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

Bhakti yoga is often demeaned as a gross simplification of Hindu spiritualism, and sometimes for good reason. It needn't be, though, because bhakti devotionalism can also offer a rich fullness that permeates daily life. In this commentary on the Narada Bhakti Sutras, American yogi Prem Prakash explains that unlike other yogas, bhakti yoga does not involve special activities or heavy thinking. In appearance, bhakti comes off like the 20 minute workout of religions--easy, quick, and guaranteed to give results. But as its name suggests, more than anything bhakti requires devotion. In a page or two of comments on each of the 84 verses of the Narada Bhakti Sutras, Prakash examines the straightforward doctrines of devotionalism and the calm joy that results. For example, he outlines the four methods for developing devotion, which entail relinquishing all attachment to the external world, unceasing worship ("orienting our minds away from selfish preoccupations and toward unselfish, unceasing love), engaging the world with love and joy, and accepting the grace of God through the teachings of a loving guru. If bhakti doesn't appear so simple after all, just remember that the devotional practitioner "is the most simple of men, finding his natural place in the rhythm of life and gaily dancing." --Brian Bruya