The Buddha and His Teachings

Narada

Narada Narada Muni, is a god-sage, famous in Hindu traditions as a travelling musician and storyteller, who carries news and enlightening wisdom. He is one of mind-created children of Brahma, the creator.[1][2] He appears in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Mahabharata, telling Yudhishtira the Prahlada story, the Ramayana as warning Ravan as well as in the Puranas.[2] Once God decided that it was time for Him to descend to earth to set matters right, most lesser Gods came down to like someone or the other to aid and enjoy a ringside view of epochal events. He is also referred to as Rishiraj, meaning the king of all sages or rishis. He was gifted with the boon of knowledge, past, present and future. Once his knowledge became a hindrance in God's designs. He was therefore cursed that although he would tell the truth and warn people, they would never believe him. In Indian texts, Narada travels to distant worlds and realms (Sanskrit: lokas). He is depicted carrying a khartal (musical instrument) and veena with the name Mahathi and is generally regarded as one of the great masters of the ancient musical instrument. This instrument is known by the name "mahathi"[3][4] which he uses to accompany his singing of hymns, prayers and mantras. In the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism, he is presented as a sage with devotion to Lord Vishnu. Narada is described as both wise and mischievous in some humorous tales. Vaishnav enthusiasts depict him as a pure, elevated soul who glorifies Vishnu through his devotional songs, singing the names Hari and Narayana, and therein demonstrating bhakti yoga. The Narada Bhakti Sutra is attributed to him. He would usually make his entrance vocally chanting Narayana, Narayana before optically appearing in the scene. Part of a series on Vaishnavism Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet. Supreme deity Important deities Holy scriptures Sampradayas Teachers–acharyas Related traditions Aum Om red.svg Hinduism portal vte Other texts named after Narada include Narada Purana and the Nāradasmṛti (pre 6th century CE text), the latter called the "juridical text par excellence" and representing the only Dharmaśāstra text which deals solely with juridical matters while ignoring those of righteous conduct and penance.[5] The name Narada, referring to many different persons, appears in many mythical legends of Hinduism,[6] as an earlier birth of Sariputta in the Jataka tales of Buddhism as well as names of medieval Buddhist scholars,[7][8] and in Jainism.