Spirituality

Narada Muni, the sage of the Gods, was once approached by old Jara, the daughter of Time. She wanted to marry him, but he refused her. Greatly offended, Jara cursed him that he would never have a fixed place to live. As a result he travels constantly, playing on his stringed instrument, the vina, as he chants the holy name of the Supreme Lord Narayana. During his travels, Narada once came across a proud brahmin priest who had just finished his fire sacrifice. Seeing the famous sage, the brahmin greeted him, “Namaste, my dear Narada.” Narada replied. “May your life be successful, my dear brahmin.” “If you are going to the spiritual world,” requested the priest, “then please do me a favor. Ask Lord Narayan when I am going to join Him there. I think it should be very soon, but I’d like to verify it anyway.” “All right,” agreed Narada, “I’ll ask him.” The next day Narada passed a humble cobbler, the lowest of the castes, repairing shoes by the roadside. “All ...