The Tree of Pride Sprouts in the Sage
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 129
Doha 129 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
The Lord says delusion enters where knowledge and detachment are absent. How could Kama trouble Narada, steadfast in celibacy and sacred vows? The sage answers that everything came through Hari's grace, yet pride gives the humble phrase another weight. Its words bow while the heart secretly stands taller.
Vishnu looks within and sees a mighty tree of arrogance already sprouting. For the welfare of his devotee, he vows to pull it out by the root. A divine play will accomplish what counsel and praise could not, not to disgrace Narada but to free him from the growth he cannot see.
Narada bows at Hari's feet and departs with ego still increasing. Behind him, Lakshmi's Lord sets Maya into motion. The compassionate correction begins before the sage has taken many steps along the road.
Narada walks away taller, while Hari reaches unseen toward the root of pride.
Read the passage from the Manas
AI-created devotional illustration · Chaupai 129
Narada proudly replies that all is the Lord's grace
Source reference and artistic choices
Gita Press code81 undated · PDF pages 141, 142 · printed pages 139, 140. Reader passage: bala-kanda-chaupai-129. Printed numbering may differ.
Source facts
- Lord's preceding words concern knowledge/dispassion and steadfastcelibateNarada; Narada answers WITHPRIDE 'allisyourgrace O Lord', independent sourcepart3 selected
- Lord inwardly sees pride-tree sprouting and promises uproot forservantwelfare; simultaneouslysagewelfareandHisplay, notdevotee'sdecree; metaphorsnotliteralobjects selected
- LaterNarada bowsheadtoHarifeet and leaveswithgreaterpride, Lordpromptsmaya; laterphasesoutside selectedreply
Artistic choices
- Established imaginedfourarmblue-lotusLord creamgoldcrown/jewels/garland/conchdisc/lotus and naturalbrownclean-shaven Narada knottedhair Vaishnavcreamochre/darkbeads retained; exactfacesagesdress iconography notauthenticated
- Narada speakingconfidentchin/smilinglips handownchest and lowopenreplypalm, Lordquietlisteningclosedlips fourdistinctarms; exactgestures artistchoices, correctedNaradaextra lap-hand removed
- Plainsharedlowplatform cosmicmilksea creamwaves flowerboughs/distantpavilion/customaryvina artistimaginedcontext, no literalpridetree/magic/departure/completionmontage
An imaginative interpretation, not a historical portrait or documentary evidence.
सुनु मुनि मोह होइ मन ताकें। ग्यान बिराग हृदय नहिं जाके।। ब्रह्मचरज ब्रत रत मतिधीरा। तुम्हहि कि करइ मनोभव पीरा।। नारद कहेउ सहित अभिमाना। कृपा तुम्हारि सकल भगवाना।। करुनानिधि मन दीख बिचारी। उर अंकुरेउ गरब तरु भारी।। बेगि सो मै डारिहउँ उखारी। पन हमार सेवक हितकारी।। मुनि कर हित मम कौतुक होई। अवसि उपाय करबि मै सोई।। तब नारद हरि पद सिर नाई। चले हृदयँ अहमिति अधिकाई।। श्रीपति निज माया तब प्रेरी। सुनहु कठिन करनी तेहि केरी।।
"Listen, O sage: delusion takes hold only of one whose heart is empty of jnana and vairagya. You are steadfast in the vow of brahmacharya, firm and unwavering of mind. How could the pangs of Kamadeva ever touch you?" So spoke Vishnu, veiling His own intent behind gentle counsel.