Narada Bhakti Sutras - Swami Chidananda

Narada Bhakti Sutras

॥ नारदभक्तिसूत्राणि ॥ NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS १. अथािो भक्ति​िं व्याख्यास्यामः । 1. Athatho Bakthim vyakyasyama

Now I will explain in detail what is meant by devotion to God (Bhakti) २. सा त्वक्स्मन ् परप्रेमरूपा 2. Saa tavsmin Paramaprema roopa

Devotion to God is personification of intense(highest) love towards Him. ३. अमि ृ स्वरूपा च । 3. Amrutha swaroopa cha

It also is deathless or as sweet as nectar (or it also confers deathlessness to one) ४. यल्लब्ध्वा पुमान ् ससद्धो भवति अमि ृ ो भवति िप्ृ िो भवति । 4. Yallabhathva puman siddho bhavathi, amrutho bhavathi, truptho bhavathi

One who gets it becomes perfect, immortal and contended. ५. यत्प्राप्य न किक्चचद् वाचछति न शोचति न द्वेक्टि न रमिे नोत्साही भवति ।

5. Yathprapya na kinchid vanchadhi, na sochathi, na dweshati, na ramathe na uthsahi bhavathi

One who gets it desires not, worries not, hates not, enjoys not, and does not get excited. ६. यज्ज्ञात्वा मत्तो भवति स्िब्धधो भवति आत्मारामो भवति । 6. Yat gnathwa matho bhavathi sthabhdho bhavathi, athmaramo bhavathi.

One who attains it becomes intoxicated (be in stupor), still and drunk with self(soul) ७. सा न िामयमाना तनरोधरूपत्वाि ् । 7. Saa na kamayamana, nirodha roopathwad

It is not desire generating as it is by nature a form of renunciation. ८. तनरोधस्िु लोिवेदव्यापारन्यासः । 8. Nirodasthu lokavedavyaparanyasa

Giving away the social and Vedic customs including religious activities is termed as a form of this renunciation. ९. िक्स्मन्ननन्यिा िद्ववरोधधषद ू ासीनिा च । 9. Tasminananyata tatvirodhishoothaaseenata cha.

To be one with Him and complete indifference in things which are contrary to him is termed as a form of renunciation. १०. अन्याश्रयािािं त्यागोनन्यिा ।

10. Anyasrayanaan tyagoananyatha.

To sacrifice dependence on anything but Him is exclusiveness (that which does not have any other thing but Him) ११. लोिवेदेषु िदनुिूलाचरि​िं िद्ववरोधधषूदासीनिा । 11. Lokevedeshu tadaanukoolasaranam tadavirodhi shoodhassenatha.

In ordinary life and in Vedic percepts, to do that which is beneficial to Him is exclusiveness (that which does not have any other thing but Him) १२. भविु तनश्चयदार्ढ्याद् ू वं शास्त्ररक्षिम ् । 12. Bhavathu nischayadartyathurdhdvam sasthrarakshanam.

After attaining this state rock stable firmness in Vedic injunctions follow. १३. अन्यथा पातित्यशङ्िया । 13. Anyadha padithyasankhaya

If you do not do this, there is a doubt of a possibility of degradation. १४. लोिोऽवप िावदे व भोजनादद व्यापारस्त्वाशरीरधारिावधध । 14. Lokopi thavadeva bhojanani vyaparasthvasareeradharanavathi

Obey the ways of the world till you attain renunciation, do activities like eating which should continue till the body exists. १५. िल्लक्षिातन वाच्यन्िे नानामिभेदाि ् । 15. Tallakshanathi vachyanthe nanamadhabedhat

The differing definitions of Bhakti (“devotion”) as viewed by many are listed. १६. पूजाददटवनुराग इति पाराशय्ः । 16. Poojadhishwaanuraga iti Parasararya.

Intense desire to Worship Him with loving affection, is “devotion” according to Sage Parasara. १७. िथाददक्टवति गग्ः । 17. Kadhadhi shweethi Garga

Intense desire to hear his stories is “devotion” according to Sage Garga. १८. आत्मरत्यववरोधेनेति शाक्डिल्यः । 18. Atma rathya virodhe nethi Sandilya

“Devotion” should be done without conflict to the happiness of the soul, according to sage Shandilya. १९. नारदस्िु िदवप्िाणिलाचारिा िद्ववस्मरिे परमव्यािुलिेति । 19. Naradasthu thadarpitakhilacharata tadvismarane parama vyakulathethi.

But according to sage Narada, “devotion” is doing all duties on behalf of Him, and become extremely sad even if you happen to forget Him for a second. २०. अस्त्येवमेवम ् । 20. Asthy evam evam

This “devotion” is like each of the above views. २१. यथा व्रजगोवपिानाम ् । 21. Yada vrajagopikanam.

This can be best illustrated by the “devotion” of the Gopis of Gokula. २२. ित्रावप न माहात्​्यञानववस्मत्ृ यपवादः । 22.Thathrapi na mahatmyamjnanavismrutyapavaada.

In this case at no stage His greatness is ever forgotten. २३. िद्ववहीनिं जारािासमव । 23. Thadviheenam Jaranamiva

For any “devotion” forgetting His greatness is like an illicit love affair. २४. नास्त्येव िक्स्मन ् ित्सि ु सणु ित्व्िक्स्मन ् । 24. Nasthyeva tasmin tat sukhasukhitwamtasmin

All actions done as a result of this “devotion” (love) is to offer and enhance His pleasure or All actions of this “devotion” are meant for pleasing Him only. २५. सा िु िम्ञानयोगेभ्योऽप्यधधि​िरा । 25. Saa tu karmajnanayogebhyoapyadhikatara.

This “devotion” is far greater than the path of action (karma), the path of knowledge (gyana), and the path of disciplined contemplation (yoga).

२६. फलरूपत्त्वाि ् । 26. Phalaroopathwat.

Because this “devotion” is like the fruit attained by any of these methods. २७. ईश्वरस्याप्यसभमानद्वेवषत्वाि ् दै न्यवप्रयत्वात्च 27. Iswarasyapyabhimanadweshitwath dainyapriyathwacha

Because God also does not like pride and likes humility, “devotion” as a method is better than Karma yoga and Gnana yoga २८. िस्याः ञानमेव साधनसमत्येिे । 28. Tasya gnanameva Sadanamityeke

Some believe that knowledge alone is the path of attainment. २९. अन्योन्याश्रयत्वसमत्यन्ये । 29. Anyonyasryatwamityanye

Some others believe that Knowledge and devotion are interdependent on each other ३०. स्वयिं फलरूपिेति ब्रह्मिुमारः । 30. Swayam phalaroopatethi Brahmakumara

The son of Brahma (sage Narada) believes that “devotion” is its own result ३१. राजगह ृ भोजनाददषु िथैव दृटित्वाि ् । 31. Rajagruhabhojanaadhishu tadaiva drushtatwat

It is just like glancing at a palace or being informed of sumptuous food. ३२. न िेन राजा पररिोषः क्षुच्छाक्न्िवा् । 32. Naa thena Raja paridosha kshudhashanthirva

Glancing at the palace does not make the king happy nor hearing of sumptuous food remove his hunger. Similarly knowing about “devotion”, does not help you at all. You should have “devotion”. ३३. िस्माि ् सैव ग्राह्या मुमुक्षुसभः । 33. Tasmad saiva grahya mumukshubhi

So, all those who want to get out of the chain of births and rebirths should only practice “devotion” ३४. भक्तिसाधनातन िस्याः साधनातन गायन्त्याचाया्ः । 34. Bhaktisadhnani Tasya sadhanani gayanthyacharya

The learned ones therefore sing about the results of “devotion” ३५. ित्तु ववषयत्यागाि ् सङ्गत्यागात्च । 35. Tathu Vishayatyagat Sangathyagatcha

This “devotion” reaches completion only when sacrifice is made of pleasurable things and mundane social contacts. ३६. अव्यावत्त ृ भजनाि ् । 36. Avyavruthabhajanath

It reaches completion by forever ceaseless chanting ३७. लोिेऽवप भगवद्गुिश्रवि​िीि्नाि ् । 37. Lokebhi Bhagawathgunasravanakeerthanad

It also reaches completion by hearing always or singing about the qualities of God. ३८. मुख्यिस्िु महत्िृपयैव भगवत्िृपालेशाद् वा । 38. Mukhythasthu Mahadkrapayaiva Bhagawatkrupaleasad Vaa

But most importantly it reaches completion only by the grace of Great learned people and by the divine grace. ३९. महत्सङ्गस्िु दल ् ोऽग्योऽमोघश्च । ु भ 39. Mahadsangasthu durlabhoagamyoamogascha

The company or the grace of great learned people is difficult to get and is not easily attained and never goes waste. ४०. लभ्यिेऽवप ित्िृपयैव । 40. Labhyateaphi tatkrupayaiva

The company of great learned people is got only through the grace of God. ४१. िक्स्मिंस्िज्ज्जने भेदाभावाि ् । 41. Tasmimthajjane bhedhabhavath

There is no difference whatsoever between God and his people(devotees)

४२. िदे व सा्यिािं िदे व सा्यिाम ् । 42. Thadeva sadyatham Thadeva sadyatham

So, search for the company of great learned people, for that can be accomplished by that method only ४३. दस् ु सङ्गः सव्थैव त्याज्ज्यः । 43. Dussanga sarvathaiva tyajya

Also forever avoid the company of bad people. ४४. िामक्रोधमोहस्मतृ िभ्रिंशबुद्धधनाशिारित्वाि ् । 44. KamaKrodhamohasmrithibramsabuddhinasca karanatwaat

Because such a company (of bad people) leads to passion, anger, dullness, memory loss, loss of wisdom and thus leads to utter ruin. ४५. िरङ्गातयिा अपीमे सङ्गाि ् समद्र ु ायन्िे । 45. Tharangayidha aphi me sangath samudrayanthi

These (passion, anger etc.) though they initially appear in bad company as small waves gather momentum and become like sea. ४६. िस्िरति िस्िरति मायाम ् यःमायाम ् सङ्गिं त्यजति यो महानुभाविं सेविे तनम्मो भवति । 46. Kastharathi kastharathi Mayam? Yah mayam sangam sthyajathi yo mahanubhavam sevathe nirmalo bhavathi.

Who can cross? Who can cross the veil of illusion? He who is devoid of any worldly attachment serves wise people and does not have a feeling of “mine” can only cross the veil of illusion. ४७. यो ववववतिस्थानिं सेविे यो लोिबन्धमुन्मूलयति तनस्त्रैगुडयो भवति योगक्षेमिं त्यजति । 47. Yo vivikthasthanam sevathe Yo lokabandhamunmolayathi, nistraigunyo bhavathi, yoga kshemam tyajati

He who lives in a holy place in seclusion, he who cuts of the fetters of worldly attachment, he who goes beyond all characterizations and he who forsakes pleasure as well as yoga only can only cross the veil of illusion.

(Seclusion -- in seclusion from bad association. Renounces requirements and comfort -- becomes utterly dependent on the Lord for everything, not aspiring for them independently) ४८. िम्फलिं त्यजति िमा्णि सिंन्यस्स्यति ि​िो तनद्​्वन्द्वो भवति । 48. Karmaphalam tyajathi, karmani sanyasyathi, tato nirdwando bhavathi

He who sacrifices the result of actions, He who detaches himself from actions and he who sacrifices the two opposites like heat-cold, pleasuresuffering, recognition, insult etc. can only cross the veil of illusion. ४९. यो वेदानवप सिंन्यस्यति िेवलमववक्च्छन्नानुरागिं लभिे । 49. Yo Vedanabhi sannyasyathi, kevalamvichinnaanuragam labhate

He who forsakes even Vedas and reaches the limitless love of “devotion” can only cross the veil of illusion.

५०. स िरति स िरति स लोिािंस्िारयति । 50. Sa tarathi, sa tarathi sa lokaamstharayathi

He crosses, He only crosses, and he helps other people also to cross the veil of Maya. ५१. प्रेमतनव्चनम ् प्रेमस्वरूपम ् । 51. Premaanirvachaneeyam prema swaroopam

This extreme love of “devotion” is indefinable ५२. मूिास्वादनवि ् । 52. Mookaswadanavath

It is (extreme love) like a dumb one tasting, for he does not tell what he feels. ५३. प्रिाशिे तवावप पात्रे । 53. Prakasathe kwapi pathre

Extremely rarely some people are able to explain what they feel. ५४. गि ु रदहि​िं िामनारदहि​िं प्रतिक्षिवध्मानिं अववक्च्छन्निं सक्ष् ू मिरिं अनुभवरूपम ् । 54. Guna rahitham kamanaarahitham, prathikshanavardhamana, avichinnam sookshmataram anubhavaroopam.

This love of “devotion” is without any properties, without any desire, increases every second, micro of micros and it can be described only by really experiencing it.

५५. ित्प्राप्य िदे वावलोिति िदे व शि ृ ोति िदे व भाषयति िदे व धचन्ियति । 55. Thatprapya thadevaavalokati tadeva srunothi, thadeva bhashayathi, thadeva chinthayadhi.

One who possesses this love of “devotion”, is able to only see Him everywhere, is able to only hear of Him always, is able to only talk about Him always and always thinks about Him. ५६. गौिी त्रत्रधा गि ु भेदाद् आिा्ददभेदाद् वा । 56. Gowni thridha gunabheda arthadhibhedath wa

The “devotion” is of three types depending on the type of people viz.

Satwa (pure hearted), Rajasa (warrior in outlook) and Tamasa(debased) ५७. उत्तरस्मादत्त ् त्तरस्मादत्त ु रस्माि ् पूवउ ु रस्मात्पूव् पूवा् श्रेयाय भवति । 57. Utharasmathuutharasmath, poorva, poorvaasrayeya bhavathi.

Each of the above three categories are better than that coming next, in other words, Sattvic Bhakti is better than Rajasic which is better than tamasic, Bhagavad-Gita 7.16: the inquisitive and the man of wisdom, one who is desirous of wealth and one who suffers. ५८. अन्य माि ् सौलभिंभतिौ । 58. Anyasmath saulabhyam bhakthou

This path of “devotion” is the easiest among the paths to attain God. ५९. प्रमािान्िरस्यानपेक्षत्वाि ् स्वयिंप्रमाित्वाि ् ।

59. Pramanaantharsyanapekshatwath swayampramanathwath

This path of “devotion” is its own proof and does not need any other proof. ६०. शाक्न्िरूपाि ् परमानन्दरूपाच्च । 60. Santhiroopaath, paramanandaroopascha

It is personification of peace and ultimate happiness. ६१. लोिहानौ धचन्िा न िाया् तनवेददिात्मलोिवेदत्वाि ् । 61. Lokhanau chintha na karya nivedhitaathmaloka vedatwad

One who practices “devotion” should not get worried about worldly affairs, for he has given away all his actions to God. ६२. न िक्त्सद्धौ लोिव्यवहारो हे यः किन्िु फलत्यागः ित्साधनिं च । 62. Na thada siddhou, loka vivahoro heya, kinthu phalathyaga tat sadanam cha

That Upon attaining the goal, a devotee should not keep away from worldly actions but perform them without bothering about the result. ६३. स्त्रीधननाक्स्ि​िचररत्रिं न श्रविीयम ् । 63. Sthreethana nasthika charithram na sravaneeyam

Do not hear stories, gossip or news about women, atheist and enemies. ६४. असभमानद्भाददि​िं त्याज्ज्यम ् । 64. Abhimanadambadhikam tyagyam

Sacrifice egoism and self-praise ६५. िदवप्िाणिलाचारः सन ् िामक्रोधासभमानाददि​िं िक्स्मन्नेव िरिीयम ्। 65. Tadrpitakhilaachara san kamakrodhabhinanadhikam tasminneva karaneeyam

If after offering all actions to god, if feelings of anger, pride and passion come again, they also should be offered to Him. ६६. त्रत्ररूपभङ्गपव ् म ् तनत्यदास्यतनत्यिान्िाभजनात्मि​िं प्रेम िायं प्रेमैव ू ि िाय्म ् । 66. Triroopabhangapoorvakam nithyadasanithyakanthabha janatmakam prema karyam premaiva karyam,

Breaking the three distinctions pointed out, one should always serve Him like a servant or wife with unblemished love and definitely with unblemished love. ६७. भतिा एिाक्न्िनो मख् ु याः । 67. Bhaktha ekandino mukhya

Those devotes only are great who keep Him as their one and only one aim. ६८. िडठावरोधरोमचचाश्रुसभः परस्परिं लपमानाः पावयक्न्ि िुलातन पधृ थवीिं च । 68. Kantavarodharomanchasrubhi parasparam lapamana, pavayanti kulani prithweem cha

These devotees with tear filled eyes, with stuttering voice, and hair standing out discuss always about Him and are a gift to their clan and to the world. ६९. िीथीिुव्क्न्ि िीथा्तन सुिमी िुव्क्न्ि िमा्णि सच्छास्त्रीिुव्क्न्ि शास्त्राणि । 69. Theerthi kurvanthi, theerthani sukarmi kuvanthi, karmani sachasthri kurvanthi

These devotees make sacred waters more sacred, actions into good actions and holy scriptures more holy. ७०. िन्मयाः । 70. Tanmya

Then Maya for they are filled with God. ७१. मोदन्िे वपिरो नत्ृ यक्न्ि दे विाः सनाथा चेयिं भभ ् ति । ू व 71. Modanthe pitharo, nruthyanthi devatha sanatha cheyam bhoorbhavathi.

Because of them the manes rejoice, gods dance and world get a good leader ७२. नाक्स्ि िेषु जातिववद्यारूपिुलधनकक्रयादद भेदः । 72. Nasthi theshu jatividhyaroopakuladhanakriyadhi bedha

Within them there is no difference by caste, by knowledge, by looks, by birth, by wealth or by actions. ७३. यिस्िदीयाः ।

73. Yatastadeeya

For all of them are His. ७४. वादो नावल्ब्धयः । 74. Vadho naavalambya

These devotees should not enter into arguments. ७५. बाहुल्याविाशत्वाद् अतनयित्त्वाच्च । 75. Bahulyaavakasada aniyathathwacha

With differing opinions expressed nothing can be concluded in these arguments. ७६. भक्तिशास्त्राणि मननीयातन िदद् ु बोधिमा्णि िरिीयातन । 76. Bhaktisasthrani mananeeyani thadudbodhakarmani karaneeyani

They should always read or hear about “devotion” and they should engage themselves in acts to increase such “devotion”. ७७. सुिदःु िेच्छालाभाददत्यतिे िाले प्रिीक्ष्यमािे क्षिाध्मवप व्यथं न नेयम ् । 77. Sukhadukheichalabhadhityakte kale, pratheekshyamane kshanarthamapi vyardhanam na neyam

They should await the time when happiness, sorrow, desire and profit can be completely forsaken, and keep on thinking about him every second with love.

७८. अदहिंसासत्यशौचदयाक्स्ितयाददचररत्राणि पररपालनीयातन । 78. AhimsaSathyasowchadayaasthhikyadhicharithryani parpalaneeyani

They should observe strictly non-violence, truth. Cleanliness, compassion and faith. ७९. सव्दा सव्भावेन तनक्श्चन्िैभग ् वानेव भजनीयः । 79. Sarvada sarvebhavena nischintaiair bhagawaneva bhajaneeya

Always and under all circumstances. Without diverting their mind to other thoughts, they should pray God. ८०. सङ्िीत्य्मानः शीघ्रमेवाववभ्वत्यनुभावयति भतिान ् । 80. Sa keerthayamana seegramevaavirbhavathianubhavayati bhakthan

Being sung in such a way by the devotees, He appears before them and makes them realize. ८१. त्रत्रसत्यस्य भक्तिरे व गरीयसी भक्तिरे व गरीयसी । 81. Trisathyasya bhakthireva gareeyasi, bhakthireva gareeyasi.

To the one who is truthful to Him in mind, body and words Devotion is the greatest path, it is the greatest. ८२. गि ु माहात्​्यासक्ति-रूपासक्ति-पूजासक्ति-स्मरिासक्ति-दास्यासक्तिसख्यासक्तिवात्सल्यसक्ति-िान्िासक्ति-आत्मतनवेदनासक्ति​िन्मयिासक्ति-परमववरहासक्तिर एिधा अवप एिादशधा भवति ।

82. Guna mahathmyasakthi. Roopasakthi, poojasakthi, smaranasakthi, dasyasakthi, sakhyasakthi, vatsalya sakthi, kanthasakthi, athmanivedanasakthi, thanmayadhasakthi, paramavirahasakthi, ekadha api ekatda satha bhavathi

Though “devotion” is one quality it is expressed in eleven different ways depending on the individual soul viz 1. Longing to hear about His greatness, 2. Longing to see His great form, 3. Longing to worship Him always 4. Longing to always remember Him 5. Longing to forever serve Him as a slave 6. Longing to be His most intimate friend 7. Longing to be his consort 8. Longing to be affectionate to Him like a parent. 9. Longing to sacrifice our soul to Him. 10. Longing to become Himself and 11.

Suffering his absence even for a second like a lover. ८३. इत्येविं वदक्न्ि जनजल्पतनभ्याः एिमिाः िुमार-व्यास-शि ु शाक्डिल्य-गग्-गग्ववटिु-ववटिु िौक्डिडय-शेषोद्धवारुणि-बसल-हनुमद्भीषिादयो भतत्याचाया्ः । 83. Ithyevam vadanthi janajalpanirbhaya ekamatha kumara Vyasa, shukha, Sandilya, Garga, Vishnu, Koundinya, Seshouddhavarunee bali, hanumath vibeeshanada yo Bhakthacharya

Very great devotees like Vyasa, Shukha, Sandilya, Garga, Vishnu, Koundinya, Sesha, Udhawa, aaruni, Bali, Hanuman and Vibeeshana tell in unanimity without bothering about different opinions expressed that the path of “devotion” is the greatest. ८४. य इदिं नारदप्रोति​िं सशवानुशासनिं ववश्वससति श्रद्धिे स भक्तिमान ् भवति सः प्रेटि​िं लभिे सः प्रेटि​िं लभिे ।

84. Idham Narada proktham Shiva anusasanam Viswaseeti sradhathe sa preshtam labhadha ithi.

One who with utmost faith and belief understands the above exposition of Narada would attain God, would definitely attain God.

Narada Bhakti Sutras - Swami Vivekananda Chapter I 1. Bhakti is intense love for God. 2. It is the nectar of love; 3. Getting which man becomes perfect, immortal, and satisfied forever; 4. Getting which man desires, no more, does not become jealous of anything, does not take pleasure in vanities: 5. Knowing which man becomes filled with spirituality, becomes calm, and finds pleasure only in God. 6. It cannot be used to fill any desire, itself being the check to all desires.

7. Sannyasa is giving up both the popular and the scriptural forms of worship.

8. The Bhakti-sannyasin is the one whose whole soul goes unto God, and whatever militates against love to God, he rejects.

9. Giving up all other refuge, he takes refuge in God. 10. Scriptures are to be followed as long as one's life has not become firm; 11. Or else there is danger of doing evil in the name of liberty.

12. When love becomes established, even social forms are given up, except those which are necessary for the preservation of life.

13. There have been many definitions of love, but Narada gives these as the signs of love: When all thoughts, all words, and all deeds are given up unto the Lord, and the least forgetfulness of God makes one intensely miserable, then love has begun.

14. As the Gopis had it15. Because, although worshipping God as their lover, they never forgot his God-nature; 16. Otherwise they would have committed the sin of unchastity.

17. This is the highest form of love, because there is no desire of reciprocity, which desire is in all human love.

Chapter II 1. Bhakti is greater than Karma, greater than Jnana, greater than Yoga (Raja-Yoga), because Bhakti itself is its result, because Bhakti is both the means and the end (fruit).

2. As a man cannot satisfy his hunger by simple knowledge or sight of food, so a man cannot be satisfied by the knowledge or even the perception of God until love comes; therefore, love is the highest.

Chapter III 1. These, however, the Masters have said about Bhakti: 2. One who wants this Bhakti must give up sense-enjoyments and even the company of people.

3. Day and night, he must think about Bhakti and nothing else.

4. (He must) go where they sing or talk of God. 5. The principle cause of Bhakti is the mercy of a great (or free) soul.

6. Meeting with a great soul is hard to obtain, and never fails to save the soul.

7. Through the mercy of God, we get such Gurus.

8. There is no difference between Him and His (own) ones.

9. Seek, therefore, for this.

10. Evil company is always to be shunned; 11. Because it leads to lust and anger, illusion, forgetfulness of the goal, destruction of the will (lack of perseverance), and destruction of everything.

12. These disturbances may at first be like ripples, but evil company at last makes them like the sea.

13. He gets across Maya who gives up all attachment, serves the great

ones, lives alone, cuts the bondages of this world, goes beyond the qualities of nature, and depends upon the Lord for even his living.

14. He who gives up the fruits of work, he who gives up all work and the dualism of joy and misery, who gives up even the scriptures, gets that unbroken love for God; 15. He crosses this river and helps others to cross it.

Chapter IV 1. The nature of love is inexpressible.

2. As the dumb man cannot express what he tastes, but his actions betray his feelings, so man cannot express this love in words, but his actions betray it.

3. In some rare persons it is expressed.

4. Beyond all qualities, all desires, ever increasing, unbroken, the finest perception is love.

5. When a man gets this love, he sees love everywhere, he hears love everywhere, he talks love everywhere, he thinks love everywhere.

6. According to the qualities or conditions, this love manifests itself differently.

7. The qualities are: Tamas (dullness, heaviness), Rajas (restlessness, activity), Sattva (serenity, purity); and the conditions are: Arta (afflicted), Artharthi (wanting something), Jijnasu (searching truth), Jnani (knower).

8. Of these the latter are higher than the preceding ones.

9. Bhakti is the easiest way of worship.

10. It is its own proof and does not require any other.

11. Its nature is peace and perfect bliss.

12. Bhakti never seeks to injure anyone or anything, not even the popular modes of worship.

13. Conversation about lust, or doubt of God or about one's enemies must

not be listened to.

14. Egotism, pride, etc. must be given up.

15. If those passions cannot be controlled, place them upon God, and place all your actions on Him. 16. Merging the trinity of Love, Lover, and Beloved, worship God as His eternal servant, His eternal bride-thus love is to be made unto God. Chapter V 1. That love is highest which is concentrated upon God. 2. When such speak of God, their voices stick in their throats, they cry and weep; and it is they who give holy places their holiness; they make good works, good books better, because they are permeated with God. 3. When a man loves God so much, his forefathers rejoice, the gods dance, and the earth gets a Master!

4. To such lovers there is no difference of caste, sex, knowledge, form, birth, or wealth; 5. Because they are all God's.

6. Arguments are to be avoided; 7. Because there is no end to them, and they lead to no satisfactory result.

8. Read books treating of this love, and do deeds which increase it.

9. Giving up all desires of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, worship God day and night. Not a moment is to be spent in vain.

10. Ahimsa (non-killing), truthfulness, purity, mercy, and godliness are always to be kept.

11. Giving up all other thoughts, the whole mind should day and night worship God. Thus, being worshipped day and night, He reveals Himself and makes His worshippers feel Him. 12. In past, present, and future, Love is greatest!