Narada Bhakti Sutras
The Bhakti Sutras of Narad and the Bhakti Mimansa of Shandilya are the most authoritative treatises among the ancient Sanskrit texts on Bhakti literature. These texts outlive the philosophy and the classical authority of the concept of Bhakti. The ancient form of Sutra literature in Sanskrit is often very terse and its meaning is obscure and is liable to various interpretations. There is always room for different and often clarity is lacking. Fortunately, the Bhakti Sutras of Narad stand out their clarity, simplicity and internal coherence. Among ancient texts such clarity and simplicity is very rare. The Narad Bhakti Sutra is a very ancient and authoritative scripture. Seers and Scholars of ancient as well as modern times have written their commentaries on it. Adi Shankaracharya (A.D. 788-820) has written a commentary on Narad’s Bhakti Sutra.
Narad is credited with the compilation of four treatises. These are Bhakti Sutras of Narad. Narad Smiriti Nardiyashiksha and Sangeetmakarand. Besides Naradparabrajakopnishad, Nardiyapurana and Naradpancharatna are said to be inspired by him. Whether these works are by the same person of there were different persons named Nard’s, we cannot ascertain. A careful study of the Sutras makes it clear that these are the conclusions reached by some one who is a realised soul like the divine sage Narad.
Narad is a divine sage. He is mentioned in ancient scripture and Puranas quite frequently. The personality of Narad, as depicted in these Puranas, is such that we can accept that these Sutras are based on his experiences. Narad finds mention in Rigveda as a seer of Mantra. Two more mantras of Rigveda are said to be composed by Narad, jointly with sage Parnata. Samaveda also makes a mention of Narad. In the Puranas Narad is shown as the divine minstrel and he is also given credit as the inventor of Veena. Narad is mention as the son of Brahma and also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But Narad has his share of detractors too.
Narad is shown a divine messenger. He is constantly wandering around in all three worlds and he gives information to all, the Devas, the Rakshas and the men. He is a friend, Philosopher and guide to all. He is mentioned in Shabdakalpadruma as one who gives knowledge of God. “Naram paramatma vishyakam gyanam dadati iti nardah.” But one not so exalted description is the Vishnupurana says, “Naram nar samuham Kalahena dhyati Khandayatiti.” The one who is a fomenter of disputes among people is Narad. But he is never malicious or vengeful and never has any vested interest. He works for the ultimate good. Destruction of demon Bhasmasura, insult of Ravan by Bali, killing of all the sons of Devaki by Kamsa, etc. are deeds done for the public good by Narad. During the period when Hiranyakashyapa went for penance, Narad protected women of Rakshas from the vindictive devas, he gave shelter to the wife of Hiranyakashyapa and through his grace, Prahlada, who was in the womb of his mother, became a devotee of God. He also guided Dhruva to reach his goal. Thus, we see that the status of Narada is very exalted one.
Narad is a yogi’s yogi, a Gyani’s gyani and the foremost among the devotees, (Bhaktas). He has a unique combination of Yoga, Gyana and Bhakti. But he finds the path of Bhakti as the easiest and open to all. Ultimately all the path of Yoga, Gyana and Bhakti merge into one, as they lead to the same goal. But the path of Bhakti is easiest in the beginning. The path of Narad is that of devotion.
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(My humble salutations to Swamyjis , Philosophic Scholars, Knowledge seekers for the collection)
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