Me, my Guru – Bhagavatam – Bhaktha Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap

 

Contd....

Me, my Guru – Bhagavatam – Bhaktha Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap

Hiranyakashyap had conquered the entire Earth. Like all Daityas, his sworn enemy was Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap had a valid reason for his hatred – his dear brother Hiranyaksha was killed by the Lord Vishnu also called as Lord Narayana.

Being powerful, Hiranyakashyap forced all his subjects to consider and call him God. He killed everyone and anyone who worshipped Lord Vishnu.

To this Hiranyakashyap, was born his only son Prahlad. When Prahlad was in the womb, his mother was waylaid by Sage Narada. During that time Sage Narada would recite the sacred name of Lord Vishnu. He narrated the Truth about Vishnu. He explained how Vishnu was the Be-all of the Universe and how Lord Vishnu was the only Lord of the Universe. Little Prahlad heard all this when he was still in the womb of his mother. So, when he was born, he was already drunk with devotion (bhakthi) for Lord Vishnu. 

Prahlad at the age of 6 was sent to Gurukul as was the custom in those days. (Gurukul is the place of a Guru who teaches all subjects to his students till their 16 years and students would be sent back to their parents after that). There our young Prahlad started singing hymns on Lord Vishnu. He would narrate and regale all with stories of Lord Vishnu. Other students too joined him in singing praises of Lord Vishnu. His master noticing this, tried to talk sense to him – but to no avail. He was threatened but to no use! Having tried all means and having lost hope of refining Prahlad, Guru took him to the King - Hiranyakashyap. Gur was afraid – if the king knew the acts of Prahlad through other sources, Hiranyakashyap may presume that the Guru had taught young Prahlad all this. That would mean death to the Guru. Guru was not ready to face that punishment. So, he took Prahlad to the Hiranyakashyap and complained that Prahlad was adamant in stating Lord Vishnu as the Saviour God of this World.

Contd....

# Me my Guru series, Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap, Bhagavatam, Bhaktha and samsari, materialistic and spiritual person, devotee, devotion, God protects those who trust him, God's grace, 

also read suggested https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2020/05/me-my-guru-on-death-and-healing_23.html 

All your questions are answered in the link given very clearly....go through them...

Do not feel bad for yourself for not receiving the answers to your long pending questions.....

It's just that you didn't read those posts then or may be then you didn't have those questions and so didn't bother about the answers given......

So, now go through all those posts and become free of those nagging questions that you have been carrying since long.....

share your experiences and questions that you found answers to....

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

Around noon, the Lord and the Narada took leave and went their way. When they crossed the village Narada asked the Lord Vishnu “How can you call him your greatest devotee? He says “Narayana” once in a while, while I utter it all through the day!!?”

When the person who asks the question is high with emotions like anger or arrogance, there is no point in explaining to him. Wouldn’t the Lord know this? So, the Lord gave Narada a pot of water and said “Just do a small favour to me. Keeping this pot of water on your head, go around that mountain once. There is an important rule though you need to follow without fail. Not a drop of water should spill. That is very very important Narada. Remember that! If you spill even a drop of water, then you are disqualified from being my greatest bhaktha. And again I repeat, no excuses there!”

So saying, the Lord Vishnu sat relaxed under the Peepul tree.

Sage Narada smiled and said “That’s an easy job. I’ll be back soon my Lord. You stay here.”

Sage Narada left to complete his task.

The Lord closed his eyes and attended to His World Affairs!

Contd....

# me my Guru stories, Narada and Lord Vishnu, who's the greatest bhaktha of all, devotee, upanishad stories, Vedic stories, Vedic itihaasa, Land called India and its scriptures, stories from Indian Scriptures, attitude of devotion, devotion, devotee, loving God, Prayer, rituals and love, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2020/04/on-prayers-answered.html

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

When the Lord and Narada washed their feet, he handed them a towel to wipe their feet saying “Narayana”.

Like this, as he gave them a seat to sit (aasan), food to eat, or a cot to lie on, he would utter “Narayana” once!

The Lord would listen to this with a smile. They slept under the sky on the cot given by that farmer that night. Narada was not comfortable on the cot. He had disturbed sleep. Early morning, they found the farmer tending to his cows. You see, in villages, farmers get up at around 4-4.30 am and tend to cows and leave for the fields early in the morning!

At the start of every work, he would utter “Narayana” once. So, he would at the end of every job too!

The Lord requested to accompany him to his fields. The farmer agreed immediately! So, the Lord and Narada accompanied him to his fields. The farmer as he entered his fields, as he yoked his ox to his plough, as he tended his fields, as he gave water to his cattle, as he sat under the tree to rest, as he sowed, as he tilled the field – he would utter “Narayana” once. In short, at the start and end of every act, he would take the Lord’s name once. He was cheerful throughout the day!

Around noon, the Lord and the Narada took leave and went their way. When they crossed the village Narada asked the Lord Vishnu “How can you call him your greatest devotee? He says “Narayana” once in a while, while I utter it all through the day!!?”

Contd....

# me my Guru stories, Narada and Lord Vishnu, who's the greatest bhaktha of all, devotee, upanishad stories, Vedic stories, Vedic itihaasa, Land called India and its scriptures, stories from Indian Scriptures, attitude of devotion, devotion, devotee, loving God, Prayer, rituals and love, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2018/12/on-prayers-unanswered-and-desires-kept.html

Pointers to understand the post:

"They slept under the sky on the cot given by that farmer that night. Narada was not comfortable on the cot. He had disturbed sleep. " - Notice this scenario carefully!

Narada was not comfortable and had disturbed sleep. When the mind is agitated, disturbed by emotions no person can have peaceful sleep.

Here, the Narada was disturbed that he was not called or given the credit of being the "greatest bhakta of the Lord". When we desire something or expect something from anyone and if that expectation is not met, the mind becomes disturbed. Our emotions run amok. We lose our peace of mind! The problem is not in the person who didn't fulfill our wish or desire. It is not because of our desire either. It is in our conditioning that our desire be fulfilled a certain way and that too immediately (manytimes). 

So, whenever we are feeling restless or uncomfortable in any scenario, know it is time to check our expectations and conditions that we have with regard to our desires!

"“How can you call him your greatest devotee? He says “Narayana” once in a while, while I utter it all through the day!!?” " - Most of us are like this Narada. We assume we are highly advanced in spirituality because -

1.We do "Reiki" for set number of hours

2.We do "mantra chanting - japam" the set number of malas (rosaries)

3.We are Reiki channels

4.We have completed higher degrees/become a Reiki Master/Grand Master

How foolish of us! We put all the importance on the rituals that need to be followed and forget the "spirit" of the ritual completely!

We miss out on working on our attitudes.

We miss out on noticing if we are totally "with sadhan" or mechanically doing it?!

We become arrogant with our sadhan. That itself contradicts the purpose of being in sadhan. One who is doing it right develops humility - not arrogance that "I am doing sadhan"!

Sadhan is the way of life. Every act of our life should become the expression of our state of mind - that of yog with the Divine - that is sadhan!

If we are with Reiki/Divine only for a couple of hours and behave as ever during other waking hours, well, you think about it! What does that say about us????

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

 

Me, My Guru – On Narada and Vishnu – The Greatest devotee of all!

Our Guru told this beautiful story once “Once Lord Vishnu and Sage Narada went on a walk. During the course of their talk, Narada asked “Pray Lord, tell me who is the greatest of your devotees?”

Narada considered himself to be the greatest Bhaktha (devotee) of the Lord. He was a Brahmachari (celibate) always singing and reciting the name of the Lord. So, who else could it be, he thought? He was silently smiling expecting the Lord to utter his name. even after knowing this fact, it gave him great pleasure to hear the same from the Lord’s mouth!

But the answer that the Lord gave was something that he didn’t expect. “To know that, we have to go to my devotee’s house”!!!

Narada was disappointed – but obviously!

After the long walk, they entered a remote village. On the outskirts of that village was a small piece of land. There was a small hut in the corner of that field. They both knocked on the door of that hut – but of course in disguise.

A frail-looking farmer opened the door. The Lord said, “We are travelers. It is already dusk. We request you to let us stay at your place for today. We’ll leave tomorrow morning”.

The farmer welcomed them with open arms saying “Narayana has sent guests. How can I not serve them? Please come in”.

He gave them water and said “Narayana! Please wash your feet”.

When the Lord and Narada washed their feet, he handed them a towel to wipe their feet saying “Narayana”.

Like this, as he gave them a seat to sit (aasan), food to eat, or a cot to lie on, he would utter “Narayana” once!

Contd....

# me my Guru stories, Narada and Lord Vishnu, who's the greatest bhaktha of all, devotee, upanishad stories, Vedic stories, Vedic itihaasa, Land called India and its scriptures, stories from Indian Scriptures, attitude of devotion, devotion, devotee, loving God, Prayer, rituals and love, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2020/02/devotee.html 

Pointers to understand the post:

"During the course of their talk, Narada asked “Pray Lord, tell me who is the greatest of your devotees?”

Narada considered himself to be the greatest Bhaktha (devotee) of the Lord." - Sage Narada himself assumed that he was the greatest bhaktha!!! What audacity!?

The real bhaktha would be so immersed in his bhakthi that he would not even get a thought to ask such a question. 

Why? Because, he is so lost in loving the Lord that he has no time to compete with any other person in any field - even if it be as a bhaktha!

Humility is the first quality that develops in a spiritual person. Anyone who is in competing mode can ASSUME HE IS in spiritual mode or path but his competing streak and nature become his enemy for the same. 

Look within! Listen to your words! Ask yourself one question at the end of the day "Did I make a statement that reflected the competing nature in me?" If you find it, first, nib it immediately. Don't justify it!. Just kill it.

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

Sage Narada was touched with his love for the Lord. He was touched by his humility, bhakthi, surrenderence, egolessness, purity and patience. It was rare to come by such a bhaktha. As the Sage was thinking so, flowers from the heavens fell on the banyan tree on Narada and on that dancing bhaktha. At that very moment a “Divine Light” fell on the ascetic and he got his moksha then and there!

Sage Narada was highly pleased. So were the Divine Beings who had showered flowers on the ascetic” our Guru concluded her story.

She didn’t talk further.

She didn’t need to.

Both the students got up, fell at her feet and left saying “Thank you Guruji, we received our answer. We know where we are lacking. Bless us to overcome our weaknesses”.

Some days are simple yet magical like today as I found out “It’s not about the goal. It’s all about the journey. Happiness is not in getting a desire fulfilled. It is in the chase”.

Concluded....

***

# me my guru stories, Narada and the bhaktha, vedic philosophy, Bhakthi, moksha, penance, enlightenment, freedom from the cycle of life and death, Lord Narayana, Upanishads, land called India and its philosophy, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2009/05/confusion.html 

Short, crisp, complete and clear is the link. It covers all that needs to be covered. Read it 10 times, 20 times, 100 times and yet the meaning will evade you - keep healing and coming back to this simple post - again and again.....it's always the simple ones that are most difficult to understand...... 

Question time:

What is the major difference between the two bhakthas?

Failure or success - all depends on the person - does it fit here and if yes, how?

What is the most important ingredient to be happy?

 

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

Now Sage Narada became a bit tensed. He felt sorry for this man. He was so courteous and cordial. He was so welcoming. He didn’t hurry to ask the answer. He was serving the Sage with calm, poise and happiness. His heart would be broken when he found the answer thought Narada.

Finally, the time came to reveal the answer. Narada said “You’ll have to take as many janmas (births) as there are leaves on this banyan tree. After that, you’ll get your Moksha!”

The ascetic was sitting at the feet of Sage Narada and listening with rapt attention when he sought the answer to his question.

He was stunned for some time. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Raising both hands in the air, dancing with joy, shouting praises of Sri Hari he started singing “Oh, how generous is my Lord! He’s promised moksha to me just after the number of births as the leaves on this great banyan tree. I am truly blessed. I did tapas for just a few years and yet His Grace is immense and so He has blessed me with it.

Now, I’ve so many janmas to fill with Harinaam (Chanting name of Hari) and keep thinking about HIM! How wonderful is this wait! I can relish uttering HIS sweet name for so many janmas! I can serve HIM in so many ways for such a long time. How blessed am I? How generous is my Lord! No doubt, all the Great Sages sing HIS praise!” so saying he danced in rapture.

# me my guru stories, Narada and the bhaktha, vedic philosophy, Bhakthi, moksha, penance, enlightenment, freedom from the cycle of life and death, Lord Narayana, Upanishads, land called India and its philosophy, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2017/07/journey-of-soul-jada-bharath-bhagavatham.html 

What are the reasons we miss out on being Enlightened?

What are the qualities we need to develop to attain moksha?

All related question answered in the link given above.... 

Question time:

Why is Narada worried for the second bhaktha?

Sage Narada's worry and joy for the bhaktha's was ill-placed. Is it the same in our lives too? How many times it has happened to you - that you worried where there was no need and you felt it was cause for celebration and the reaction was just opposite of that?

 

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

Sage left Vaikuntam. He felt good for the bhaktha who would be free from the Cycle of life in his 3^rd life from now. How elated he would be hearing this, thought Narada.

But thinking about the other ascetic he felt bad and sad. He didn’t know how that ascetic would react.

Narada reached the first bhaktha and gave him the new “You are to get Moksha 3^rd birth from now”.

Narada was sure he would jump out of joy. But the bhaktha went furious. He broke the items he used during his penance, the place, chair – just about everything.

“I’ve already wasted 50 years and the Lord doesn’t think I deserve moksha now? You think I’ll waste my future lives too in sadhan?” so saying, huffing and puffing he went towards the city to lead a life of a family man.

Narada was confused and disappointed. Now he was sure the second ascetic would raise hell when he knew the answer to his question.

Seeing Narada from a distance, the bhaktha came running towards the Sage, washed his feet, sought his blessings. He offered seating covered with soft leaves to the Sage.

He offered the Sage delicious fruits and roots to eat. He offered coconut water to drink. He fanned the Sage as he ate.

Contd....

# me my guru stories, Narada and the bhaktha, vedic philosophy, Bhakthi, moksha, penance, enlightenment, freedom from the cycle of life and death, Lord Narayana, Upanishads, land called India and its philosophy, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2017/01/on-wishes-unfulfilled-me-my-guru_7.html 

Why is there so much of difference among the siblings though born to same parents and growing up in the same environment?

How our principles, character and destiny are inter-linked? And how all these make an impact on one's Nation and its glory?

What was the reason India was such a great country once?

What is that we have lost because of which we have come to remain as developing country?

Many such questions answered in the given link......

What is the cause of anger in the first bhaktha?

Does it ring a bell in your life?

How to overcome this type of anger in life? How to deal with such situations in life?

Why was Sage Narada confused with the reaction of the first Bhaktha?

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

 

Contd....

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

On his way, he had to cross a dense forest. This forest was the abode of so many people who were doing various forms of penance to end their cycle of existence. This is considered as “Moksha” in Vedic philosophy.

Under a banyan tree, he saw an ascetic doing tapas (penance). Seeing Narada, he became excited and started chatting with the Great Sage. During the course of their talk, Narada told the ascetic that he was going to Vaikuntam. The ascetic became thoughtful and asked the Sage “Dear Sir, can you do me a favour? As you are going to Vaikuntam, can you ask the Lord as to when I’ll get Enlightened?”

The Sage found this question very common. Most people asked him this question. He smiled and agreed to find out. He resumed his journey.

After some time he came across one more ascetic doing a head-stand. When he saw Sage Narada, he fell at his feet and sought his blessing. When the ascetic found that Narada was visiting Vaikuntam, he asked “Sir, I’ve been doing tapas – intense since 50 years. Can you please find out from the Lord as to when I’ll be Enlightened?

Narada smiled and agreed to find out.

Narada reached Vaikuntam. He spent quite some time in Vaikuntam. When it was time to leave, he remembered the questions posed by the two ascetics. The Lord smiled and said “The one who did intense tapas will be Enlightened in his 3^rd birth from now.

And the other after completing as many janmas as there are leaves on the banyan tree under which he is meditating”.

Contd....

# me my guru stories, Narada and the bhaktha, vedic philosophy, Bhakthi, moksha, penance, enlightenment, freedom from the cycle of life and death, Lord Narayana, Upanishads, land called India and its philosophy, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2015/04/purpose-of-ramas-birth.html 

How many years does it take to clear off one's ONE SIN? To get answer to this question, read the link given....

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

 

Me, My Guru – Narada and Bhaktha – disappointed and in bliss!

“Guruji, how come I don’t find joy through Reiki and Sadhan as others share?” asked him, I don’t want to name.

“Guruji, how come many say Reiki has given a lot? They talk of abundance in life and yet I live in penury Why?!! Where is the difference?” asked another.

I wasn’t interested in the answer today. I was looking forward to her story, that’s all. My wait gave me a beautiful story today. Here it is –

“Narada was an ascetic who was Divine. He is considered a divine sage mind-born son of the Creator God –Brahma. So, he could travel all Worlds at will. He is a master storyteller and considered a mischief maker whose mischief ends in the well-being of all.

Once this Sage Narada decided to visit Vaikuntam – the abode place of Sri Maha Vishnu –The “The all of Existence!”

On his way, he had to cross a dense forest. This forest was the abode of so many people who were doing various forms of penance to end their cycle of existence. This is considered as “Moksha” in Vedic philosophy.

Contd....

# me my guru stories, Narada and the bhaktha, vedic philosophy, Bhakthi, moksha, penance, enlightenment, freedom from the cycle of life and death, Lord Narayana, Upanishads, land called India and its philosophy, 

also read https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/2017/01/indian-mythology-shiva-parvathi-me-my_98.html 

Why do we have pain?

How to overcome pain completely?

How to experience complete bliss for ever?

These and related questions are answered in the given link....

Homework time:

I will not give indicators or pointers to understand this entire article/posts.

You come back with your understanding.

What are the sentences that mean a lot to you?

Which sentence hit you and gave you some understanding?

Share and grow with one another.....

On life and death – II

 

Contd...

On life and death – II

For many just existing is enough – even it be as an invalid. If that is the choice or way of living, then that and such person need not worry on all these levels.

But if life means to be happy and happiness means sharing with near and dear ones, then I request those to check these facts making a wish of long life.

But then, is life and death in our hands? What if all around me die and I still continue to survive?

Life and death is certainly not in our hands. But, having clarity of thought on these is certainly in our hands**. What can’t be controlled need not be worried about. But our perspective on these things is certainly in our hands and we need to groom them right – when our sense are still intact. Now, we have each other to remind, support and encourage working on ourselves. Let’s make best use of this support system. God forbid, but if such time comes when we are left alone behind by all known to us, then let us be mentally, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually prepared to enjoy ‘our lone life too’ – which life has given as bonus to us. instead of being a ‘complaining, bitter old person always talking about those times’ let’s make new and fresh memories even then with our attitude.

Let’s learn to dance with life!

Let’s live life!

So, when death comes knocking it should look at us and ask us “Teach me to live!”

Let’s give something to death - of life!

Maut ko zindagi diye chalthe hai…

मौत को ज़िन्दगी दिए चलते हैं। .. 

Chavuki kooda jeevithanni eddam pada…

చావుకి కూడా జీవితాన్ని ఇద్దాం పదా ....

Concluded......

** We can’t control life and death

# on dying, life and death, death and its mysteries, knowing death, facts of life, art of living and dying, 

(This would be a series on life and death where we would directly look into what life and death means to us! the purpose is to learn and appreciate life while becoming ‘free’ of ‘fear of death’. Hope this addresses its agenda the right way and strikes the chord as required!)

also read suggested : https://kantipadam.blogspot.com/search?q=Narada+and+Narayana 

The above link clearly explains how our understanding changes when we look at an event from beyond our sense of 'seeing'. When we actually see beyond our 'time limit zone' we can see how things are right the way they are! Hope it is clear? 

Self help time : 

What does the blue marked lines in post mean to you? How have you understood them?

Help me to help you better by answering and giving feedbacks on these posts....