Aphorisms of Narada: An Inquiry Into Love

original: "Atha Bhakti-mīmāṃsā." The word "Atha" signifies a transition to a new, auspicious subject and marks the beginning of a formal spiritual investigation.

1. Now, therefore, we shall explain the nature of devotion.
original: "athāto bhaktiṃ vyākhyāsyāmaḥ." This is a traditional opening formula in Sanskrit aphorisms, indicating that the teacher is now ready to provide a systematic explanation of the topic to the student.

Aphorism 1.

2. That devotion is indeed of the form of supreme love for the Divine.
original: "sā tvasmin parama-prema-rūpā." The text distinguishes this "supreme love" from ordinary human affection, describing it as an intense, singular focus on the sacred.

3. And it is of the nature of immortality.
original: "amṛta-svarūpā." The word "amṛta" literally means "without death." It refers both to the nectar of the gods and the state of eternal liberation.

Eternal nature

4. Having attained this, a person becomes perfected, becomes immortal, and becomes completely satisfied.
Referring to the state of liberation, or moksha, where the individual soul is no longer troubled by the limitations of physical existence.

5. Having reached this state, one no longer desires anything, nor grieves, nor feels hatred; one does not take pleasure in worldly things, nor feels the restless urge for worldly effort.
The "effort" or "zeal" mentioned here refers to utsāha—the feverish activity driven by personal ambition. Once a person is filled with divine love, the need to chase external validation or material success vanishes.