At one time, Narada Muni did not have a Guru, though He was already traveling through the Three Worlds. He attended an assembly at Svarga Loka, where all the Devas and Devis were present, including the 33 crores devatas and all the Nine Planets. There was a sacred fire and Vedic rites being conducted. Narada was given a place to sit, below everyone else.
Narada’s Inquiry
Narada questioned Brahma, stating that as Brahma’s own child, why was He given such a lowly place to sit? Brahma told Him it was because He had never taken a Guru.
Narada’s Realization
Narada considered this and realized He did not have a Guru mantra. Though He always sings the Names of God and repeats God’s Name as a mantra, He had never taken a mantra as initiated by a Guru. He told the Gods that whoever He saw at dawn, He would take as His Guru. Narada Muni then left the assembly with the promise to return soon.
Finding the Guru
At dawn, Narada saw an old fisherman with a net on his shoulder, both walking and weaving his net. Narada ran to the fisherman and declared that the fisherman was his Guru and begged for initiation. The old man said he was not worthy and had never taken initiation from a Guru, nor did he have any mantra to give. Nevertheless, Narada requested the old man to speak whatever was in his mind at that very moment. The fisherman said, “Hari Bol.”
Narada’s Return
Narada returned to the assembly of Devas and declared He now had both a Guru and a Mantra. The assembly demanded to meet His Guru. Narada returned to the fisherman and requested the old man to come. The old man, being partially lame, was carried by Narada on His back. Narada presented the old man to the assembly and then gave His full pranam, lying completely down before His Guru. The 33 crores of Gods were surprised.
The Revelation
At that moment, the old man transformed into Shiva before all of them, for Shiva was not at that assembly. This revealed that the Guru of Narada is Shiva Himself. Additionally, Narada’s father is also considered his Guru as he gave him the knowledge of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Moral of the Story
This story illustrates how everyone should have proper guidance from a spiritual teacher on their path of bhakti. The Guru can manifest in ways we may not recognize. The Guru who directs us to Krishna may not always be a Swami with a long beard. Krishna can manifest through anyone to help us advance.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Importance of a Guru Everyone needs a spiritual teacher to guide them on their path.
- Recognizing the Guru The Guru can manifest in unexpected forms. It is essential to be open to recognizing the Guru in any form.
- Respect and Devotion Always show respect and devotion to your Guru, regardless of their external appearance.
- Divine Grace The Lord’s grace can come through anyone, and it is through divine grace that we can find our true Guru.
Prayer
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the wisdom to recognize and respect our Guru in whatever form they may come. Help us to be open to Your divine guidance and to show devotion and gratitude to those who lead us on the path of bhakti. May we always remember to seek Your grace and follow the teachings of our spiritual masters.”
Teachings from Srila Prabhupada’s Books
From the Bhagavad Gita In the Bhagavad Gita (4.34), Lord Krishna says: “tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya upadeksyanti te jnanam jnaninas tattva-darsinah”
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of approaching a spiritual master with humility and service
