Giving Narayana

In this wonderful story we again witness how saintly people awaken the dormant devotion of the lost souls. Narada Muni is an instrumental player in many such occurrences. Indeed, his name literally means “one who gives Narayana to others.” Various episodes in the Srimad-Bhagavatam depict his expert ability to inspire and empower people to reconnect with Krishna. At the start of Srimad- Bhagavatam, we hear of Narada instructing Vyasadeva on how to compile this epic work. Since Vyasadeva is the model guru, we could say Narada is the “guru of gurus.”

Sometimes Narada employed puzzling tactics to bring people to devotion. He instructed Mrgrari the hunter to fully kill animals rather than half-killing them. It didn’t sound like the most spiritual advice, yet Narada was ingeniously bringing him to a higher level of sensitivity. On other occasions, Narada utilised indirect methods of explanation. In his talks with Pracinabarhisat, for example, the sage narrated an allegory to expertly implant transcendental wisdom in a way that was interesting, digestible and relevant. Often times it was simply the happiness and contentment of Narada which inspired and transformed people. While playing his vina, reverberating the names of Krishna and traversing the universe, all living entities who contacted him became infused with spiritual emotion. Of course, Narada did face obstacles and animosity, and was angrily cursed by Daksa when he induced the progenitor’s sons to adopt the life of renunciation. Still, Narada embodied complete tolerance and compassion, never retaliating or counter-cursing. He was able to connect with the young, old, rich, poor, cultured and primitive, from every conceivable background and psychophysical disposition; a true friend to all.

Another name given to Narada Muni in the Srimad-Bhagavatam is ‘deva-darshan.’ This has a triple meaning. Firstly, it indicates one who has seen God. Secondly, it indicates that getting Narada’s audience is as good as getting God’s audience. To see the pure devotee is equivalent to seeing God. Thirdly, it indicates that seeing Narada is as good as seeing the demigods. (SB 10.36.16)