Sanatan Insights
Back to Sutras
Shandilya Bhakti Sutra
Category:
Bhakti Sutras

Overview

Devotional monotheism rooted in Vedantic non-dualism (Advaita) — Bhakti as the supreme means of realizing Brahman.. Compares with Narada Bhakti Sutra: Similarities - Both define Bhakti as supreme love toward God, Both emphasize selfless devotion, Both consider Bhakti a direct path to liberation. Differences - Shandilya Sutra emphasizes Vedantic roots and unity of Atman and Brahman, Narada Sutra focuses more on emotional and ecstatic devotion.

Author(s)

Sage Shandilya

Authorship Date / Period

Uncertain, classical period

Tradition

Bhakti Yoga

Number of Sutras

100

Structure / Sections

Key Aspects

  • Bhakti: Supreme love (parama-prema) directed toward the eternal and formless Brahman or Ishvara. (Types: Para Bhakti (highest, selfless devotion), Apara Bhakti (lower form, motivated by desires))
  • The infinite, formless, and eternal reality, also manifest as the personal deity (Ishvara).
  • Through Bhakti, one realizes that the Atman (soul) and Brahman (God) are one.
  • Love, meditation, chanting, service, and surrender — devoid of selfish desires.

Example Sutras

Example Sutra 1
Sanskrit:

Bhaktir-atra parāṇuraktir īśvare

Translation:

Bhakti is supreme love directed toward the Lord.

Commentary Insight:

True Bhakti is defined as the highest form of loving attachment to God, devoid of personal gain.

Example Sutra 2
Sanskrit:

Na karmaṇā na prajayā dhanena

Translation:

Not by rituals, progeny, or wealth is God attained.

Commentary Insight:

Liberation through Bhakti is not based on external achievements but on inner surrender and love.

Example Sutra 3
Sanskrit:

Bhaktir-avijñātāpi mokṣa-kāraṇam

Translation:

Even without full knowledge, Bhakti leads to liberation.

Commentary Insight:

Sincere devotion is itself a sufficient means to liberation, even without intellectual understanding.

Example Sutra 4
Sanskrit:

Tad-dhiyā tad-ākāratā tad-bhāvanā

Translation:

One’s mind, form, and contemplation become absorbed in God.

Commentary Insight:

Through deep devotion, the devotee becomes mentally and emotionally united with the Divine.

Example Sutra 5
Sanskrit:

Sa eva muktaḥ sa eva jīvanmuktaḥ

Translation:

He alone is liberated, even while living.

Commentary Insight:

A devotee who realizes unity with God is considered liberated (jivanmukta), free from all bondage.