Have you journeyed through the philosophical depths of Vedanta, intellectually grasping the truth of "Tat Tvam Asi," That Thou Art? Have you studied the Bhagavad Gita, analyzing Karma, Jnana, and Dhyana Yoga, only to arrive at Krishna's profound conclusion that Bhakti is the most direct path? If your intellect has brought you to the threshold of divine love, this exploration is your next step.
Welcome to a journey into the heart of devotion with the Narada Bhakti Sutras. This series is for the seeker who stands ready to transform profound knowledge into a living, breathing experience. We move beyond the intellectual analysis of Brahman and into a loving contemplation of Bhagavan. Our guide on this path of divine love is the celestial sage, Narada Muni, the king of all rishis, who distilled the essence of pure devotion into 84 concise and powerful aphorisms.
In this introductory episode, we lay the foundation for this sacred study. We explore the critical transition from Jnana to Bhakti, understanding how the intellect, once used for negation and inquiry, is beautifully reoriented to appreciate the infinite qualities of the Divine. You'll learn what is bhakti yoga at its core, discovering that it is unmotivated service, or sevā, that sweetens the spiritual journey. We will delve into the two fundamental stages of devotion. The first is Sadhana Bhakti practices, the disciplines like hearing, chanting, and remembering that purify the heart. The second is Para Bhakti, the state of perfected, spontaneous divine love that is bestowed by grace.
We also address the subtle spiritual obstacle of transcending the desire for mukti, or liberation. The Narada Bhakti Sutras teach that for a true devotee, the bliss of loving service is a goal far greater than freedom from samsara. A central theme we will embrace is the absolute necessity of devotion to the Guru, the living link to divine wisdom, who makes this entire transformation possible. Join us as we prepare our hearts to receive Sage Narada's teachings, moving from the head to the heart, where the knowledge of "I am Brahman" blossoms into the sweet experience of "I am Yours." This is the promise of the Narada Bhakti Sutras.
krsnadaasa (Servant of Krishna)
pragmaticgita.com