Muni's PlayNarada Bhakti Sutra
Chapter 1: The Nature of Supreme Devotion (Para-bhakti)
Sutra 1
Devanagari
अथातो भक्तिं व्याख्यास्यामः ॥ 1॥
Transliteration
- athāto bhaktiṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ
Translation
Now, therefore, we shall explain the nature of Devotion.
Word-for-Word
अथ (Now), अतः (therefore), भक्तिम् (devotion), व्याख्यास्यामः (we shall explain).
Sutra 2
Devanagari
सा त्वस्मिन् परप्रेमरूपा ॥ 2॥
Transliteration
- sā tvasmin parapremarūpā
Translation
That (devotion) is indeed of the nature of supreme love for the Lord.
Word-for-Word
सा (That), तु (indeed), अस्मिन् (in Him), पर-प्रेम-रूपा (the form of supreme love).
Sutra 3
Devanagari
अमृतस्वरूपा च ॥ 3॥
Transliteration
- amṛtasvarūpā c
Translation
And it is of the nature of immortality (and eternal bliss).
Word-for-Word
अमृत-स्वरूपा (Of the nature of immortality/nectar), च (and).
Sutra 4
Devanagari
यल्लब्ध्वा पुमान् सिद्धो भवति अमृतो भवति तृप्तो भवति ॥ 4॥
Transliteration
- yallabdhvā pumān siddho bhavati amṛto bhavati tṛpto bhavati
Translation
Having attained that, a person becomes perfect, immortal, and completely satisfied.
Word-for-Word
यत् (Which), लब्ध्वा (having obtained), पुमान् (a person), सिद्धः (perfect), भवति (becomes), अमृतः (immortal), भवति (becomes), तृप्तः (contented), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 5
Devanagari
यत्प्राप्य न किञ्चिद् वाञ्छति न शोचति न द्वेष्टि न रमते नोत्साही भवति ॥ 5॥
Transliteration
- yatprāpya na kiñcid vāñchati na śocati na dveṣṭi na ramate notsāhī bhavati
Translation
Having reached that, one no longer desires anything, does not grieve, does not hate, does not crave for worldly objects, and loses the urge for selfish striving.
Word-for-Word
यत् (Which), प्राप्य (having reached), न (not), किञ्चित् (anything), वाञ्छति (desires), न (not), शोचति (grieves), न (not), द्वेष्टि (hates), न (not), रमते (rejoices/craves), न (not), उत्साही (striving/selfish initiative), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 6
Devanagari
यज्ज्ञात्वा मत्तो भवति स्तब्धो भवति आत्मारामो भवति ॥ 6॥
Transliteration
- yajjñātvā matto bhavati stabdho bhavati ātmārāmo bhavati
Translation
Having realized that, one becomes intoxicated (with joy), becomes still (in wonder), and finds peace within the Self alone.
Word-for-Word
यत् (Which), ज्ञात्वा (having known/realized), मत्तः (intoxicated), भवति (becomes), स्तब्धः (silent/still), भवति (becomes), आत्मारामः (rejoicing in the Self), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 7
Devanagari
सा न कामयमाना निरोधरूपत्वात् ॥ 7॥
Transliteration
- sā na kāmayamānā nirodharūpatvāt
Translation
That devotion is not of the nature of worldly desire, because it is essentially an act of self-restraint (renunciation of all else).
Word-for-Word
सा (That), न (not), कामयमाना (of the nature of worldly desire), निरोधा-रूपत्वात् (because of being of the nature of renunciation/restraint).
Sutra 8
Devanagari
निरोधस्तु लोकवेदव्यापारन्यासः ॥ 8॥
Transliteration
- nirodhastu lokavedavyāpāranyāsaḥ
Translation
But this “restraint” or renunciation means the dedication of all social and scriptural activities to the Lord.
Word-for-Word
निरोधः (Renunciation), तु (but), लोक (worldly/social), वेद (scriptural/ritual), व्यापार (activities), न्यासः (giving up).
Sutra 9
Devanagari
तस्मिन्ननन्यता तद्विरोधिषूदासीनता च ॥ 9॥
Transliteration
- tasminnananyatā tadvirodhiṣūdāsīnatā c
Translation
It implies single-minded devotion to Him and indifference to everything that stands in the way of that devotion.
Word-for-Word
तस्मिन् (In Him), अनन्यता (exclusive/single-minded devotion), तत्-विरोधिषु (towards things opposed to Him), उदासीनता (indifference), च (and).
Sutra 10
Devanagari
अन्याश्रयाणां त्यागोनन्यता ॥ 10॥
Transliteration
- anyāśrayāṇāṃ tyāgonanyatā
Translation
Single-mindedness (Ananyata) means abandoning all other shelters or supports except the Lord.
Word-for-Word
अन्य-आश्रयाणाम् (Of other supports), त्यागः (abandonment), अनन्यता (single-mindedness).
Sutra 11
Devanagari
लोकवेदेषु तदनुकूलाचरणं तद्विरोधिषूदासीनता ॥ 11॥
Transliteration
- lokavedeṣu tadanukūlācaraṇaṃ tadvirodhiṣūdāsīnatā
Translation
Indifference means following only those worldly and scriptural duties that are conducive to Him, and ignoring the rest.
Word-for-Word
लोक-वेदेषु (In worldly and scriptural matters), तत्-अनुकूल-आचरणम् (acting in accordance with His will), तत्-विरोधिषु (towards those opposed to Him), उदासीनता (indifference).
Sutra 12
Devanagari
भवतु निश्चयदार्ढ्यादूर्ध्वं शास्त्ररक्षणम् ॥ 12॥
Transliteration
- bhavatu niścayadārḍhyādūrdhvaṃ śāstrarakṣaṇam
Translation
Even after the conviction (of devotion) is firmly established, one should continue to respect and follow the scriptures.
Word-for-Word
भवतु (Let there be), निश्चय-दार्ढ्यात्-ऊर्ध्वम् (after the firm establishment of conviction), शास्त्र-रक्षणम् (protection/adherence to scriptures).
Sutra 13
Devanagari
अन्यथा पातित्यशङ्कया ॥ 13॥
Transliteration
- anyathā pātityaśaṅkayā
Translation
Otherwise, there is the risk of a spiritual fall through neglect of discipline.
Word-for-Word
अन्यथा (Otherwise), पातित्य-शङ्कया (due to the fear of a fall/dereliction).
Sutra 14
Devanagari
लोकोऽपि तावदेव भोजनादि व्यापारस्त्वाशरीरधारणावधि ॥ 14॥
Transliteration
- loko’pi tāvadeva bhojanādi vyāpārastvāśarīradhāraṇāvadhi
Translation
Worldly customs and activities like eating should also be continued as long as the body is to be maintained.
Word-for-Word
लोकः (Social custom), अपि (also), तावत् (so much), एव (certainly), भोजनादि (eating etc.), व्यापारः (activities), तु (but), आ-शरीर-धारण-अवधि (until the maintenance of the body).
Sutra 15
Devanagari
तल्लक्षणानि वाच्यन्ते नानामतभेदात् ॥ 15॥
Transliteration
- tallakṣaṇāni vācyante nānāmatabhedāt
Translation
Its characteristics are now described according to various schools of thought.
Word-for-Word
तत्-लक्षणानि (Its characteristics), वाच्यन्ते (are stated), नाना-मत-भेदात् (according to different opinions).
Sutra 16
Devanagari
पूजादिष्वनुराग इति पाराशर्यः ॥ 16॥
Transliteration
- pūjādiṣvanurāga iti pārāśaryaḥ
Translation
Vyasa says devotion is love for worship and similar services.
Word-for-Word
पूजा-आदिषु (In worship etc.), अनुरागः (love/attachment), इति (thus), पाराशर्यः (the son of Parashara, i.e., Vyasa).
Sutra 17
Devanagari
कथादिष्विति गर्गः ॥ 17॥
Transliteration
- kathādiṣviti gargaḥ
Translation
Sage Garga says it is love for listening to the stories and glories of the Lord.
Word-for-Word
कथा-आदिषु (In listening to His stories etc.), इति (thus), गर्गः (Sage Garga).
Sutra 18
Devanagari
आत्मरत्यविरोधेनेति शाण्डिल्यः ॥ 18॥
Transliteration
- ātmaratyavirodheneti śāṇḍilyaḥ
Translation
Sage Shandilya says it is devotion that does not interfere with the delight in the Self.
Word-for-Word
आत्म-रति (Joy in the Self), अविरोधेन (without contradicting), इति (thus), शाण्डिल्यः (Sage Shandilya).
Sutra 19
Devanagari
नारदस्तु तदर्पिताखिलाचारता तद्विस्मरणे परमव्याकुलतेति ॥ 19॥
Transliteration
- nāradastu tadarpitākhilācāratā tadvismaraṇe paramavyākulateti
Translation
But Narada says it is dedicating all actions to the Lord and feeling extreme anguish in even a moment’s forgetfulness of Him.
Word-for-Word
नारदः (Narada), तु (but), तत्-अर्पित-अखिल-आचारता (offering all actions to Him), तत्-विस्मरणे (in forgetting Him), परम-व्याकुलता (extreme anguish), इति (thus).
Sutra 20
Devanagari
अस्त्येवमेवम् ॥ 20॥
Transliteration
- astyevamevam
Translation
It is exactly like that.
Word-for-Word
अस्ति (It is), एवम् (thus), एवम् (indeed so).
Sutra 21
Devanagari
यथा व्रजगोपिकानाम् ॥ 21॥
Transliteration
- yathā vrajagopikānām
Translation
Just as it was in the case of the Gopis of Vraja.
Word-for-Word
यथा (Just as), व्रज-गोपिकानाम् (of the cowherd women of Vraja).
Sutra 22
Devanagari
तत्रापि न माहात्म्यज्ञानविस्मृत्यपवादः ॥ 22॥
Transliteration
- tatrāpi na māhātmyajñānavismṛtyapavādaḥ
Translation
Even in that intense love, there was no fault of forgetting the knowledge of the Lord’s supreme greatness.
Word-for-Word
तत्र (There), अपि (even), न (not), माहात्म्य-ज्ञान (knowledge of His greatness), विस्मृति (forgetfulness), अपवादः (blame/fault).
Sutra 23
Devanagari
तद्विहीनं जाराणामिव ॥ 23॥
Transliteration
- tadvihīnaṃ jārāṇāmiv
Translation
Love without the knowledge of the Lord’s greatness is like the base passion of a paramour.
Word-for-Word
तत्-विहीनम् (Without that/knowledge of greatness), जाराणाम् (of paramours), इव (like).
Sutra 24
Devanagari
नास्त्येव तस्मिन् तत्सुखसुखित्वम् ॥ 24॥
Transliteration
- nāstyeva tasmin tatsukhasukhitvam
Translation
In such base passion, there is no sense of finding one’s own happiness only in the happiness of the beloved.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), अस्ति (is), एव (certainly), तस्मिन् (in that), तत्-सुख-सुखित्वम् (finding joy in the happiness of the beloved).
Chapter 2: The Greatness of Supreme Devotion (Para-bhakti Mahattvam)
Sutra 25
Devanagari
सा तु कर्मज्ञानयोगेभ्योऽप्यधिकतरा ॥ 25॥
Transliteration
- sā tu karmajñānayogebhyo’pyadhikatarā
Translation
That (Devotion) is indeed superior to the paths of Action, Knowledge, and Yoga.
Word-for-Word
सा (That/Devotion), तु (indeed), कर्म-ज्ञान-योगेभ्यः (than rituals, knowledge, and yoga), अपि (even), अधिकतरा (superior).
Sutra 26
Devanagari
फलरूपत्त्वात् ॥ 26॥
Transliteration
- phalarūpattvāt
Translation
Because it is its own end, the final fruit of all spiritual endeavor.
Word-for-Word
फल-रूपत्त्वात् (Because of being the nature of the fruit/result itself).
Sutra 27
Devanagari
ईश्वरस्याप्यभिमानद्वेषित्वात् दैन्यप्रियत्वात् च ॥ 27॥
Transliteration
- īśvarasyāpyabhimānadveṣitvāt dainyapriyatvāt c
Translation
Also because the Lord dislikes pride/ego and loves the state of humble surrender.
Word-for-Word
ईश्वरस्य (Of the Lord), अपि (also), अभिमान-द्वेषितत्वात् (because of being a hater of pride), दैन्य-प्रियत्वात् (because of being a lover of humility), च (and).
Sutra 28
Devanagari
तस्याः ज्ञानमेव साधनमित्येके ॥ 28॥
Transliteration
- tasyāḥ jñānameva sādhanamityeke
Translation
Some teachers hold that knowledge alone is the means to attain Devotion.
Word-for-Word
तस्याः (For that/Devotion), ज्ञानम् (knowledge), एव (alone), साधनम् (the means), इति (thus), एके (some [say]).
Sutra 29
Devanagari
अन्योन्याश्रयत्वमित्यन्ये ॥ 29॥
Transliteration
- anyonyāśrayatvamityanye
Translation
Others believe that Knowledge and Devotion are mutually dependent upon each other.
Word-for-Word
अन्योन्य-आश्रयत्वम् (Mutual dependence), इति (thus), अन्ये (others [say]).
Sutra 30
Devanagari
स्वयं फलरूपतेति ब्रह्मकुमारः ॥ 30॥
Transliteration
- svayaṃ phalarūpateti brahmakumāraḥ
Translation
Narada (the son of Brahma) maintains that Devotion is its own fruit, being both the means and the end.
Word-for-Word
स्वयम् (Itself), फल-रूपता (being the fruit), इति (thus), ब्रह्मकुमारः (the son of Brahma, i.e., Narada).
Sutra 31
Devanagari
राजगृहभोजनादिषु तथैव दृष्टत्वात् ॥ 31॥
Transliteration
- rājagṛhabhojanādiṣu tathaiva dṛṣṭatvāt
Translation
For this is seen in the world—knowledge of a king’s palace or of food is not the same as actually being there or eating.
Word-for-Word
राज-गृह-भोजन-आदिषु (In the case of a king, a palace, and food, etc.), तथा-एव (just so), दृष्टत्वात् (because of being observed).
Sutra 32
Devanagari
न तेन राजा परितोषः क्षुच्छान्तिर्वा ॥ 32॥
Transliteration
- na tena rājā paritoṣaḥ kṣucchāntirvā
Translation
By mere knowledge (without experience/love), a king is not pleased, nor is hunger satisfied.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), तेन (by that [mere knowledge]), राजा (the king), परितोषः (satisfaction), क्षुत्-शान्तिः (appeasing of hunger), वा (or).
Sutra 33
Devanagari
तस्मात् सैव ग्राह्या मुमुक्षुभिः ॥ 33॥
Transliteration
- tasmāt saiva grāhyā mumukṣubhiḥ
Translation
Therefore, Devotion alone should be practiced by those who are truly seeking liberation.
Word-for-Word
तस्मात् (Therefore), सा (that/Devotion), एव (alone), ग्राह्या (should be accepted/practiced), मुमुक्षुभिः (by those seeking liberation).
Chapter 3: The Means to Devotion (Bhakti-Sādhanāni)
Sutra 34
Devanagari
तस्याः साधनानि गायन्त्याचार्याः ॥ 34॥
Transliteration
- tasyāḥ sādhanāni gāyantyācāryāḥ
Translation
The Great Teachers declare the various means to attain that supreme Devotion.
Word-for-Word
तस्याः (Of that/Devotion), साधनानि (the means), गायन्ति (sing/declare), आचार्याः (the teachers).
Sutra 35
Devanagari
तत्तु विषयत्यागात् सङ्गत्यागात् च ॥ 35॥
Transliteration
- tattu viṣayatyāgāt saṅgatyāgāt c
Translation
That (devotion) is attained by renouncing both worldly objects and attachment to them.
Word-for-Word
तत् (That), तु (indeed), विषय-त्यागात् (from renouncing sense-objects), सङ्ग-त्यागात् (from renouncing attachment), च (and).
Sutra 36
Devanagari
अव्यावृत्तभजनात् ॥ 36॥
Transliteration
- avyāvṛttabhajanāt
Translation
It is attained through constant, uninterrupted worship of the Lord.
Word-for-Word
अव्यावृत्त (Uninterrupted/constant), भजनात् (from worship/service).
Sutra 37
Devanagari
लोकेऽपि भगवद्गुणश्रवणकीर्तनात् ॥ 37॥
Transliteration
- loke’pi bhagavadguṇaśravaṇakīrtanāt
Translation
It is attained by hearing and singing the glories and qualities of the Lord, even while living in the world.
Word-for-Word
लोके (In the world), अपि (also), भगवत्-गुण (qualities of the Lord), श्रवण (hearing), कीर्तनात् (from chanting/singing).
Sutra 38
Devanagari
मुख्यतस्तु महत्कृपयैव भगवत्कृपालेशाद् वा ॥ 38॥
Transliteration
- mukhyatastu mahatkṛpayaiva bhagavatkṛpāleśād vā
Translation
However, it is primarily attained through the grace of Great Souls or through a small drop of the Lord’s own grace.
Word-for-Word
मुख्यतः (Primarily), तु (however), महत्-कृपया (by the grace of the Great Souls), एव (only), भगवत्-कृपा (of God’s grace), लेषात् (from a small drop/trace), वा (or).
Sutra 39
Devanagari
महत्सङ्गस्तु दुर्लभोऽगम्योऽमोघश्च ॥ 39॥
Transliteration
- mahatsaṅgastu durlabho’gamyo’moghaśc
Translation
The company of the Great is rare, difficult to fully comprehend, but unfailingly effective.
Word-for-Word
महत्-सङ्गः (The company of the Great), तु (indeed), दुर्लभः (difficult to attain), अगम्यः (difficult to understand), अमोघः (unfailing/effective), च (and).
Sutra 40
Devanagari
लभ्यतेऽपि तत्कृपयैव ॥ 40॥
Transliteration
- labhyate’pi tatkṛpayaiv
Translation
Even that (the company of the Great) is obtained only through the Lord’s grace.
Word-for-Word
लभ्यते (Is obtained), अपि (also), तत्-कृपया (by His grace), एव (alone).
Sutra 41
Devanagari
तस्मिंस्तज्जने भेदाभावात् ॥ 41॥
Transliteration
- tasmiṃstajjane bhedābhāvāt
Translation
This is because there is no essential difference between the Lord and His dedicated devotees.
Word-for-Word
तस्मिन् (In Him), तत्-जने (in His people/devotees), भेद-अभावात् (because of the absence of difference).
Sutra 42
Devanagari
तदेव साध्यतां तदेव साध्यताम् ॥ 42॥
Transliteration
- tadeva sādhyatāṃ tadeva sādhyatām
Translation
Strive for that (holy company) alone; indeed, strive for that alone.
Word-for-Word
तत् (That), एव (alone), साध्यताम् (should be strived for), तत् (that), एव (alone), साध्यताम् (should be strived for).
Sutra 43
Devanagari
दुस्सङ्गः सर्वथैव त्याज्यः ॥ 43॥
Transliteration
- dussaṅgaḥ sarvathaiva tyājyaḥ
Translation
Bad company must be avoided by all means and at all costs.
Word-for-Word
दुस्सङ्गः (Bad company), सर्वथा (in every way), एव (certainly), त्याज्यः (to be abandoned).
Sutra 44
Devanagari
कामक्रोधमोहस्मृतिभ्रंशबुद्धिनाशकारणत्वात् ॥ 44॥
Transliteration
- kāmakrodhamohasmṛtibhraṃśabuddhināśakāraṇatvāt
Translation
For bad company is the root cause of lust, anger, delusion, loss of spiritual memory, and the ultimate destruction of the intellect.
Word-for-Word
काम (Lust), क्रोध (anger), मोह (delusion), स्मृति-भ्रंश (loss of memory), बुद्धि-नाश (destruction of intellect), कारणत्वात् (because of being the cause).
Sutra 45
Devanagari
तरङ्गायिता अपीमे सङ्गात् समुद्रायन्ते ॥ 45॥
Transliteration
- taraṅgāyitā apīme saṅgāt samudrāyante
Translation
These passions, initially appearing only as small ripples, swell into a vast ocean through bad company.
Word-for-Word
तरङ्गायिताः (Appearing as small waves), अपि (even), इमे (these [passions]), सङ्गात् (through company), समुद्रायन्ते (become like an ocean).
Sutra 46
Devanagari
कस्तरति कस्तरति मायाम् यः सङ्गं त्यजति यो महानुभावं सेवते निर्ममो भवति ॥ 46॥
Transliteration
- kastarati kastarati māyām yaḥ saṅgaṃ tyajati yo mahānubhāvaṃ sevate nirmamo bhavati
Translation
Who crosses the ocean of Maya? He who renounces attachment, serves the Great Souls, and becomes free from the sense of “mine.”.
Word-for-Word
कः (Who), तरति (crosses), कः (who), तरति (crosses), मायाम् (the Maya/illusion), यः (who), सङ्गम् (attachment/company), त्यजति (renounces), यः (who), महानुभावम् (the great souls), सेवते (serves), निर्ममः (free from ‘mine-ness’), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 47
Devanagari
यो विविक्तस्थानं सेवते यो लोकबन्धमुन्मूलयति निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवति योगक्षेमं त्यजति ॥ 47॥
Transliteration
- yo viviktasthānaṃ sevate yo lokabandhamunmūlayati nistraiguṇyo bhavati yogakṣemaṃ tyajati
Translation
He who resorts to a solitary place, uproots worldly bonds, goes beyond the three Gunas, and gives up the anxiety for acquisition and security.
Word-for-Word
यः (Who), विविक्त-स्थानम् (solitary place), सेवते (resorts to), यः (who), लोक-बन्धम् (worldly ties), उन्मूलयति (uproots), निस्त्रैगुण्यः (beyond the three Gunas), भवति (becomes), योग-क्षेमम् (acquisition and preservation), त्यजति (renounces).
Sutra 48
Devanagari
यः कर्मफलं त्यजति कर्माणि संन्यस्यति ततो निर्द्वन्द्वो भवति ॥ 48॥
Transliteration
- yaḥ karmaphalaṃ tyajati karmāṇi saṃnyasyati tato nirdvandvo bhavati
Translation
He who renounces the fruits of his actions and dedicates all activities to the Lord, thereby becoming free from the pairs of opposites (like joy and sorrow).
Word-for-Word
यः (Who), कर्म-फलम् (fruit of action), त्यजति (gives up), कर्माणि (actions), संन्यस्यति (renounces), ततः (thereby), निर्द्वन्द्वः (free from dualities), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 49
Devanagari
यो वेदानपि संन्यस्यति केवलमविच्छिन्नानुरागं लभते ॥ 49॥
Transliteration
- yo vedānapi saṃnyasyati kevalamavicchinnānurāgaṃ labhate
Translation
He who goes even beyond the formal rituals of the Vedas and attains a state of pure, uninterrupted love for the Divine.
Word-for-Word
यः (Who), वेदान् (the Vedas), अपि (even), संन्यस्यति (renounces/surpasses), केवलम् (only), अविच्छिन्न-अनुरागम् (uninterrupted love), लभते (attains).
Sutra 50
Devanagari
स तरति स तरति स लोकांस्तारयति ॥ 50॥
Transliteration
- sa tarati sa tarati sa lokāṃstārayati
Translation
He indeed crosses the ocean of Maya; he crosses it and helps the whole world to cross.
Word-for-Word
सः (He), तरति (crosses), सः (he), तरति (crosses), सः (he), लोकान् (the worlds), तारयति (helps others to cross).
Chapter 4: The Definition of Divine Love (Prema-nirvacanam)
Sutra 51
Devanagari
अनिर्वचनीयं प्रेमस्वरूपम् ॥ 51॥
Transliteration
- anirvacanīyaṃ premasvarūpam
Translation
The essential nature of Divine Love is beyond words or description.
Word-for-Word
अनिर्वचनीयम् (Inexpressible), प्रेम-स्वरूपम् (the nature of Love).
Sutra 52
Devanagari
मूकास्वादनवत् ॥ 52॥
Transliteration
- mūkāsvādanavat
Translation
It is like the experience of taste enjoyed by a mute person (who knows the flavor but cannot speak of it).
Word-for-Word
मूक (Mute person), आस्वादन-वत् (like the tasting).
Sutra 53
Devanagari
प्रकाशते क्वापि पात्रे ॥ 53॥
Transliteration
- prakāśate kvāpi pātre
Translation
It reveals itself only in a rare, fit recipient (one who has prepared the heart).
Word-for-Word
प्रकाशते (Manifests/shines), क्वापि (somewhere/in some), पात्रे (in a fit recipient).
Sutra 54
Devanagari
गुणरहितं कामनारहितं प्रतिक्षणवर्धमानं अविच्छिन्नं सूक्ष्मतरं अनुभवरूपम् ॥ 54॥
Transliteration
- guṇarahitaṃ kāmanārahitaṃ pratikṣaṇavardhamānaṃ avicchinnaṃ sūkṣmataraṃ anubhavarūpam
Translation
It is free from worldly qualities, devoid of selfish desire, ever-increasing every moment, continuous, subtler than the subtlest, and of the nature of pure inner experience.
Word-for-Word
गुण-रहितम् (Without attributes), कामना-रहितम् (without desire), प्रति-क्षण-वर्धमानम् (increasing every moment), अविच्छिन्नम् (uninterrupted), सूक्ष्म-तरम् (extremely subtle), अनुभव-रूपम् (the nature of direct experience).
Sutra 55
Devanagari
तत्प्राप्य तदेवावलोकति तदेव शृणोति तदेव भाषयति तदेव चिन्तयति ॥ 55॥
Transliteration
- tatprāpya tadevāvalokati tadeva śaṛṇoti tadeva bhāṣayati tadeva cintayati
Translation
Having attained that, the devotee sees only Him, hears only of Him, speaks only of Him, and thinks only of Him.
Word-for-Word
तत् (That), प्राप्य (having attained), तत् (that), एव (alone), अवलोकति (sees), तत् (that), एव (alone), शृणोति (hears), तत् (that), एव (alone), भाषयति (speaks of), तत् (that), एव (alone), चिन्तयति (thinks of).
Sutra 56
Devanagari
गौणी त्रिधा गुणभेदाद् आर्तादिभेदाद् वा ॥ 56॥
Transliteration
- gauṇī tridhā guṇabhedād ārtādibhedād vā
Translation
Secondary devotion is of three kinds, according to the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) or according to the three types of seekers (the distressed, the seeker of knowledge, and the seeker of wealth).
Word-for-Word
गौणी (Secondary devotion), त्रिधा (threefold), गुण-भेदात् (due to difference in Gunas), आर्ता-दि-भेदात् (due to types like the distressed, etc.), वा (or).
Sutra 57
Devanagari
उत्तरस्मादुत्तरस्मात् पूर्व पूर्वा श्रेयाय भवति ॥ 57॥
Transliteration
- uttarasmāduttarasmāt pūrva pūrvā śreyāya bhavati
Translation
Each preceding stage (of devotion) is superior to the one that follows it (e.g., Sattvic is better than Rajasic).
Word-for-Word
उत्तरस्मात्-उत्तरस्मात् (Than each succeeding one), पूर्व-पूर्वा (each preceding one), श्रेयाय (superior/better), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 58
Devanagari
अन्यस्मात् सौलभं भक्तौ ॥ 58॥
Transliteration
- anyasmāt saulabhaṃ bhaktau
Translation
Devotion is easier to practice than any other spiritual path.
Word-for-Word
अन्यस्मात् (Than other paths), सौलभम् (ease of attainment), भक्तौ (in devotion).
Sutra 59
Devanagari
प्रमाणान्तरस्यानपेक्षत्वात् स्वयं प्रमाणत्वात् ॥ 59॥
Transliteration
- pramāṇāntarasyānapekṣatvāt svayaṃ pramāṇatvāt
Translation
Because it does not depend on any other evidence; it is its own proof.
Word-for-Word
प्रमाण-अन्तरस्य (Of other proofs), अनपेक्षत्वात् (due to lack of dependence), स्वयम् (itself), प्रमाणत्वात् (being the proof).
Sutra 60
Devanagari
शान्तिरूपात् परमानन्दरूपाच्च ॥ 60॥
Transliteration
- śāntirūpāt paramānandarūpācc
Translation
And because it is of the nature of perfect peace and supreme bliss.
Word-for-Word
शान्ति-रूपात् (Of the nature of peace), परम-आनन्द-रूपात् (of the nature of supreme bliss), च (and).
Sutra 61
Devanagari
लोकहानौ चिन्ता न कार्या निवेदितात्मलोकवेदत्वात् ॥ 61॥
Transliteration
- lokahānau cintā na kāryā niveditātmalokavedatvāt
Translation
One should not worry about worldly losses, for the devotee has dedicated their very self, the world, and even scriptural duties to the Lord.
Word-for-Word
लोक-हानौ (On the loss of worldly interests), चिन्ता (worry), न (not), कार्या (to be done), निवेदित-आत्म-लोक-वेदत्वात् (because of dedicating the self, the world, and the Vedas to Him).
Sutra 62
Devanagari
न तत्सिद्धौ लोकव्यवहारो हेयः किन्तु फलत्यागः तत्साधनं च ॥ 62॥
Transliteration
- na tatsiddhau lokavyavahāro heyaḥ kintu phalatyāgaḥ tatsādhanaṃ c
Translation
On attaining devotion, social dealings and duties need not be abandoned; rather, one should continue to perform them while renouncing their fruits.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), तत्-सिद्धौ (on its attainment), लोक-व्यवहारः (social dealings), हेयः (to be abandoned), किन्तु (but), फल-त्यागः (renunciation of fruits), तत्-साधनम् (performance of those acts), च (and).
Sutra 63
Devanagari
स्त्रीधननास्तिकचरित्रं न श्रवणीयम् ॥ 63॥
Transliteration
- strīdhananāstikacaritraṃ na śravaṇīyam
Translation
One should not listen to talk about lust, wealth, or the conduct of atheists.
Word-for-Word
स्त्री (Lust), धन (wealth), नास्तिक (atheist), चरित्रम् (stories/conduct), न (not), श्रवणीयम् (to be listened to).
Sutra 64
Devanagari
अभिमानदम्भादिकं त्याज्यम् ॥ 64॥
Transliteration
- abhimānadambhādikaṃ tyājyam
Translation
Pride, vanity, and similar egoistic traits must be completely abandoned.
Word-for-Word
अभिमान (Pride), दम्भ (vanity), आदिकम् (etc.), त्याज्यम् (to be given up).
Sutra 65
Devanagari
तदर्पिताखिलाचारः सन् कामक्रोधाभिमानादिकं तस्मिन्नेव करणीयम् ॥ 65॥
Transliteration
- tadarpitākhilācāraḥ san kāmakrodhābhimānādikaṃ tasminneva karaṇīyam
Translation
Having dedicated all actions to Him, one should direct even passions like lust, anger, and pride only toward Him (using them as fuel for devotion).
Word-for-Word
तत्-अर्पित (Dedicated to Him), अखिल-आचारः (all actions), सन् (being), काम-क्रोध-अभिमान-आदिकम् (lust, anger, pride, etc.), तस्मिन् (in Him), एव (only), करणीयम् (to be directed/done).
Sutra 66
Devanagari
त्रिरूपभङ्गपूर्वकम् नित्यदास्यनित्यकान्ताभजनात्मकं प्रेम कार्यं प्रेमैव कार्यम् ॥ 66॥
Transliteration
- trirūpabhaṅgapūrvakam nityadāsyanityakāntābhajanātmakaṃ prema kāryaṃ premaiva kāryam
Translation
Breaking through the three Gunas, one should practice love in the spirit of eternal service or as an eternal beloved; indeed, one should practice love alone.
Word-for-Word
त्रि-रूप (Three forms/Gunas), भङ्ग-पूर्वकम् (after breaking), नित्य-दास्य (eternal service), नित्य-कान्ता (eternal bride/beloved), भजन-आत्मकम् (of the nature of worship), प्रेम (love), कार्यम् (should be practiced), प्रेम (love), एव (alone), कार्यम् (should be practiced).
Chapter 5: The Glory of Primary Devotion (Mukhya-bhakti-mahimā)
Sutra 67
Devanagari
भक्ता एकान्तिनो मुख्याः ॥ 67॥
Transliteration
- bhaktā ekāntino mukhyāḥ
Translation
Primary devotees are those who possess single-minded and exclusive devotion to the Lord.
Word-for-Word
भक्ताः (Devotees), एकान्तिनः (single-minded/exclusive), मुख्याः (primary).
Sutra 68
Devanagari
कण्ठावरोधरोमञ्चाश्रुभिः परस्परं लपमानाः पावयन्ति कुलानि पृथिवीं च ॥ 68॥
Transliteration
- kaṇṭhāvarodharomañcāśrubhiḥ parasparaṃ lapamānāḥ pāvayanti kulāni pṛthivīṃ c
Translation
Conversing with one another with voices choking, hair standing on end, and tears flowing, they purify their lineages and the entire earth.
Word-for-Word
कण्ठ-अवरोध (Choking of the voice), रोमञ्च (hair standing on end), अश्रुभिः (with tears), परस्परम् (with one another), लपमानाः (conversing), पावयन्ति (they purify), कुलानि (families/lineages), पृथिवीम् (the earth), च (and).
Sutra 69
Devanagari
तीर्थीकुर्वन्ति तीर्थानि सुकर्मी कुर्वन्ति कर्माणि सच्छास्त्रीकुर्वन्ति शास्त्राणि ॥ 69॥
Transliteration
- tīrthīkurvanti tīrthāni sukarmī kurvanti karmāṇi sacchāstrīkurvanti śāstrāṇi
Translation
They impart holiness to holy places, make actions truly auspicious, and lend authority to the scriptures.
Word-for-Word
तीर्थी-कुर्वन्ति (They make holy), तीर्थानि (holy places), सुकर्मी-कुर्वन्ति (they make auspicious), कर्माणि (actions), सच्छास्त्री-कुर्वन्ति (they make authoritative/true), शास्त्राणि (scriptures).
Sutra 70
Devanagari
तन्मयाः ॥ 70॥
Transliteration
- tanmayāḥ
Translation
For they are completely filled with Him.
Word-for-Word
तत्-मयाः (Filled with Him/Absorbed in Him).
Sutra 71
Devanagari
मोदन्ते पितरो नृत्यन्ति देवताः सनाथा चेयं भूर्भवति ॥ 71॥
Transliteration
- modante pitaro nṛtyanti devatāḥ sanāthā ceyaṃ bhūrbhavati
Translation
Their ancestors rejoice, the gods dance with joy, and this earth finds in them a true protector.
Word-for-Word
मोदन्ते (Rejoice), पितरः (ancestors), नृत्यन्ति (dance), देवताः (gods), सनाथा (having a protector/master), च (and), इयम् (this), भूः (earth), भवति (becomes).
Sutra 72
Devanagari
नास्ति तेषु जातिविद्यारूपकुलधनक्रियादि भेदः ॥ 72॥
Transliteration
- nāsti teṣu jātividyārūpakuladhanakriyādi bhedaḥ
Translation
Among them, there are no distinctions based on caste, learning, physical beauty, family, wealth, or ritualistic status.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), अस्ति (is), तेषु (among them), जाति (caste), विद्या (learning), रूप (beauty), कुल (lineage), धन (wealth), क्रिया (rituals), आदि (etc.), भेदः (distinction).
Sutra 73
Devanagari
यतस्तदीयाः ॥ 73॥
Transliteration
- yatastadīyāḥ
Translation
Because they all belong to Him (and He is in all of them).
Word-for-Word
यतः (Because), तदीयाः (they belong to Him).
Sutra 74
Devanagari
वादो नावलम्ब्यः ॥ 74॥
Transliteration
- vādo nāvalambyaḥ
Translation
One should not engage in vain arguments or disputations.
Word-for-Word
वादः (Argument/disputation), न (not), अवलम्ब्यः (to be resorted to).
Sutra 75
Devanagari
बाहुल्यावकाशत्वाद् अनियतत्त्वाच्च ॥ 75॥
Transliteration
- bāhulyāvakāśatvād aniyatattvācc
Translation
Because arguments lead to endlessness and yield no certain or final conclusion.
Word-for-Word
बाहुल्य (Abundance/multiplicity), अवकाशत्वात् (from having room for), अनियतत्त्वात् (from being uncertain/unsettled), च (and).
Sutra 76
Devanagari
भक्तिशास्त्राणि मननीयानि तदुद्बोधकर्माणि करणीयानि ॥ 76॥
Transliteration
- bhaktiśāstrāṇi mananīyāni tadudbodhakarmāṇi karaṇīyāni
Translation
One should meditate upon the scriptures of devotion and perform those acts which awaken it.
Word-for-Word
भक्ति-शास्त्राणि (Scriptures of devotion), मननीयानि (to be meditated upon), तत्-उद्बोध-कर्माणि (actions that awaken that devotion), करणीयानि (to be performed).
Sutra 77
Devanagari
सुखदुःखेच्छालाभादित्यक्ते काले प्रतीक्ष्यमाणे क्षणार्धमपि व्यर्थं न नेयम् ॥ 77॥
Transliteration
- sukhaduḥkhecchālābhādityakte kāle pratīkṣyamāṇe kṣaṇārdhamapi vyarthaṃ na neyam
Translation
While waiting for the time when one is free from the dualities of pleasure, pain, desire, and gain, one should not waste even half a second.
Word-for-Word
सुख-दुःख (Pleasure and pain), इच्छा-लाभ-आदि (desire, gain, etc.), त्यक्ते (being given up), काले (time), प्रतीक्ष्यमाणे (while waiting), क्षण-अर्धम् (half a second), अपि (even), व्यर्थम् (in vain), न (not), नेयम् (to be spent).
Sutra 78
Devanagari
अहिंसासत्यशौचदयास्तिक्यादिचरित्राणि परिपालनीयानि ॥ 78॥
Transliteration
- ahiṃsāsatyaśaucadayāstikyādicaritrāṇi paripālanīyāni
Translation
One should strictly observe virtues like non-violence, truth, purity, compassion, and faith.
Word-for-Word
अहिंसा (Non-violence), सत्य (truth), शौच (purity), दया (compassion), आस्तिकता (faith/piety), आदि (etc.), चरित्राणि (virtues/conduct), परिपालनीयानि (to be observed).
Sutra 79
Devanagari
सर्वदा सर्वभावेन निश्चिन्तैर्भगवानेव भजनीयः ॥ 79॥
Transliteration
- sarvadā sarvabhāvena niścintairbhagavāneva bhajanīyaḥ
Translation
The Lord alone should be worshipped at all times, with one’s whole being, and with a mind free from all anxiety.
Word-for-Word
सर्वदा (Always), सर्व-भावेन (with all one’s heart/being), निश्चिन्तैः (being free from anxiety), भगवान् (the Lord), एव (alone), भजनीयः (should be worshipped).
Sutra 80
Devanagari
सङ्कीर्त्यमानः शीघ्रमेवाविर्भवत्यनुभावयति भक्तान् ॥ 80॥
Transliteration
- saṅkīrtyamānaḥ śīghramevāvirbhavatyanubhāvayati bhaktān
Translation
When His glories are sung, He manifests Himself quickly and makes the devotees feel His presence.
Word-for-Word
सङ्कीर्त्यमानः (When glorified/praised), शीघ्रम् (quickly), एव (indeed), आविर्भवति (He manifests), अनुभावयति (He makes them feel His presence), भक्तान् (the devotees).
Sutra 81
Devanagari
त्रिसत्यस्य भक्तिरेव गरीयसी भक्तिरेव गरीयसी ॥ 81॥
Transliteration
- trisatyasya bhaktireva garīyasī bhaktireva garīyasī
Translation
In the past, present, and future, Devotion alone is the greatest; indeed, Devotion alone is the greatest.
Word-for-Word
त्रि-सत्यस्य (In the three times/realms), भक्तिः (devotion), एव (alone), गरीयसी (is greatest), भक्तिः (devotion), एव (alone), गरीयसी (is greatest).
Sutra 82
Devanagari
गुणमाहात्म्यासक्ति-रूपासक्ति-पूजासक्ति-स्मरणासक्ति-दास्यासक्ति-सख्यासक्ति-वात्सल्यसक्ति-कान्तासक्ति-आत्मनिवेदनासक्ति-तन्मयतासक्ति-परमविरहासक्ति-रूपा ॥ 82॥
Transliteration
- guṇamāhātmyāsakti-rūpāsakti-pūjāsakti-smaraṇāsakti-dāsyāsakti-sakhyāsakti-vātsalyasakti-kāntāsakti-ātmanivedanāsakti-tanmayatāsakti-paramavirahāsakti-rūpā
Translation
Though Devotion is one, it manifests in eleven forms: attachment to His attributes, His form, worship, remembrance, service, friendship, parental love, bridal love, self-surrender, absorption in Him, and the intense pain of separation from Him.
Word-for-Word
एकधा (Though one), अपि (also), एकादशधा (eleven-fold), भवति (becomes), आसक्ति (attachment to): गुण-माहात्म्य (His glorious attributes), रूप (His divine form), पूजा (worship), स्मरण (remembrance), दास्य (service), सख्य (friendship), वात्सल्य (parental love), कान्ता (bridal love), आत्म-निवेदन (self-surrender), तन्मयता (absorption in Him), परम-विरह (intense pain of separation).
Sutra 83
Devanagari
इत्येवं वदन्ति जनजल्पनिर्भयाः एकमताः कुमार-व्यास-शुक-शाण्डिल्य-गर्ग-विष्णु-कौण्डिण्य-शेषोद्धवारुणि-बलि-हनुमद्-विभीषणादयो भक्त्याचार्याः ॥ 83॥
Transliteration
- ityevaṃ vadanti janajalpanirbhayāḥ ekamatāḥ kumāra-vyāsa-śuka-śāṇḍilya-garga-viṣṇu-kauṇḍiṇya-śeṣoddhavāruṇi-bali-hanumad-vibhīṣaṇādayo bhaktyācāryāḥ
Translation
Thus say the great teachers of Devotion—Kumara, Vyasa, Shuka, Shandilya, Garga, Vishnu, Kaundinya, Shesha, Uddhava, Aruni, Bali, Hanuman, Vibhishana, and others—unanimous in their view and unafraid of common gossip.
Word-for-Word
इति (Thus), एवम् (so), वदन्ति (say), जन-जल्प-निर्भयाः (unafraid of people’s gossip), एक-मताः (unanimous), कुमार-व्यास-शुक-शाण्डिल्य-गर्ग-विष्णु-कौण्डिण्य-शेष-उद्धव-अरुणि-बलि-हनुमत्-विभीषण-आदयः (Kumara, Vyasa, Shuka, Shandilya, Garga, Vishnu, Kaundinya, Shesha, Uddhava, Aruni, Bali, Hanuman, Vibhishana, and others), भक्ति-आचार्याः (teachers of devotion).
Sutra 84
Devanagari
य इदं नारदप्रोक्तं शिवानुशासनं विश्वसिति श्रद्धते स भक्तिमान् भवति सः प्रेष्टं लभते सः प्रेष्टं लभते ॥ 84॥
Transliteration
- ya idaṃ nāradaproktaṃ śivānuśāsanaṃ viśvasiti śraddhate sa bhaktimān bhavati saḥ preṣṭaṃ labhate saḥ preṣṭaṃ labhate
Translation
He who trusts and has faith in this auspicious teaching spoken by Narada becomes a true devotee; he attains the most Beloved Lord; indeed, he attains the most Beloved.
Word-for-Word
यः (He who), इदम् (this), नारद-प्रोक्तम् (spoken by Narada), शिव-अनुशासनम् (the auspicious teaching), विश्वसिति (trusts), श्रद्धते (has faith), सः (he), भक्तिमान् (devoted), भवति (becomes), सः (he), प्रेष्टम् (the Beloved), लभते (attains/reaches).
इति श्रीनारदप्रोक्तभक्तिसूत्रम् (Thus ends the Narada Bhakti Sutras.)