Shloka 76: भक्तिशास्त्राणि मननीयानि तदुद्बोधककर्माणि करणीयानि॥ ७६॥
bhakti-śāstrāṇi mananīyāni tad-udbodhaka-karmāṇi karaṇīyāni.
भक्तिशास्त्राणि (bhakti-śāstrāṇi) - scriptures of devotion; मननीयानि (mananīyāni) - to be contemplated upon; तदुद्बोधककर्माणि (tad-udbodhaka-karmāṇi) - actions that lead to understanding; करणीयानि (karaṇīyāni) - to be performed.
The scriptures on devotion should be contemplated upon, and the teachings should be practiced diligently.
Narad Ji instructs us to read the scriptures on bhakti very carefully and reflect upon the teachings and practice the teachings consistently and with conviction.
Shravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana are three important stages in the process of spiritual practice and self-realization in Hindu philosophy.
Shravana: Shravana refers to the stage of listening or hearing. It involves the study and listening to the teachings of spiritual texts, scriptures, and the wisdom of enlightened beings. During this stage, one actively seeks knowledge and understanding of spiritual truths. It is through shravana that one becomes familiar with the principles, concepts, and guidance presented in the scriptures.
Manana: Manana means contemplation or reflection. After gaining knowledge through shravana, one engages in deep reflection, contemplation, and analysis of the teachings. It involves internalizing and assimilating the knowledge intellectually. By constantly contemplating on the teachings, one clarifies doubts, resolves contradictions, and develops a deeper understanding of the spiritual truths. Manana helps in internalizing the knowledge and making it a part of one's worldview.
Nididhyasana: Nididhyasana is the stage of deep meditation or profound contemplation. It goes beyond intellectual understanding and involves sustained and focused meditation on the truth realized through shravana and manana. During nididhyasana, one dwells on the knowledge gained and tries to directly experience and realize it at a deeper level. This stage is marked by intense concentration, absorption, and contemplative practice. Nididhyasana leads to a direct experiential realization of the teachings, resulting in spiritual transformation and liberation.
When it comes to devotion, we're not just talking about the theories and techniques. It's about experiencing that deep connection with the divine, where devotion and Vedanta come together as one.