Among India's most notable spiritual personalities perhaps no one has captured the hearts and imaginations of seekers as fondly as the incomparable Devarshi Narada. Stories of his illustrious life and teachings can be found as far back as the ancient Vedas, as well as in many later spiritual texts. Those familiar with this great being know that his contribution to human evolution is incomprehensible. Even today the mere mention of his name creates waves of joy in the hearts of those seeking union with God through bhakti, the path of devotion and love. As we read the many accounts of the sage's life, we find that he could be just as vulnerable as we are. At other times he was a mystical, magical time traveler who navigated through dimensions to deliver messages between earth and heaven. Many stories depict him as a cosmic trickster who "stirred the pot" in others' lives to teach them important life lessons. Devarshi Narada is both celestial and human, a teacher as well as a student, serious as well as playful, a devoted friend and a lover of God and humankind. This beautiful combination of qualities appeals to every aspect of our being.
Devarshi Narada: A Sage and a Mystic, written by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, is a rare gem lovingly offered at the immortal feet of Devarshi Narada. As you read the stories and teachings of Devarshi Narada, uniquely narrated through the sage's own words, you will discern Paramahamsaji's special relationship with this great sage who has been a valuable source of inspiration and guidance for him throughout his life. This cherished relationship, nurtured since childhood, lends to his deep insight into one of India's greatest spiritual luminaries. Though these stories and teachings are ancient, they have lost neither savor nor potency. In fact, in today's world when so many lack a purpose in life, when love for God and humankind is on the decline, they are more significant than ever.
India is a land of stories and fables. Every Indian mother is a good storyteller. I do not hesitate to say that my mother was an excellent one. Every night she told bedtime stories, and they not only thrilled my mind and thinking, but also provided a good education for me. Devarshi Narada was a special character in her stories. When I heard about him, I could visualize him: a sage without a beard, a tender teenager with a vina (a traditional musical string instrument) in one hand and castanets in the other, always singing the name of Lord Narayana. When I think about him, he is a sage who creates conflict for a better and greater cause, a popular personality who can resolve many issues on many occasions and impart spiritual instructions.
While growing up, I saw the dramas that Devarshi Narada created enacted in many theaters. He was a humorous character in all the plays; his antics always created joy and laughter in the audience. He is a popular personality in literature and narration. He was a very ancient personality who not only became a sage, but his name is found in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and other classical literature.
Was Devarshi Narada a real being? Whether Devarshi Narada was a real being or a mythological character is a matter for debate and discussion, but to me he is a real being who lived among us and practiced sadhana (spiritual practice) with unique devotion. Since his name and many roles are found in many mythological texts, people are sometimes interested in his historic nature.
When I grew up, I learned about his writings, the most famous one being the Bhakti Sutra, the Aphorisms on Divine Love.
This writing not only shaped my life, but also transformed my thinking with regard to my journey on the spiritual path. I heard a lot about Devarshi Narada from the spiritual discourses of many holy people, and I read about him in many spiritual literatures. His life and teachings have influenced me. There is no doubt that his personality is unique in Indian spiritual books.
Vedas (1295)
Upanishads (482)
Puranas (612)
Ramayana (839)
Mahabharata (328)
Dharmasastras (162)
Goddess (474)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1312)
Gods (1268)
Shiva (344)
Journal (144)
Fiction (52)
Vedanta (334)
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