The main teachings of Narada are ‘to be good and to do good’ and to know the true nature of the Self and the Supreme Self for the attainment of beatitude. For the latter, Narada’s approach was holistic. He discussed both Vedic and tantric practices. He laid special emphasis on Vaishnava philosophy and also described the Saiva doctrine (Mahatantra of Pasupata philosophy) and Sakta worship. While doing so, he repeatedly emphasized that there is one Supreme Being called by various names; Krsna is Siva, Siva is Krsna and the devotees of both should be respected. All paths to attain beatitude were propounded by him, all leading to the same goal, i.e. identification of Self with the Supreme Self. The path of action (yajna, sacrifice, dana giving gifts, tapa, austerities and other rites) performed without expectation of any rewards leads to purity of mind. This purity of mind is said to illuminate the intellect and knowledge, by the removal of ignorance thereby leading to liberation. Control of the mind and meditation on Paramatma is in atma, atma is in Paramatma, atma is Paramatma, Paramatma is present in everything and is everywhere and is beyond the intellect, leading to self-realization.
Narada advocated yoga with Vaisnava jnana, which underlines the studies of the Upanisads (and Vedas) and mahavakyas (such as reflection on the great saying: ‘I am Brahma’). He also advocated the repetition and reflection on mantras such as ‘om namo bhagavate vasudevaya’ in other words the “Supreme Being manifest in the phenomenal universe and also unmanifest, sat-chit-ananda (om); obeisance to the glorious Supreme Being (bhagavate), the Supreme Being who dwells in every being and in whom dwell all beings (Vasudeva)”. He believed in sandhya (morning and evening prayer), seeking the grace of the Supreme Being to illuminate the intellect with the divine light of knowledge (Gayatri mantra). Narada also emphasized that the greatest gift is the gift of spiritual knowledge and that persons who had gained such knowledge should therefore share it with their fellow-beings.
The principal advice, as stated above, is almost the same as given by Krsna. He said: ‘Fix the mind on me (Vasudeva) alone, then undoubtedly you will reside in me; if you are incapable of concentrating your mind upon me, then attain me through practice of concentration, abhyasa yoga; if that also you are unable to do then let your actions be devoted to my service; and even if that is not possible then let your actions be done without expectations of any rewards, phalatyagam” (Gita. 12.8-11)
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