Narada Bhakti Sutra

[3] As organized by Swami Prabhavananda, the text covers the following subjects: 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: In the introduction of his commentary on the work, Swami Sivananda explains that the 84 sutras of the text are divided as follows: the first 24 deal with the nature of bhakti; the next nine (25 to 33) explain the superiority of bhakti over karma, jnana, or even Yoga (in the sense of Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga); sutras 51 to 66 describe the laksana, or external marks, that we can see in a devotee who has genuine bhakti; and the final 18 sutras (67 to 84) extol the mahant, or great devotee, who possesses this devotion in its entirety.

Firstly, bhakti itself is defined as being "the most elevated, pure love for God"[4] which is eternal by nature and through following which one obtains perfect peace and immortality (release from samsara).

The symptoms of such devotion are that one no longer has any selfish desires, nor is affected by the dualities of loss or gain for himself being fully content with (and experiencing ecstasy through) the process of bhakti itself.

Intimate dealings with others who are against the path of bhakti or who indulge in sinful habits is described as potentially dangerous for one attempting to purify their consciousness: "Material association is the cause of lust, anger, confusion, forgetfulness, loss of intelligence, and total calamity".

[13] It further explains that only one who abandons such material association, serves the sages and becomes selfless in their dealings, renouncing desires for profit or gain, can cross beyond the ocean of illusion.

[18] In conclusion, the sutra gives an instruction to "patiently endure" [19] until the perfectional stage of bhakti becomes manifest, whilst cultivating qualities such as nonviolence, honesty, cleanliness, compassion and faith.

[21] The last verse of the text gives the message that: "Anyone who trusts these instructions spoken by Narada and is convinced by them will be blessed with devotion and attain the most dear Lord.