Narada understands the power of Maya

 

Narada understands Maya

 We had seen the story of Sukeshi who went to the ashram of the sages in the Magadh forest and learnt many dharmic concepts. (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/02/pious-asuras-and-worried-gods). Amongst the many things he learnt from the sages, he got the knowledge of the ten basic principles of Dharma that is common to all people irrespective of their occupation (varnas). We had already covered few of these Dharmas through relevant stories. Please see the links below.

Dasha Dharma

1.         Dhṛti – Patience (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/02/dashdharma-patience-shabari.html; https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/02/dash-dharma-patience.html)

2.         Kṣhamā – Forgiveness (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/03/dashadharma-story-of-kaakasura-from.htmll)

3.         Damo - Calmness

4.         Asteyaṃ - Not coveting/ stealing

5.         Saucam – Cleanliness (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/04/dashadharma-story-of-shitala-ma.html)

6.         Indriyanigraha – Control of senses

7.         Dhīr – Righteous Action (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/03/dashadharama-kacha-and-devayani.html)

8.         Vidya – Pursuit of knowledge

9.         Satyam – Truthfulness (https://bharatiyastories.blogspot.com/2024/03/harishchandra-test-and-triumph.html.)

10.       Akrodho – Control of anger

daśakaṃ dharmalakṣaṇam।।

Story on Indriyanigraha – Control of senses

Narada understands Maya

Maya is the invisible cloak that surrounds all of us. Many think they have overcome Maya and are philosophical. It may surprise them to know that even that very thought is Maya. Maya is perhaps an internalisation that whatever we see, hear, feel or think is transient and is susceptible to change. Maya controls each of our senses and thoughts, and is the cause of both misery and happiness.

While as jivas (beings on earth) residing on this planet, we particularly susceptible to Maya, even divine beings are susceptible to Maya. There is a nice story that helps us understand this.

Narada the divine sage wanders all over the Universe. Once he went to Vaikunta to see Lord Vishnu. Narada gave an account of his recent travels across the Universe. The all-knowing Vishnu smiled as if he was hearing all of it for the first time while playfully stringing Narada’s veena.

After Narada recounted a few instances of people suffering, he asked Lord Vishnu, “Prabhu, why do people suffer or enjoy? Why are some cruel, and others kind? Why are some rich,  and others poor?” Vishnu smiled and said “It is all Maya, Narada.” Narada looked at him and said “What has Maya got to do with happiness and suffering Lord?”

Vishnu suddenly changed the subject and said “I am thirsty Narada. Go fetch me some water.” Narada was pleased that he was of service to Mahavishnu. He ran out to get some water. He went out of Vaikunta and came upon a small pond. He saw a maiden near the pond. Narada was mesmerized by her beauty and grace.

Narada started following her to her house. The maiden also seemed very interested in Narada and kept looking back. It turned out that she was the daughter of the chieftain of that village. Seeing the divine sage, the chieftain welcomed Narada into his home and paid his respects. Narada asked the chieftain for the hand of his daughter in marriage. The chief realised he could not get a better alliance for his daughter. He gave his consent and Narada and the maiden got married.

They continued to live in that village. In course of time, they had many children. Narada was a wonderful husband, a loving father and a dutiful son in law. Time passed and the chieftain became old and died.

The people of that village requested Narada to be their chief as he was an able administrator. Narada started living in the village as their chief. He was fair, scrupulous and earned the respect of everyone. He had completely forgotten who he was, his divine music, his bhakti and his knowledge.

Once there were torrential rains in that area and his whole village, his wife and children got swept away. Despite his best efforts, Narada was not able to save a single person in the village. He was besides himself in grief as the flood waters carried him.

The waters finally deposited Narada at a faraway place. Narada kept saying “My wife, my tribe, my children. Where are they? Where am I?” He heard a voice suddenly calling to him “Narada, I am thirsty. Did you get my water?”

Narada came to his senses with a thunderclap.

Vishnu continued with his smile “Do you see Narada? Attachment to the material world comes in many ways. It need not only be money and things. Even affection towards your family, your village and your people can delude you. It can give you a false sense of control and ownership.”

“Maya is that which makes us forget the unchangeable and keep going after things that are temporary and subject to change be it through karma, time, disease or bad luck. Maya is the veil between the earthly beings and the Parabrahmam (God). Its illusion makes us experience joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure, love and rejection. It is not easy to tear this veil. If someone with your power of tapas can fall prey to Maya, what chance does a normal human being have?”

Narada realizing his ignorance and duly humbled, paid his respects to Lord Vishnu and continued on his divine journey.