Narada Bhakti Sutra

The Narada Bhakti Sutra (IAST: Nārada Bhakti Sūtra) is a well known sutra venerated within the traditions of Hinduism, purportedly spoken by the famous sage, Narada. The text details the process of devotion (Bhakti), or Bhakti yoga and is thus of particular importance to many of the Bhakti movements within Hinduism. It has received particular attention among the Vaishnava traditions.

Sanskrit scriptures often appear in variant editions which may show differences in organization and verse numbering. For example in the translation by Swami Prabhavananda there are eighty-four verses arranged in nine chapters, whereas in the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his disciple Satsvarupa dasa the eighty-four verses are organised into five chapters.

As organized by Swami Prabhavananda, the text covers the following subjects:

• Chapter 1 (verses 1-6) provides a definition of bhakti.
• Chapter 2 (verses 7-14) stresses the importance of renunciation and self-surrender.
• Chapter 3 (verses 15-24) provides exemplars of divine love.
• Chapter 4 (verses 25-33) endorses bhakti as the highest goal of human life.
• Chapter 5 (verses 34-42) provides suggestions on how to practice divine love.
• Chapter 6 (verses 43-50) explains the importance of seeking holy company.
• Chapter 7 (verses 51-57) discusses the difference between preparatory and supreme devotion.
• Chapter 8 (verses 58-73) covers the forms of divine love.
• Chapter 9 (verses 74-84) recommends the practice of ethical virtues and worship of God.

In the translation by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada the chapters break at similar points, but with the first four chapters arranged into double the amount of verses:

• Chapter 1 (verses 1-14) The Value of Devotion
• Chapter 2 (verses 15-33) Defining Bhakti
• Chapter 3 (verses 34-50) The Means of Achievement
• Chapter 4 (verses 51-73) Pure and Mixed Devotion
• Chapter 5 (verses 74-84) Attaining Perfection