Sitting in his hermitage of Badrika-Ashram, one day Sage Ved Vyasa asked Sage Narada, “Man seeks freedom. This seeking without devotion is dry. Many paths lead to freedom but they have importance only in so far as they are auxiliary to devotion. I, therefore humbly ask you to share with me the virtue of devotion.” Sage Narada said, “I shall explain devotion to you in the form of sutra (aphorism).” Saying so, the sage delivered a discourse on devotion in 84 aphorisms, later known as the Narada Bhakti Sutras. He also blessed Sage Ved Vyasa and said, “Its full explanation shall be given by you in the ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ Mahapurana later.”

Within this text, Sage Narada explains the perfectional stage of unconditional love and devotion and the ways to achieve this state; gives examples from other Vedic personalities on the subject matter; cautions against the obstacles that come up in developing bhakti; and finally explains the nature of selfless love and the different forms of attainment to the Supreme bliss.

 When the mind does not disturb, distract, and dissipate human potentials, then higher-consciousness reveals itself through such a human being. Love is the very basis of renouncing selfishness. As one’s love for the Lord intensifies, attachment to all else simply fall away of its own accord. In the path of Bhakti, one does everything for the Lord; no importance is given to individuality. A student of this path remains fearless always. ” (Choosing A Path).

If there is anything that has the capacity to make life filled with happiness and serenity, it is Pure Love. It has the power to enable one to experience Parama-ananda (supreme bliss). This unique study with Rabindra Sahu will offer many insights into the nature of Pure Love, Devotion, and Surrender.