Narada Bhakti Sutras - Text, Transliteration, Translation & Commentary /68

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NARADA BHAKTI SUTRAS
 
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<p>Let there be strict adherence to the injunctions

of the Sastras till a firm conviction in God is attained.

also till profound devotion is fully developed. Actions

enjoined by the scriptures should be diligently per-

formed, till that state of absolute forgetfulness of ex-

ternal existence is reached.
 
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<p>Even after firm establishment in divine resolve

the scriptures must be respected. The scriptures are

the words of God. They are guiding lights for the

aspirants. Swerving even an inch from the path

chalked out by the Sastras will bring about a down-
fall for the devotees.
 

fall for the devotees.</p>
<p>Some aspirants foolishly imagine that they have

attained perfection and that they are above the laws

of scriptures. They do not observe the laws. They

break them. They are deluded souls. They will get

hopeless downfall.
 
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<p>The personal example of a devotee verily exercis-
es a tremendous influence over others.
 

es a tremendous influence over others.</p>
<p>The devotee must be steady. He must have first
intellectual conviction and then firmness in living up

intellectual conviction and then firmness in living up
to the ideal. He must practise the principles. He

must live up to the principles which he knows by

conviction are essential for his happiness, spiritual

evolution and God-realisation.
 
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<p><bold>Sastra Rakshanam:</bold> When one is established in

Dharma he is eligible to protect the Sastras. He is now

able to defend the Sastras against attacks.
 
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