The Greatness of the Mantra
Once Narada Muni asked Lord Krishna, “What is the greatness of Your Mantra? Please explain in detail so that everyone can understand.”
Krishna replied, “I cannot explain the greatness of this Mantra, but I can make you realize it!”
Krishna then instructed Narada to chant “Om Namo Narayana” in the ear of a worm. Narada did so, and to his surprise, the worm immediately died. Shocked, Narada went back to Krishna and reported what had happened.
Krishna coolly responded, “Is that so? Now repeat this Mantra to that butterfly sitting on that flower.” Narada complied, and the butterfly died immediately.
Worried, Narada informed Krishna about this. Krishna, still calm, asked Narada to repeat the Mantra to a deer. Again, the deer died as soon as Narada chanted the Mantra in its ear.
Perturbed, Narada reported this to Krishna, who said, “Oh, is that so? Now repeat this Mantra to that calf.” Narada, now very concerned about killing another innocent creature, hesitated. Krishna reassured him, and Narada chanted the Mantra in the calf’s ear. The calf too died immediately.
Agitated and feeling like a mischief-maker, Narada went back to Krishna, who simply said, “Is that so? Now go to Kashi. The king of Kashi has been blessed with a son. Chant this Mantra in his ear.”
Trembling with anxiety, but determined not to disobey Krishna, Narada went to Kashi. The king of Kashi welcomed Narada and asked him to bless his son. Nervously, Narada recited “Om Namo Narayana” in the child’s ear. To everyone’s amazement, the child sat up and spoke, “Oh great Narada, you have saved me in all my previous births by uttering ‘Om Namo Narayana’ in my ears. Have you not yet understood the power of the Lord’s name?”
Realizing the immense potency of the Lord’s transcendental names, Narada returned to Vaikuntha, fell at Krishna’s feet, and said, “Now I have truly realized the greatness of Your transcendental names!”
Moral of the Story
The story illustrates that chanting Krishna’s names with love and devotion can help us cross over the material miseries of birth, death, old age, and disease.
Srila Prabhupada, in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.4, explains that the stringent laws of material nature cannot be altered by any living entity. The Lord establishes all law and order (dharma), which are clearly declared in the Bhagavad Gita. By following these instructions, we can achieve happiness both materially and spiritually.
Under the influence of maya (illusion), we often mistake our temporary material possessions for permanent existence. We become attached to these illusory possessions and serve them instead of serving the Lord.
The solution is to cultivate spiritual knowledge by chanting the Lord’s name, which will help us overcome our material misgivings and doubts. Associating with the Lord’s devotees and hearing the transcendental sound vibrations from them can liberate us from lamentation and illusion.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
PS: I humbly request all devotees to share this moral and instructive story so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
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