Shandilya Bhakti Sutra: The Ultimate Path of Devotion

Narad and Shandilya are the two foremost authorities in the path of devotion. They divide it into two types - primary and secondary. The primary devotion is intrinsic, intense, and liberating. The secondary devotion is external, based on actions, and the precursor of primary devotion. He shows that primary devotion is the only cause of enlightenment or eternal freedom. The other means of self-improvement as knowledge, action, Yoga, etc., can help us attain primary devotion; they cannot lead us to liberation directly. The path of devotion is for everyone.

Shandilya accepts no difference in the worship of the Supreme Being or his incarnations. This practice is in line with all other Vaishnava philosophies. He explains the various questions - why one should follow the path of devotion? How can one attain primary devotion to become fulfilled? What can help in its attainment, and what are the major hurdles? He ascribes the cause of our miseries to the absence of devotion and not to ignorance. Since devotion alone leads us to enlightenment, its absence is the only cause of our bondage.