The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion: A Modern Translation of the Narada Bhakti Sutras

American Yogi Prem Prakash has done a great service by providing a modern translation and accessible commentary for readers interested in learning about and/or following the path of yoga. Regarding bhakti yoga, that is, the yoga of spiritual devotion, Prem Prakash says in his Introduction, “By making love his polestar, the bhakti yogi follows its light along the path of life until the soul realizes it is one with that light.” Here are a few notes I have made in my multiple readings of this beautiful book:The sweetness of devotion fills the yogi and the yogi becomes intoxicated with bliss.Take care of the body so it supports spiritual practice.Hold intention to always be attuned to the divine. Be sweet and soft and sensitive.According to Narada, bhakti or spiritual devotion is its own fruit. The yogi feels joy and gratitude on feeling the love from the divine within.Want liberation? All you need is bhakti. All you need is love.Sing and listen to the qualities of the divine – kirtan and satsung and drumming – celebrate everything and everyone being worthy of love.Be a sun and generate light.Be free from the bondage of orthodox doctrine, tradition, and social and religious teachings – the divine is direct and spontaneous, not mediated through anyone or anybody.Be a love-infused yogiPeace and joy are experienced every step of the way in the path of bhakti yoga – if this is not one’s experience than something has gone wrong. The eternal divine relationship must be present in the yogi at every moment if the practice is truly authentic.One need not be perfect as long as motivation is pure. Every striving, no matter how small, counts.The bhakti yogi exerts a subtle influence on all whom he or she comes into contactAmong bhakti yogis there is no prejudice. Worldly status means nothing.Live in a simple, orderly and comfortable way.Whatever form the divine takes to inspire the yogi to devotion – god, goddess, light, whatever – is the proper form.

LOVED THIS BOOK! Been reading about Bhakti Yoga for several years and this is one of my favorite reads! Can't believe I had never heard of it before. Such simple and common sense ideas. Lovely read. Will keep on my special shelf.

Bhakti sutras are a sheer delight to read and re-read many times again, until their truth become deeply impressed upon one's being.As the verses and the commentary in this book say "The nature of spiritual devotion is the supreme love. And its essence is the nectar of immortality. Supreme love is the love of God. The love of God is the only love that exists. All expressions of love are manifestations of this supreme love.""With a realization of spiritual devotion, one becomes spiritually intoxicated; one becomes overwhelmed, one comes to rejoice in the Self.""When one is single-hearted, one relinquishes seeking security in anything other than God.""Spiritual devotion is superior even to the paths of service, wisdom, and traditional yoga."The sutras and their interpretation explain what is spiritual devotion, how is it different from other yoga disciplines, what should an aspirant do and what he shouldn't do in order to successfully surmount obstacles on the path."Who crosses, who crosses the ocean of the Great Illusion? One who becomes ego free, who serves the great souls, and who relinquishes attachment to others... Renouncing even the scriptures, a complete, unceasing, intense longing for God is obtained. He crosses, he crosses, and he helps all the world to cross.""Love manifests itself where there is an able vessel. ... Achieving that experience one sees only love, hears only love, speaks only of love, and thinks of love alone.""Through sincere veneration, God swiftly becomes manifest in the awareness of devotees.""Whoso fully believes and has faith in these divinely auspicious teachings decreed by Narada becomes endowed with spiritual devotion. That one obtains the Dearest Beloved."

This book is a masterful exposition of the enlightenment which can and will unfold along the path of Bhakti Yoga. I had long been familiar with the "concept" of Bhakti Yoga, but had the unfortunate impression from other yogic texts that it was for "emotional" people. What a poor representation of the Truth. This book provides two gems at once. First, the translation of the Bhakti sutras of Narada are powerful and inspiring in and of themselves. Second, the commentary of Prem Prakash adds further power and inspiration, coming clearly through a heart and mind steeped in self-realization. Bhakti Yoga is more than "emotion". Bhakti Yoga is the art of living in the Presence of God, in every moment. I hope to find more and more people who truly share this Path in life.

The Narada Bhakti sutras were written very long ago compared to American history. This book explains in plain modern English the beautiful and complex sutras which present Narada's interpretation of worship through love. While it may not be possible to separate Indian culture from Indian worship, the author's translation and explanatory notes makes Bhakti worship accessible even to one who is unfamiliar with Hindu lore. Further, this book entices the reader to at least attempt to follow Bhakti philosophy and its form of worship.

Out of 4 paths of yoga I was naturally drawn to Bhakti, this book is a great introduction to beginners to advance yogi's learning more about Bhakti. As a yogi and seeking spiritual guidance...this book has given me a renewed sense of life and purpose. I literally found myself with tears of joy in various parts of this book. So many of the verses and translations were exactly some of the many things I've felt or experienced. It was truly an re-awakening for me.

It is a very nice book, its reading is a must be for anyone who wants to understand Bhakti practice. The comments are beatiful and inspiring advices that enhance the understanding and motivate the reader to follow the Bhakti path.

Excellent book, great commentary on a very beautiful and inspirational text.

Dieses Buch ist meiner Meinung nach eines der wichtigsten, erhellendsten und erkenntnisfoerdernsten Buecher auf der Reise zu spiritueller Verwirklichung. Leider ist es "noch" nicht auf Deutsch zu haben. Aber da man es sowieso nicht auf die Schnelle lesen sollte, kann es auch Spass machen, einige Vokabeln ganz nebenbei nachzuschlagen (und zu lernen). Das Buch regt zu tiefem Nachdenken an und fuehrt, wenn man es zulaesst, zu der Quintessence aller spirituellen Suche.