Work as Worship: Narada's Lesson in Devotion

Work as Worship: Narada's Lesson in Devotion

Narada was a devoted sage who spent his days chanting Lord Vishnu’s name. He would travel around the world, lost in his devotion, and often wondered if he was the greatest devotee of all.

One day, Narada met Lord Vishnu and asked Him if he was indeed the greatest devotee. Lord Vishnu smiled at Narada and said, “No.”

Narada was confused and asked, “Is there someone who is a greater devotee than me?”

Lord Vishnu replied, “Let’s find out,” and took Narada to a cottage where they found a farmer sleeping. The next day, they followed the farmer as he went about his day, ploughing his fields under the hot sun.

Narada was surprised that the farmer had only taken Lord Vishnu’s name three times that day – once in the morning, before lunch, and before going to bed – while he himself chanted Lord Vishnu’s name continuously.

When Narada expressed his confusion to Lord Vishnu, the Lord smiled and asked Narada to fetch Him some water from a lake on top of a hill, warning him not to spill even a single drop.

Narada carefully filled the pot with water and started walking down the hill, chanting Lord Vishnu’s name. He was so focused on not spilling any water that he could only manage to chant Lord Vishnu’s name twice.

Lord Vishnu then explained to Narada that devotion was not about the number of times one chanted His name, but about the feeling behind it. The farmer may have only chanted His name three times that day, but he did so with love and devotion in his heart, just like Narada himself.

Narada finally understood that devotion was about loving God with all one’s heart, regardless of the number of times one chanted His name. He also learned that God loved all His devotees equally.

From that day on, Narada became an even more devoted sage, not because he wanted to be the greatest devotee, but because he loved Lord Vishnu with all his heart. He traveled the world, spreading love and devotion wherever he went, and his name became synonymous with devotion.

The story of Narada and the farmer reminds us that true devotion comes from the heart, and that God loves all His devotees equally, regardless of their outward actions. It teaches us to approach our spiritual practices with love and sincerity, and to never judge others based on their outward actions.