Narada and the True Devotion
Once, Narada asked Lord Vishnu, “Who is your favorite devotee?”
Expecting his own name, Narada was surprised when Lord Vishnu referred to a farmer on earth as his favorite devotee. Upset, Narada went down to earth to observe the farmer and understand what he was doing that pleased Lord Vishnu so much. He noticed that the farmer remembered God only twice a day: once in the morning when waking up, and once at night before sleeping. The rest of the time, the farmer was busy with his daily routine.
Narada returned to Lord Vishnu and complained, “That farmer prays just twice a day, but I chant your name throughout the day and night. Why is that farmer better than me?”
Vishnu replied, “OK Narada! Before I answer you, please do a task for me. Take this pot full of oil and walk around the world without spilling a single drop.”
Narada, concentrating very hard, walked around the world without dropping the oil. He came back to Vishnu and proudly told him that the job was done.
Vishnu asked him, “How many times did you chant my name during the task?”
Narada said, “Not even once because my whole concentration was on completing the task successfully, so I didn’t remember chanting your name.”
Vishnu said, “The farmer is also doing my work. The greatness of the farmer is that he sincerely and selflessly remembers me while performing his own duties. It doesn’t matter how much time he prays for me.”
Lessons to be Learned
True devotion is sincere and selfless. The farmer, though only praying twice a day, embodies true devotion by sincerely remembering God amidst his daily responsibilities. This shows that heartfelt and genuine devotion can be integrated into our everyday lives.
Focus on responsibilities. Just like Narada’s task of carrying the pot of oil without spilling, we have our own duties and responsibilities in life. Performing these duties with dedication and integrity is itself a form of worship.
Balance in life. The story emphasizes the importance of balancing spiritual practices with daily life. Devotion should not come at the expense of neglecting one’s responsibilities.
God is in the details. It’s not the outward display of devotion that matters but the internal connection and remembrance of God in whatever we do.
Avoiding hypocrisy in devotion. Narada, despite chanting Vishnu’s name constantly, realizes that true devotion lies in sincerity and dedication, not in mere repetition of God’s name.
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