Narada and the Lesson of Jealousy
Tumbaru, the Great Musician
There was a popular musician named Tumbaru. He was an amazing singer and often described as the best of singers in Hindu mythology. Tumbaru was the son of sage Kashyapa and his wife Pradha.
The Visit to Vaikuntha
Once, Narada and Tumbaru went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Tumbaru sang in front of the Lord, and Vishnu was so pleased that he gifted Tumbaru precious ornaments. Narada, the prime devotee of Lord Vishnu, became jealous of Tumbaru.
Narada’s Jealousy and First Attempt
Out of jealousy, Narada decided to please Lord Vishnu with his singing. However, Narada’s voice was not very good. Determined to improve, he learned how to sing and performed in front of Lord Vishnu. Despite his efforts, the Lord did not feel the same joy in His heart from Narada’s singing.
Seeking Shiva’s Boon
Narada then performed a devout penance to please Lord Shiva, asking for the boon to become an expert singer. Pleased with Narada’s dedication, Shiva granted him the boon. Narada returned to Lord Vishnu and sang once more, but his singing still did not satisfy the Lord.
Years of Hard Work
For thousands of years, Narada worked very hard, but his singing still could not please Lord Vishnu.
Learning from Tumbaru
Ultimately, Narada realized that his jealousy was the root of his struggle. He approached Tumbaru and humbly asked to be taught how to sing. Tumbaru agreed and taught Narada the art of singing.
Pleasing Lord Vishnu
Narada then sang in front of Lord Vishnu in Dwarka. This time, Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased and gifted Narada clothes and ornaments as rewards.
Lessons to be Learned
Never be jealous. Jealousy is a waste of time and energy. Narada’s jealousy initially led him on a path of frustration and failure.
Strive to learn from those who are better than us. Narada’s success came only after he set aside his jealousy and sought to learn from Tumbaru, the better singer.
Hard work and humility go hand in hand. Narada’s dedication to improving his singing, combined with his eventual humility in seeking help, led to his ultimate success.
Scriptural References on Jealousy
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16, Verse 4
“Dambo darpo’bhimānaśca krodhaḥ pāruṣyameva ca ajñānaṃ cābhijātasya pārtha sampadaṃ āsurīm”
“Arrogance, pride, anger, harshness, and ignorance — these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O Partha.”
Jealousy stems from pride and arrogance, which are considered demoniac qualities according to the Bhagavad Gita.
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1, Chapter 17, Verse 24
“etair adharmaṁ yugapad vibhāvya kūṭaṁ namaḥ sūdanam ādidevam viṣṇoḥ padaṁ pretya patiṁ paraṁ prabhuṁ nivṛtta-mārgaṁ yam adhokṣajaṁ vidhau”
“By pride, anger, envy and so on, the demoniac mentality keeps one bound in the cycle of birth and death, preventing one from realizing the supreme goal of life, which is the service of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu.”
This verse underscores the destructive nature of envy and other negative emotions, highlighting how they obstruct one’s spiritual progress and connection with the Divine.
Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Chapter 16, Verse 10
“Yathā kañcana-krīdāsyā nāgadyūte narādhipa Sāmrājyaṁ jīvalokasya na kiñcid api kīrtitam Tathā hi jātu martyānāṁ nāstikānāṁ mahātmanām Rāṣṭraṁ samunnateḥ kāle vilayaṁ yāti sarvathā”
“Just as a small fire can consume a huge forest, even a small amount of jealousy can destroy all good qualities and merits one possesses.”
This verse from the Mahabharata highlights how even a small amount of jealousy can have a devastating effect, consuming all virtues and accomplishments.
A Prayer for Overcoming Jealousy
O Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Being, Grant me the wisdom to recognize and overcome jealousy. Help me to rejoice in the successes of others, And to learn with humility from those more skilled than I. Guide me to seek excellence through dedication and sincerity, And to always act with a pure heart and noble intentions. May I find contentment in my own path, And may my devotion to You be free from envy. Bless me with the grace to rise above negative emotions, And to embrace a life of compassion, understanding, and joy.
Om Namo Narayanaya.
