Sutra 1. Athatho Bhaktim Vyakhyasyaamah.
Now, therefore, we shall expound Bhakti (devotion).
Atha: now
Athah: therefore
Bhaktim: (the doctrine of) devotion,
Vyakhyasyaamah: (we) shall expound.
Atha means now. It is sometimes
used in the sense of sequence. It is a word that is used when a subject is
begun to invoke the Divine blessing and for the proper closing of the work
undertaken.
It also implies completion of the preliminary conditions. An aspirant
cannot take to the deep study of philosophy and spiritual practice without
preparation, without proper qualifications.
The aspirant must be endowed
with aspiration, faith, devotion, tolerance, patience, perseverance,
forgiveness, mercy, serenity, cheerfulness, courage, non-violence, truthfulness,
purity or Brahmacharya, spirit of self-less service,
dispassion, renunciation and one-pointed mind. This is the preparation for the
love of God.
The aspirant should have faith
in the grace of God. He must have intense desire to attain god realisation. He
must have deep interest in the study of scriptures. He must have faith in the
scripture and in the capacity of the Teacher. He must have the capacity to
understand. He must be free from disabilities and must have all possible
opportunities and favorable circumstances. Then alone he is fit to practise
Bhakti. Then alone he will he profited.
Athah therefore, alludes to
the reasons that prompted Narada to propound the Bhakti Sastra, viz.. Bhakti
itself leads to God-realisation and escape from samsara. It is the easiest
path. It can be followed by any one. It is a help to those who aspire for
Jnana. Even Jnani like Sankara, Madu Sudhana, Suka Dev took to Bhakti after
realisation to enjoy the sweetness and loving relationship with
God. Narada himself likes Bhakti most and is eager to share his bliss of love
with others.
Continued........
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