A child does not need to know the science of nutrition to be fed by its mother; it only needs to call out to her with love. Similarly, the Nath Bhaktisudha Stotra is not a text for the dry intellect, but a call from the heart to the Sadguru. Maharaj often reminds us that in this age of confusion, complicated rituals may fail us, but simple, heartfelt devotion (Bhakti) never does.
1. The Guru as the Resident of the Heart (Manas Mandir) The Stotra speaks of building a temple not of stone, but within the mind—the Manas Mandir. Maharaj teaches that our heart should be the seat (Sinhasan) for the Guru. When we keep the heart clean of malice and ego, the Guru naturally comes to reside there. The instruction for daily life is simple: whatever you do, do it as an offering. Whether you are eating, walking, or working, feel that the Guru is watching and guiding you from within.
2. Constant Awareness (Anusandhan) in All States A beautiful verse in this Stotra emphasizes remembering the Guru while “sitting, standing, waking, or dreaming” (Uthata Basata Jagruti Sapne). This is the core of Anusandhan. We often pray for ten minutes and then forget the Divine for the rest of the day. True discipleship means weaving the Guru’s name into the very fabric of our breath. When we maintain this constant connection, the “worries of the world” (Chinta) cannot touch us, because we have surrendered our burden to the Dinanath (The Lord of the Humble).
3. The Power of the Stotra: Fulfillment of Desire and Soul-Peace The hymn promises that those who recite it with “Saday” (a compassionate and devoted heart) will find their righteous desires fulfilled. However, Maharaj cautions us: do not pray only for worldly gains. Pray for Atma-Prapti (Self-realization). The Stotra is a “Daya Sagar” (Ocean of Mercy); it washes away the “Mati-manda” (dullness of intellect) and replaces it with Divine Light.
4. Surrender to the Lineage (Nath-Parampara) By chanting this Stotra, you are not calling out to a solitary figure but to the entire Nath-Parampara—from Lord Dattatreya to Shri Venkatnath Maharaj. This lineage is “Patit-Pavan” (The purifier of the fallen). The message of assurance here is profound: even if you feel you are the greatest sinner or have no spiritual merit, the moment you say “Sharan, Sharan” (I surrender), the Guru’s protective hand is over your head.
5. The Message for Today: Recite this Stotra not as a task, but as a conversation with your Sadguru. Let the “Divya Kanti” (Divine Radiance) mentioned in the verses settle into your own face through the peace of prayer. Remember, the Guru does not want your wealth or your complicated logic; He only wants your “Sadbhav” (True Intent).
Stay in the shelter of the Guru’s feet. In that surrender, there is total fearlessness.