The Devotee Crosses Over and Helps the World Cross
Such a perfected lover not only crosses maya but becomes a vessel of grace, helping others to cross the ocean of illusion.
Narada adds in Sutra 50 that the one who attains such love 'crosses maya and also helps the world to cross.' The realized devotee does not vanish into private bliss but becomes a source of blessing for others, radiating grace that lifts those around them. Having reached the far shore, the saint turns back in compassion to ferry others across. This vision unites the personal goal of liberation with selfless service to all beings. It anticipates the ideal of the world-redeeming saint found throughout the bhakti tradition, and parallels the bodhisattva vow of Buddhism — the resolve not to enjoy liberation alone but to share it with all who suffer.
Such a one crosses maya and helps the whole world to cross.
Narada's saint who helps the world cross parallels the Mahayana bodhisattva ideal, in which the liberated being compassionately returns to assist all sentient beings toward freedom.
Narada Bhakti Sutras
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- What the Narada Bhakti Sutras say about freedom
The freed devotee does not vanish into private bliss. Having crossed, they become a means by which others cross, which keeps the goal social rather than solitary.