Narada Muni and the Lesson in Humility
Setting: Narada Muni, the wandering sage, once sat in deep meditation. Indra, the king of the devas, became worried, assuming Narada’s penance aimed at gaining lordship of Swarga. To disturb his concentration, Indra sent Kaama Deva (Manmathan), the god of desire, to distract Narada with his charms.
Kaama Deva’s Attempt: Kaama Deva transformed the barren mountain into a beautiful grove, filled with fragrant air, musical fountains, and dancing Apsaras. Despite these efforts, Narada did not open his eyes. Kaama Deva then shot his potent floral arrows at Narada, but still, the sage remained unaffected.
Kaama Deva’s Defeat: Admitting defeat, Kaama Deva prostrated before Narada and begged for forgiveness. Narada, with gentle amusement, forgave him. However, his heart swelled with pride.
Visit to Siva: Narada then went to Kailasa, the abode of Siva, who acknowledged Narada’s achievement and warned him not to speak of it to Vishnu. Narada, thinking Siva was jealous, felt even prouder.
Visit to Vishnu: Ignoring Siva’s advice, Narada hurried to Vaikuntha to share his achievement with Vishnu. Vishnu, aware of everything, listened patiently as Narada exaggerated his tale. Vishnu’s subdued reaction disappointed Narada, who then believed himself to be superior even to Vishnu.
Narada’s Encounter with Srimati: Narada wandered to the mortal realm and discovered a magnificent city ruled by King Sheelanidhi, whose daughter, Srimati, was to hold a Swayamvara. Narada, captivated by Srimati’s beauty, wished to marry her. He prayed to Vishnu for a face like Hari (Vishnu).
Vishnu’s Play: Vishnu granted Narada’s wish, but Narada did not realize that “Hari” also means “monkey.” Narada attended the Swayamvara, confident that Srimati would choose him. To his dismay, she smiled at him and moved past, rejecting him.
Narada’s Realization: Filled with anger and feeling betrayed, Narada was about to curse Vishnu when Vishnu appeared, wearing Srimati’s garland, alongside Lakshmi. Vishnu explained that everything Narada experienced was due to His Yogamaya (divine illusion) to teach him humility.
Moral of the Story:
- Humility: Pride and arrogance lead to one’s downfall. True humility is essential in the spiritual path.
- Illusion (Maya): The material world is an illusion created by the Supreme Lord. Realizing this helps one overcome attachment and ego.
- Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection prevents the development of pride and helps maintain humility.
- Divine Play (Leela): The Lord’s actions may seem perplexing, but they are always aimed at teaching valuable lessons to His devotees.
Prayer:
“O Lord Krishna, grant us the wisdom to remain humble and the understanding to see through the illusions of the material world. Help us to recognize our own faults and avoid the pitfalls of pride. May we always remain devoted to You with a pure heart and mind.”
Teachings from Srila Prabhupada’s Books:
From the Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita (18.58), Lord Krishna says: “mac-cittah sarva-durgani mat-prasadat tarisyasi atha cet tvam ahankaran na srosyasi vinanksyasi”
“If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and surrender to the Lord to overcome obstacles.
From the Srimad Bhagavatam: In the Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.8), it is said: “tat te ’nukampam susamiksamano bhunjana evatma-krtam vipakam hrd-vag-vapurbhir vidadhan namas te jiveta yo mukti-pade sa daya-bhak”
“My dear Lord, one who earnestly waits for You to bestow Your causeless mercy upon him, all the while patiently suffering the reactions of his past misdeeds and offering You respectful obeisances with his heart, words, and body, is surely eligible for liberation, for it has become his rightful claim.”
This verse teaches us to patiently endure difficulties and maintain humility, always offering respect to the Lord.
