Religion is a touchy subject the world over, and especially so in our country. We live in a time when it’s considered necessary to demonstrate one’s faith aggressively and often with violence. But does doing so make you more devout than others who enjoy a quieter, more peaceable faith? Who really is a true devotee?
Narada was Vishnu’s greatest devotee. He knew it, Vishnu knew it. Narada was always singing Vishnu’s praises and he thought of the Lord almost constantly. One day when Narada visited Vishnu at Vaikunta he wanted to hear some appreciation from Vishnu for his devotion. Narada put on an innocent face and asked Vishnu who he thought was his greatest devotee. Vishnu smiled when he heard Narada’s question. He saw through it at once! Vishnu pretended to think for a long time and then said, ‘My greatest devotee is a farmer. He lives in a village far away on Earth.’
Narada was crestfallen when he heard Vishnu’s reply but he was determined to prove the Lord wrong. ‘Really?’ exclaimed Narada. ‘I must see this great devotee for myself! Shall we visit him?’ Vishnu nodded. Narada and Vishnu disguised themselves as travellers and set off to visit the poor farmer. When the farmer saw them, he greeted them warmly and led them to his house. He offered them some food and asked them to make themselves comfortable. After ensuring that his guests were doing all right, the farmer went to his field and began a long, hard day of work.
Narada watched him surreptitiously to see how devout he was but he saw no signs at all of the farmer’s love for Vishnu. Not when he ploughed his lands, not when he tended to his cattle, not when he watered his vegetable patch… there was no puja, no worship, not even a song in praise of Vishnu! Narada was puzzled.
At the end of the day, when the farmer came back home, Narada asked him, ‘How many times a day do you pray to Vishnu or even think of him?’ The farmer said, ‘I think of the Lord before I go to the field and after I’m done with my work. In between, when I’m taking a moment’s break, I picture him in my mind to gain strength.’
Narada was angry. How could Vishnu think this farmer was a greater devotee than he was? After all, Narada had composed so many songs in Vishnu’s name! He went to Vishnu and spoke his heart out. Vishnu laughed when he saw Narada’s grumpy face. He placed a pot of oil on Narada’s head and said, ‘I will answer your question but first, walk from this end of the room to the other end without spilling the oil.
Careful, the pot is full to the brim!’ Narada had no idea what Vishnu was playing at but he did as he was told. He had to move really slowly to make sure the oil didn’t spill out of the pot. When he reached the other end of the room, he said triumphantly, ‘I’ve done it!’
‘How many times did you think of me when you were crossing the room?’ Vishnu asked. Narada’s mouth fell open. He hadn’t thought of Vishnu even once! All his attention had been on the pot on his head! Vishnu smiled, ‘The farmer shows his devotion by working hard all day and remembering me despite his fatigue.’ Narada understood.
A true devotee doesn’t have to perform to please the Lord. He simply has to love him with an honest heart.