Introduction: Why Do We Turn to the Divine?

From the Archives of Swami Jyotirmayananda

Why do we turn to the Divine? Is it out of fear, a desire for success, or a genuine thirst for Truth? In this illuminating teaching on the Narada Bhakti Sutras (Sutras 55-57), Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda, the last direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, guides us through the gradations of devotion.

He explains that while our initial motives may be mixed with the material world, the very act of turning toward the Divine purifies the heart, setting us on a path to higher understanding.

The Four Yogas: Synchronizing Hands, Heart, Head, and Intuition

Swamiji begins by reminding us of the Integral Yoga approach. We are not one-dimensional beings; we possess distinct faculties that can be harmonized:

Karma Yoga: Hands for selfless work and action.
Bhakti Yoga: A heart for pure feeling and devotion.
Raja Yoga: A mind for focus, concentration, and meditation.
Jnana Yoga: An intellect for reasoning and discrimination.

The goal is not to isolate these paths but to synchronize them. When the intellect matures into intuition, it cuts through the veil of ignorance, leading to profound realization and spiritual liberation.

Gauni Bhakti: Understanding Secondary Devotion

The Narada Bhakti Sutras distinguish between Ahaituki Bhakti (Primary, unconditional devotion) and Gauni Bhakti (Secondary devotion). Gauni Bhakti is devotion that is still influenced by the three Gunas (qualities of nature) – Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva:

Tamasic Bhakti: Worshiping with the intent to harm others or for revenge – a devotion driven by darkness and ignorance.
Rajasic Bhakti: Worshiping for fame, power, and material success – a devotion fueled by ambition and desire for worldly gain.
Sattvic Bhakti: Worshiping to clear bad karma and gain spiritual merit – a noble devotion seeking purification and virtue.

Swamiji notes that while Sattvic devotion is admirable, it is still bound by the law of cause and effect. True liberation requires transcending the Gunas entirely (Trigunatita) to reach a state of pure, unconditioned love and unity with the Divine.

The Four Types of Devotees: A Spectrum of Motivation

Both the Bhagavad Gita and the Narada Bhakti Sutras classify devotees into four distinct categories, based on their underlying motivation for turning to the Divine. Swamiji illustrates these with classical, inspiring examples that resonate through spiritual traditions:

1. Arta (The Distressed)

This devotee turns to God primarily to escape suffering, calamity, or a dire situation. Swamiji cites the powerful story of Draupadi from the Mahabharata, whose total surrender to Lord Krishna in her moment of extreme helplessness beautifully illustrates the profound power of Arta Bhakti. Her desperate call for help was met with immediate divine intervention, demonstrating that even distress can be a gateway to unwavering devotion.

2. Artharthi (The Seeker of Wealth)

This category encompasses those who worship for material gain, prosperity, worldly success, or specific desires. The story of Dhruva is a perfect example; though he initially sought a kingdom, his intense austerity and unwavering focus on the Divine purified his desires. Ultimately, his spiritual journey led him to seek and desire only God Himself, transcending his initial worldly aspirations.

3. Jijnasu (The Inquirer)

The Jijnasu is a genuine seeker who yearns to solve the mystery of the Soul, to understand the deeper truths of existence, and to realize ultimate reality. Figures like Arjuna and Uddhava from the scriptures represent this class of aspirants who constantly question, learn, and meditate, driven by an insatiable intellectual and spiritual curiosity.

4. Jnani (The Wise)

This is the enlightened devotee who loves God for the sake of God alone, without any personal agenda or expectation. Their devotion is pure, spontaneous, and unconditional, born from a direct realization of the Divine’s inherent nature. The Jnani sees God in everything and everyone, living in a state of constant communion and profound inner peace.

Scholar’s Corner: Ancient Wisdom Echoes

Delve deeper into the scriptural foundations that reinforce these timeless teachings:

Valmiki Ramayana: Swamiji cites Lord Rama’s profound vow: “Whoever comes to me and says, ‘Oh Lord, I have surrendered to you,’ I immediately make him free of fear from all beings.” This powerful statement emphasizes the transformative power of complete surrender, regardless of the initial motive or past actions.
Vedic Hymn: The ancient hymn Madhu vata ritayate… translates to “The wind blows with sweetness, the rivers flow with sweetness.” This verse beautifully describes the sublime vision of the Sage (the Jnani) who perceives and experiences the Divine in all aspects of creation, finding inherent sweetness and harmony everywhere.

Glossary of Key Terms

To deepen your understanding, here are some essential terms from this teaching:

Gauni Bhakti: Secondary devotion, conditioned by the Gunas (qualities of nature).
Gunas: The three fundamental qualities of nature: Sattva (purity, goodness), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, darkness).
Arta: A devotee in distress; one who turns to God for relief from suffering.
Artharthi: A devotee desiring material gain, wealth, or worldly success.
Jijnasu: A sincere seeker of knowledge and truth, an inquirer into the nature of the Self.
Jnani: The knower of the Self; the enlightened one whose devotion is born of wisdom and unconditional love.

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