Narada Bhakti Sutra - Post 29

Sutra 17. Kathaadishviti Gargah.

The sage Garga thinks that Bhakti consists in talks of His glory and greatness and the stories of His various sports and the like.

Katha-adishu: in holy talks (of Lord’s glory and greatness) and the like (anuraga: devotion)

iti: thus

Garga : Sage Garga (manyati thinks).

Garga, an apostle of Bhakti thinks that indulgence in talks of Lord’s glory and greatness, fondness for spiritual conversation and the like is the sign of devotion or the characteristic of divine love .

The stories of the incarnations of God are most elevating, inspiring and soul stirring. They instil devotion in the hearts of the hearers. There is a mysterious and marvellous charm in the stories pertaining to Avataras. A sincere devotee loses himself in the stories of Lord Rama or Lord Krishna .

Hearing the stories of the Lord removes the impurities of the mind and leads to God-realisation ultimately.

Kathaadishu: Narration is Katha. “Adi" here includes also reading of the stories “Patha”, Kirtan (individual), Sangkirtan (collective with musical instruments), Japa, prayer, Harikathas (discourses on spiritual topics), hymns, Bhajans or songs, theological literature.

Lord Krishna says in Gita “With their hearts fixed on Me and their life absorbed in Me, constantly discoursing and conversing with one another about Me, they are contented, and they rejoice. (Chapter X.9.).

Narada always goes about singing the glories of the Lord in ecstasy. Gauranga immersed himself in Sankirtan.

Parikshit delighted himself in listening to the glories of the Lord by Sri Suka . 

Sri Suka says in Bhagavat, “Enquiring about Lord Krishna’s stories purifies him who describes him who enquires and him who listens.”

Listening to the glory of Lord like Srimad Bhagawatham by itself is one of the greatest Sadhana. It brings in all the focus of a listener to God's thoughts, takes him away from all worldly thoughts and makes his heart melt in the glory of God.

Love.