The Blessings of Narada Muni
Once, the great sage Narada Muni was traveling. During his journey, he met different people and gave various blessings to them according to their lifestyles and future prospects.
The Prince
First, he met a king’s son, a prince. He blessed him with the words, “Raja-putra ciram jiva,” which means, “You are a king’s son, a prince. You live forever!”
The Brahmacari
Then he met a brahmacari, the son of a saintly person, and blessed him, “Ma jiva ma jiva,” which means, “You don’t live.”
The Sadhu
Next, Narada Muni met a sadhu, a great devotee of Lord Krishna, and blessed him, “Jiva va mara va,” which means, “Either you live or you die, as you like.”
The Butcher
Finally, he met a butcher and blessed him, “Ma jiva ma mara,” which means, “You don’t die, don’t live.”
Moral of the Story
The blessings given by Narada Muni carry deep meanings, reflecting the consequences of each person’s lifestyle.
The Prince
The prince is enjoying a life full of sense pleasures. Narada Muni’s blessing, “You live forever,” implies that his indulgence in worldly pleasures will lead to a hellish future. Better he continues to enjoy his life now because what awaits him after death is dreadful.
The Brahmacari
The brahmacari is under strict discipline, preparing for a higher spiritual life. Narada Muni’s blessing, “You don’t live,” suggests that he is already on the path to the spiritual realm. Dying now would spare him from the struggles of maintaining his purity in a corrupt world and ensure his ascension to a higher existence.
The Sadhu
The sadhu is a devotee of Krishna, always engaged in His service. For him, Narada Muni’s blessing, “Either you live or you die, as you like,” means that his life is blissful either way. While living, he enjoys serving Krishna, and upon dying, he will attain eternal service in the spiritual world.
The Butcher
The butcher’s life is filled with sin and cruelty. Narada Muni’s blessing, “You don’t die, don’t live,” reflects the horror of his existence. Living is terrible due to his abominable actions, and dying would lead to even worse consequences in the afterlife. Both living and dying are miserable prospects for him.
Reflection
Narada Muni’s blessings teach us profound lessons about karma and the consequences of our actions. They remind us to live righteously, engage in devotional service, and avoid sinful activities to ensure a positive outcome both in this life and the next.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral/instructive story so that everyone can benefit by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
4o
