA

Tarangayita apime sangatsamudrayanti

1. These passions may at first remain like ripples , but evil [ ignorant ] company makes them rise to huge ocean waves .

2. Rising like waves from material association , these bad effects mass into a great ocean of misery .

3. Though appearing as a ripple ( in the beginning ) these ( anger , lust , etc ) by evil [ ignorant ] companionship can become an ocean .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 46 | NARADA

Kastarati kastarati mayam ? Ya sangamtyajati yo mahanubhavam sevate , nirmamo bhavati

1. Who indeed overcomes Maya ? One who gives up all attachment , who serves the great ones , and who is freed from the sense of " I and mine " .

2. Who can cross beyond illusion ? One who abandons material association , serves the sages , and becomes selfless .

3. Who crosses maya ( illusion ) ? Who really crosses maya ? ( 1 ) One who gives up all attachments to sense-objects ; ( 2 ) One who serves the great devotees and ( 3 ) One who renounces all sense of possession —

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 47 | NARADA

Yo viviktasthanam , sevate , yolokabandhamunmulayati nistraigunyo bhavati , yogakshemam tyajati

1. One who lives in solitude , cuts through the bondages of this world , goes beyond the three Gunas , and depends upon the Lord even for one's living .

2. ( Who can cross beyond illusion ? ) That person who stays in a secluded place , cuts off at the root one's attachment to mundane society , becomes free from the influence of the three modes of nature , and gives up hankering for material gain and security .

3. . . ( 4 ) one who keeps oneself in a solitary place of quietude , ( 5 ) one who plucks off the bondage with the world by the roots , ( 6 ) ( one who ) goes beyond the influences of the " gunas " , ( 7 ) ( one who ) renounces all anxieties for acquiring and maintaining ; . . .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 48 | NARADA

Yah karmaphalam tyajapi , karmanisannyasyati tato mirdvandvo bhavati

1. One who gives up the fruits of actions , renounces all selfish activities , and passes beyond the pairs of opposites .

2. ( Who can cross beyond illusion ? ) That person who renounces material duties and their profits , thus transcending duality .

3. . . ( 8 ) one who relinquishes the fruits-of-actions , ( 9 ) who renounces all ego-centric-actions , and thus ( 10 ) becomes free from the play of the pairs-of-opposites . . .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 49 | NARADA

Yo vedanapi sannyasyati , kevalamavichchinnanuragam labhate

1. One who renounces even the rites and ceremonies prescribed by the scriptures and attains unfaltering love for GOD .

2. That person who renounces even the Vedas obtains exclusive and uninterrupted attraction for GOD .

3. . . ( 11 ) one who renounces even the Vedas ; and ( 12 ) gains a pure unbroken flow of devotion . . .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 50 | NARADA

Sa tarati , sa tarati sa lokamastarayati .

1. Such a person , indeed , crosses this Maya , and helps others to cross it .

2. Such a person , indeed , is delivered , and also delivers the rest of the world .

3. . . one crosses , indeed one crosses . One helps others also to cross .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 51 | NARADA

Anirvachaniyam premasvarupam .

1. The real nature of this supreme love is inexpressible .

2. The true nature of pure love of GOD is beyond description .

3. The nature of Devotion is indescribable , indefinable .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 52 | NARADA

Mukasvadanavat .

1. It is like a dumb person trying to express experience of a delightful taste .

2. ( Trying to describe the experience of pure love of GOD ) is like a mute's effort to describe what one tastes .

3. Like the taste enjoyed by the dumb .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 53 | NARADA

Prakasate kvapi patre .

1. ( Though it is inexpressible ) , nevertheless , it is manifest in the great souls who have attained it .

2. Nonetheless , from time to time pure love of GOD is revealed to those who are qualified .

3. In some rare ones who are fit recipients this ( such pure love ) is found to manifest .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 54 | NARADA

Gunarahitam kamanarahitam pratikshanavardhamanamavicchinnamsukshmataramanubhavarupam

1. This supreme love is devoid of attributes ; it is free from all selfish desires ; it grows in intensity every moment ; it is an unbroken inner experience , subtler than the subtlest .

2. Pure love of GOD manifests as the most subtle consciousness , devoid of material qualities and material desires , increasing at every moment , and never interrupted .

3. ( This pure love ) without attributes , without the poison of desires , every moment increasing , unbroken , subtlest , of the nature of sheer immediate experience . . .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 55 | NARADA

Tatprapya tadevavalokayati tadeva srinotitadeva bhashtyati tadeva chintayati

1. When one attains this supreme love , one sees The Beloved everywhere , one hears of The Beloved everywhere , one talks only of The Beloved , and one thinks of The Beloved only .

2. Having obtained pure love of GOD , one looks only at the Lord , hears only about the Lord , speaks only of the Lord , and thinks only of the Lord .

3. Having reached the Supreme Love ( that ) , the devotee sees ( feels , comprehends ) that alone , hears that alone , speaks of that alone , and thinks ( contemplates upon ) that alone .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 56 | NARADA

Gauni tridha gunabhedadartadibhedadva

1. Preparatory devotion is of three kinds , according to the predominance in the minds of the aspirants of one or another of the three Gunas — Sattva , Rajas , and Tamas ; also according to the reasons for which they devote themselves to GOD — whether because they are world-weary , or seeking for knowledge , or desirous of the fulfillment of some material desires .

2. Secondary devotional service is of three kinds , according to which of the three material modes predominates , or according to which material motivation — distress and so on — brings one to bhakti .

3. The secondary devotion is of three kinds — according to the difference in the mental disposition ( of the devotee ) or according to the type of discontentment ( in the devotees ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 57 | NARADA

Uttarasmaduttarasmat purvapurvasreyaya bhavati

1. Of these classes of devotees , the first is considered the highest , after these come the less high , the middling and the low .

2. Each earlier stage should be considered better than the one following it .

3. Than each succeeding one, each preceding one become the nobler ( the greater ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 58 | NARADA

Anyasmat saulabhyam bhaktau

1. The path of Devotion is the easiest way to attain God .

2. Success is easier to attain by devotional service than by any other process .

3. Than all other paths ( yogas ) Devotion is readily available — easily attainable . . .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 59 | NARADA

Pramanantarasyanapekshatvat svayam pramanatvat

1. Love is its own proof and does not require any other .

2. The reason devotional service is the easiest of all spiritual processes is that it does not depend on any other authority for its validity , being itself the standard of authority .

3. . . . because Love depends on no other proof , it in itself being of the nature of a proof , Love is self-evident .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 60 | NARADA

Santirupat paramanandarupachcha

1. Its nature is Peace and Supreme Bliss .

2. Furthermore , Bhakti is the embodiment of Peace and Supreme Ecstasy .

3. . . . also because Love is of the nature of peace and it is of the nature of Supreme Bliss .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 61 | NARADA

Lokahanau chinta na karyaniveditatmalokavedatvat

1. The devotee does not grieve at any personal loss , for one has surrendered oneself , everything one has , and even the rites and ceremonies which are enjoined by the scriptures .

2. After consigning to the Lord all one's mundane and Vedic duties , one no longer need worry about worldly loss .

3. No worry or anxiety should be entertained at the worldly losses , as it is the nature of a true Devotee to constantly surrender the limited-self and all its secular and sacred activities to the Lord of one's heart .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 62 | NARADA

Na tat siddhau lokavyavaharo heyahkintu phalatyagastat sadhanancha karyameva

1 . Even though the devotee may have surrendered oneself utterly to the Lord , one must not renounce action in the world but continue to perform it , giving up the fruits of action to the Lord .

2 . Even after one has achieved devotional service , one should not abandon one's responsibilities in this world but should rather continue surrendering the results of one's work to the Lord . And while still trying to reach the stage of pure devotion , one must certainly continue executing prescribed duties .

3 . Till such a consummate Love is not gained or — on attaining the consummate Love — worldly activities are not to be abandoned . But certainly we must diligently pursue Love and learn to renounce our anxiety to enjoy the fruit of our activities .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 63 | NARADA

Stree dhana nastika vairi charitram nasravaniyam

1 . Conversations about lust , greed , and atheism should not be listened to .

2 . One should not find entertainment in news of sex , money , and atheists .

3 . ( Seeker should not ) listen to descriptions of sex , wealth , atheists and enemies .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 64 | NARADA

Abhimanadambhadikam tyajyam

1 . Pride , vanity , and such other vices must be cast out .

2 . One should put aside false pride , hypocrisy , and other vices .

3 . Pride vanity , and such other negative urges of the mind should be given up .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 65 | NARADA

Tadarpitakhilacharah sankamakrodhabhimanadi Tasminneva karaniyam

1 . Dedicate all your actions to GOD and direct all your passions , such as lust , anger , pride , and so forth , toward GOD .

2 . Offering all one's activities to the Lord , one should feel desire , anger , and pride only with regard to the Lord .

3 . Having dedicated all activities unto the Lord , one , should turn all desire , anger , pride , etc , towards the Lord alone .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 66 | NARADA

Trirupabhangapurvakamnityadasyanityakantabhajanatmakam premakaryam premaiva karyam

1. Transcending the three forms of love , love the Lord , and love the Lord as an eternal servant , as the Lord's eternal spouse .

2. After breaking through the aforementioned coverings of the three modes of nature , one should act only in pure love of GOD , remaining perpetually in the mood of a servant serving the master , or a lover serving the beloved .

3. Going beyond the three-factors of experiences , love , consisting of constant service , as in the case of a devoted servant or spouse , alone should be practiced .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 67 | NARADA

Bhakta ekantino mukhyah

1. The highest class of devotees are those who have one-pointed love for GOD , and for love's sake only .

2. Among the Lord's devotees , the greatest are those who are dedicated to the Lord solely as intimate servants .

3. Devotees , whose sole , single goal is the Lord and whose single-pointed devotion towards the Lord is for its on sake , are the primary ( best ) .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 68 | NARADA

Kanthavarodharomanchasrubhih parasparam lapamanah pavayanti kulani prithivimcha

1. When devotees talk of GOD , their voices choke , tears flow from their eyes , their hair stands erect in ecstasy . Such as these purify not only their families but this whole earth on which they are born .

2. Conversing among one another with throats choked , hair standing on end , and tears flowing , the Lord's intimate servants purify their own followers and the whole world .

3. When ( they ) with throats choked with emotion , body covered with horripulation and tears flowing down , converse with each other in broken words , they sanctify their family and tribe , nay , the very earth itself they come to glorify .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 69 | NARADA

Tirthikurvanti tirthani sukarmi-kurvantikarmani sacchastrikurvanti sastrani

1. These great illumined souls , the lovers of GOD , sanctify the places of pilgrimage . The deeds they perform become examples of good action . They give spiritual authority to the scriptures .

2. Their association makes holy places holy , works auspicious , and the scriptures authoritative .

3. ( They ) sanctify the sacred places of pilgrimage , add glory to actions , and lend authority to the scriptures .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 70 | NARADA

Tanmayah

1. Every one of those Devotees has become filled with the spirit of GOD .

2. The intimate servants of the Supreme Lord are fully absorbed in loving .

3. ( For ) they live absorbed in the Lord .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 71 | NARADA

Modante pitaro nrityanti devatahsanathah cheyam bhurbhavat

1. When such Lovers of GOD dwell on earth , their forefathers rejoice , the gods dance in joy , this earth becomes sanctified .

2. Thus the pure Devotees' forefathers become joyful , the demigods dance , and the world feels protected by good masters .

3. The past generations rejoice in their fulfillment , the Divine beings in heaven dance in joy and this earth itself becomes endowed with a spiritual Savior .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 72 | NARADA

Nasti teshu jatividyarupakuladhanakriyadi bhedah

1. Among them there are no distinctions based on caste , learning , beauty of form , birth in a high or low family , wealth , possessions , and the like .

2. There are no distinctions among such pure Devotees in terms of social class , education , bodily beauty , family status , wealth , occupation , and so on .

3. Among them ( the perfected Saints ) there are no distinctions based upon caste , culture , beauty , family , wealth or profession .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 73 | NARADA

Yatastadiyah

1. Because they are the Lord's own .

2. Pure Devotees are not distinguished by externals like social class , for they belong to the Lord .

3. For they are of the Lord's own nature Divine .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 74 | NARADA

Vado navaiambyah

1. Arguments are to be avoided .

2. One should not indulge in argumentative debate .

3. Vain disputation and discussion should not be entered into .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 75 | NARADA

Bahulyavakasatvadaniyatatvaccha

1. Because there is no end to them and they lead to no satisfactory result .

2. Such argumentation leads to excessive entanglements and is never decisive .

3. ( Vain disputations are to be given up ) because there can be endless , diverse views and all mere arguments become ultimately inconclusive only .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 76 | NARADA

Bhaktisastrani manananiyanitadbodhakakarmani karaniyani

1. While you study the devotional scriptures , meditate upon their teachings and follow them so that devotion to GOD may be intensified in your heart .

2. One should respect the revealed scriptures of devotional service and discharge the duties they prescribe .

3. Books on devotion should be reflected upon and their instructions must be pursued diligently .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 77 | NARADA

Sukhadihkhechchalabhadityakte kale pratikshamane kshanardhamapi vyartham naneyam

1. It behoves a Bhakta not to waste a single moment , nor to delay worshiping GOD until one becomes freed from pleasure and pain , from cravings and greed .

2. Patiently enduring until the time when one can put aside material happiness , distress , desire , and false gain , one should not waste even a fraction of a second .

3. Waiting for a propitious time , when pleasure , pain , desire , profit etc are not troubling you , even half a second should not be wasted .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 78 | NARADA

Ahimsasatyasouchadayastikyadicharitryani paripalaniyani

1. The Bhakta should cultivate harmlessness , truthfulness , purity , compassion , faith , and other such virtues .

2. One should cultivate such good qualities as nonviolence , truthfulness , cleanliness , compassion , and faith .

3. Virtues , like non-injury to others , truthfulness , cleanliness , compassion , faith in GOD , etc , should be consistently cultivated .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 79 | NARADA

Sarvada sarvabhavena nischintaih bhagavanena bhajaniyah

1. The blessed Lord alone is to be worshipped day and night in and through every aspect of life without any distracting thought .

2. Those who are free of doubts should constantly worship the Supreme Lord with all their hearts .

3. Always , free from , in all mental anxiety , the Lord alone is to be invoked and sought after , with all factors of our personality .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 80 | NARADA

Sa kirtyamanahsighramevavirbhavatyanubhavayati bhaktan

1. Where the Lord is worshipped thus , the Lord soon reveals ITself to the inner vision of the devotees .

2. When the Lord is glorified , the Lord swiftly reveals ITself to the devotees and allows them to know IT as IT is .

3. When invoked , the Lord indeed reveals ITself and makes the devotee realize ITs Absolute nature divine .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 81 | NARADA

Trisatyasya bhakireva gariyasi bhaktirevagariyasi

1. TO LOVE THE ETERNAL TRUTH — THIS INDEED IS THE GREATEST LOVE .

2. Devotional service is the most precious possession of a person who honestly uses mind , body , and words .

3. Of the three " truths " ( time or paths ) Devotion alone is the greatest ; indeed , Devotion alone is the greatest .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 82 | NARADA

Gunamahatmyasaktirupasakti pujasaktismaranasakti dasyasakti sakhyasakti vatsalyasaktikantasakti atmanivedanasakti tanmayasakti paramavirahasakti rupaikadhapyekadasadha bhavati

1. THIS DIVINE LOVE MANIFESTS ITSELF IN 11 DIFFERENT FORMS :

A Devotee Loves to chant the praises and glories of GOD
Loves GOD's enchanting beauty
Loves to offer GOD the worship of the heart
Loves to meditate on GOD's presence constantly
Loves to think of oneself as GOD's servant
Loves GOD as the friend
Loves GOD as one's child
Loves GOD as the beloved
Loves to surrender oneself to GOD completely
Loves to be completely absorbed in GOD
Loves to feel the pangs of separation from GOD .

2. ALTHOUGH DEVOTIONAL SERVICE IS ONE , IT BECOMES MANIFESTED IN 11 FORMS OF ATTACHMENT :

Attachment to GOD's glorious qualities
Attachment to GOD's beauty
Attachment to worshiping GOD
Attachment to remembering GOD
Attachment to serving GOD
Attachment to reciprocating with GOD as a friend
Attachment to caring for GOD as a parent
Attachment to dealing with GOD as a lover
Attachment to surrendering one's whole self to GOD
Attachment to being absorbed in thought of GOD
Attachment to experiencing separation from GOD .
This last is the Supreme Attachment .

3. THUS THOUGH LOVE IS ONE ONLY , IT IS EXPRESSED IN 11 DIFFERENT MODES :

Love for glorifying GOD's qualities
Love for GOD's Divine Form
Love for worshipping GOD
Love for remembering GOD
Love for doing service for GOD
Love for friendship in GOD
Love for GOD as one’s own child
Love for GOD as that to a beloved
Love for a total self-offering at GOD's feet
Love for complete absorption in GOD
Love as expressed in the pang of separation from GOD .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 83 | NARADA

Ityevam vadanti janajalpanirbhaa ekamatahkumaravyasasukasandilyagargavishnukoundilyaseshoddha varunibalihanumadvibhishanadayo bhaktacharyah

1. These truths the teachers of Bhakti unanimously declare , without being in the least afraid of public criticism .

The following are known as great teachers of Bhakti :

Kumara , Vyasa , Suka , Sandilya , Garga , Vishnu , Kaundinya , Sesha , Uddhava , Aruni , Bali , Hanuman , Vibhishana , and many others .

2. Thus say the founding authorities of devotional service :

the Kumaras , Vyasa , Suka , Sandilya , Garga , Vishnu , Kaundilya , Sesha , Uddhava , Aruni , Bali , Hanuman , Vibhishana , and others — speaking without fear of worldly gossip and sharing among themselves one and the same opinion .

3. Thus declare they , who are fearless of other people and their prattlings , their unanimous opinion — they who are masters of the path of devotion , such as Sanatkumara , Vyasa , Suka , Shandilya , Garga , Vishnu , Kaundinya , Sesha , Uddhava , Aruni , Bali , Hanuman , and Vibhishana .

NARADA BHAKTI SUTRA | SUTRA 84 | NARADA

Ya Idam Naradaproktam sivanusasanamvisvasati sraddhate sa bhaktiman bhavati sa preshtam labhata sa preshtham labhate iti

1. Whosoever believes in this auspicious description of Divine Love by Narada , and has faith in these teachings , becomes a Lover of GOD , attains the highest beatitude , and reaches the Supreme Goal of Life .

2. Anyone who trusts these instructions spoken by Narada and is convinced by them will be blessed with Devotion and attain the Most Dear Lord . Yes , one will attain the Most Dear Lord .

3. One who believes and has faith in this exposition , given out by Narada as taught ( commanded ) by Lord Siva , gains the Love of GOD and attains the objective , aye , attains the Beloved Goal .

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