Some Hold Knowledge to Be the Means of Love
Narada notes that some teachers regard spiritual knowledge as the necessary foundation upon which devotion is built.
In Sutra 28, Narada fairly presents another view: 'Tasyah jnanam eva sadhanam ity eke' — 'Some say knowledge alone is the means to that bhakti.' These teachers hold that one must first understand the nature of God and the soul before genuine love can arise, since love requires knowledge of its object. Narada records this position respectfully even though his own emphasis falls on love itself. The dialogue between the paths of knowledge and devotion runs through the whole of Indian spirituality. Narada's willingness to entertain this view reflects the maturity of one who sees that head and heart need not be enemies — that understanding can prepare the soil in which the flower of love takes root.
Some say that knowledge alone is the means to that devotion.
The debate Narada records — whether knowledge precedes love or love precedes knowledge — reappears in Christian theology's discussion of whether the intellect or the will holds primacy in the soul's ascent to God.
Narada Bhakti Sutras