In the spiritual field the greatest Divine sage Narada refers to the path of devotion, the path of action, the path of knowledge, the path of Yoga and the doctrine of Pasupata. He gives support to ekantika dharma which maintains that all paths lead to the same goal.
His teachings reflect the teachings enshrined in various traditions, dualism, non-dualism and qualified non-dualism. His teachings incorporate knowledge from the Vedas, the Vedangas (music, astronomy etc), Darsanas, (samkhya, Yoga, Prasthana Trya i.e., sruti prasthana the Upanisads, Nyaya prasthana the Brahma sutra and smriti prasthana, the Mahabharata, including the Bhagavadgita, the three collectively known as Vedanta and others), and tantras. Such a vast and varied body of learning and teaching, some apparently diverse on closer examination, is indeed praiseworthy. Narada seems to have appreciated the varied nature of traditional beliefs and the need of different individuals. Thus we find him referring to both Vedic and Tantric practices and recommending meditation associated with mantras such as OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudeva or Gayatri Mantra; and describing images such as the form of Vishnu with adornments, or the three forms of goddess Gayatri.
The meditation on the Supreme Being, beginning with a form, becoming gradually formless and finally realizing that one’s Self is the Supreme Self - this is emphasised in several places, e.g., one of the yoga practices, svadhyaya starts with the meditation on OM, Gayatri and other mantras (Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudeva, Om Namo Narayana) and culminates in Mahavakyas (I am Brahma, and similar great sayings). The recitation and reflection on mantras is dualism while the Mahavakyas declare monism.
Narada’s teachings for everyday living are valid for all times. They are especially important in the present age of widespread erosion of ethical values. Chapter 209 of the Mahabharata Santiparva mentions Anusmriti, i.e., cherished reflections, exclusive of all other thoughts, narrated by Narada to Bhishmapitamaha. Therefore Anusmriti and instructions associated with it may be considered as one of the most important, if not the most important doctrine of Narada.
The main instructions in them may be briefly reiterated, viz,
(i) In all of us dwells the Supreme Being and all of us dwell in the Supreme Being;
(ii) The Supreme Being is in everyone and everything, one must always realize this sameness;
(iii) Keep the body and mind under control through the intellect and let the intellect rest in the peaceful Self;
(iv) Meditate on the Supreme Being with the thought that you belong to Him, He belongs to you, He pervades the universe;
(v) The Supreme Being is beyond the comprehension of the human mind;
(vi) The Supreme Being is also firmly devoted to His devotees;
(vii) Only those sacrifices, gifts and austerities which are done without expectation of rewards purify the body and illuminate the intellect and illumination of the mind leads to self-realization;
(viii) Performance of all rites and actions as an offering and service to the Supreme Being leads to beatitude;
(ix) A salutation with complete faith in the Supreme Being even by a wicked person leads to heaven;
(x) Do not pursue temporary objects; meditate on the Supreme Being for the freedom from cycles of births and deaths;
(xi) Knowledge of Anusmriti should be given to other devotees to free them from fear of births and bondages; and
(xii) There is no gift greater than the gift of spiritual knowledge.
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