Why judge Narad Muni?
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com .)
Popular media portrays Devrishi Narad as a meddlesome trickster rather than a great spiritual master . We often hold incomplete information about our scriptures simply because we do not read and understand them. Our little knowledge is often shaped by what we see in films or TV serials. People tend to believe these dramatised portrayals as ultimate truth. However, such views are not only baseless but also disrespectful.Devrishi Narad is Brahma's manasputra, born from Brahma's mind and an unparalleled devotee of Vishnu. He is one of the earliest teachers of astrology and a maestro of divine music. Narad, as one of Vishnu's most beloved devotees, chants 'Om Namo Narayana' with every breath. The celestial raag and ragini that form the foundation of musical tonality owe their origin to his veena's melodies.Attributed to Devrishi Narad, Narad Bhakti Sutras define bhakti as pure, selfless love for the Divine, independent of caste, status or intellectual ability. The Bhakti Sutras emphasise that true devotion is free from selfish desires and ego, focusing on God's love. Bhakti is presented as a natural and accessible path to moksh, for eternal bliss and unity with the Divine.The Sutras also emphasise humility, compassion and surrender, while warning against material attachments and intellectual pride - obstacles to true devotion. Ultimately, they offer a timeless and inclusive path to evolution, underscoring that anyone with a sincere heart can experience the transformative power of love. Narad Jayanti is on May 13
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Economic Times
The Ratan of Indian Theatre: Ratan Thiyam harnessed his spectacular stage to confront modern chaos and shape a just society
Ratan Thiyam, a prominent figure in Indian theatre, has passed away. He was an institution and a visionary artist. Thiyam founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Manipur. He used theatre for social reflection. His work was rooted in the Natyashastra. He served as director and chairperson of the National School of Drama. Thiyam's plays addressed social issues. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads MANIPUR'S OWN CHORUS Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Uttar Priyadarshi is one of Thiyam's acclaimed productions Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) When a friend called to inform me that Ratan Thiyam was no more, I was shocked and devastated. He wasn't just a stalwart of the Indian theatre , he was an institution in himself. With his passing, I have lost a fellow traveller.I first met Thiyam in the late 1980s. Over the years, our paths crossed many times, both in Guwahati and Delhi. Even a brief interaction with him was profoundly enriching. I now carry a regret: despite his many invitations, I never made it to Imphal to witness his work at its conversations were always centred around art, culture and the society in which we live. We rarely spoke of personal matters — it was always about the larger canvas. One area we deeply connected on was the Natyashastra of sage Bharata, the ancient and powerful treatise on performing arts, often revered as the fifth theatrical work was deeply rooted in the Natyashastra. Having drawn on the same theories in my own films, I felt an immediate creative kinship with him. As outlined in that ancient text, human emotions are classified into nine fundamental compartments — the nava rasa. Thiyam not only embodied this ancient science in his plays but also used it extensively in training his in 1948, Thiyam graduated from the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, where he later served as its director (198788) and eventually as chairperson (2013-17). He was the founder-director of the Chorus Repertory Theatre that he established in his home state of Manipur, which remained his primary creative base.A visionary artist, Thiyam masterfully used theatre as a tool for social reflection and transformation, confronting the chaos of modern life through his craft. For long, Manipur has had a rich cultural legacy, and Thiyam not only preserved it but elevated it to national and global prominence. That he was also an accomplished painter is hardly surprising—true cultural stalwarts often express their versatility in multiple art many ways, Thiyam filled a long cultural void in the Northeast and beyond, leaving behind a legacy that continues to our society, good and evil forces constantly fight with one another. Thiyam understood that the role of an artist is not neutral — it is to stand firmly with the forces of good and contribute to building a just and healthy society. Through his plays, he consistently sought to confront and expose the devilish elements in our social fabric. His work served as a moral compass, urging reflection and reform. It is imperative that future artists carry forward this legacy of socially conscious his most celebrated productions are Uttar Priyadarshi , Chakravyuha , Andha Yug and Ritusamhara — each a testament to his creative mastery and ethical was a pioneer of the 'theatre of roots' movement. His plays were deeply grounded in Indian cultural traditions, particularly those of his home state, Manipur, and the broader Northeast region. It was his profound mastery of the Natyashastra that enabled him to write and direct plays drawing from ancient Indian theatrical traditions, infusing them with present like the legendary Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika, Thiyam too saw art as a bridge — a powerful medium to foster a healthier and harmonious society. Whether or not he fully succeeded in his lifetime is secondary; what truly matters is that he committed himself, relentlessly, to the struggle for an ideal a time when societal values have steadily degraded, Thiyam stood as a cultural warrior, fighting valiantly to counter that erosion through the power of performing legacy will endure for generations. As we bid farewell to this stalwart of Indian theatre, we are reminded that true artists never die—they live on through their work, their vision, and most importantly, the ideals they leave behind. Yes, the stage feels dimmer without the doyen, but his light will continue to guide generations to writer is a National Award-winning filmmaker (As told to Shantanu Nandan Sharma)
Mint
10-07-2025
- Mint
Happy Guru Purnima 2025: 50+ wishes, WhatsApp status, Facebook message and images to share with gurus, loved ones
Guru Purnima 2025: Guru Purnima, a special festival observed throughout India, honours teachers — whether spiritual leaders or academic instructors. It highlights and encourages values like gratitude, respect, wisdom, and knowledge. This year, the festival will be celebrated on July 10. Here are the top 50 wishes to send to your teachers — Happy Guru Purnima! May your path be guided by wisdom and light. On this sacred day, I bow to the divine teacher who leads us from darkness to light. Blessed are those who find a true guru. Wishing you peace and enlightenment this Guru Purnima. Happy Guru Purnima 2025 A guru is the light in the dark. Happy Guru Purnima to all spiritual guides. Let's honour our gurus who have shown us the path to knowledge and truth. May your life be filled with blessings from your gurus. Happy Guru Purnima! On this Guru Purnima, let's thank the ones who awaken our inner light. Saluting all the guiding souls who lead us toward self-realisation. Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara — salute to all gurus on this special day. Happy Guru Purnima 2025 Worship the Guru, honour the path, and embrace the wisdom. Happy Guru Purnima! Thank you for inspiring, guiding, and supporting me always. Happy Guru Purnima! You didn't just teach me from books, you taught me how to live. Grateful on this Guru Purnima. To the one who shaped my thoughts and beliefs—Happy Guru Purnima! Your wisdom still echoes in my actions. Thank you, Guruji. A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart. Happy Guru Purnima! Every success of mine is rooted in your teachings. Thank you, and Happy Guru Purnima. Happy Guru Purnima 2025 Dear Guru, your lessons are the foundation of my life. Respect and gratitude always. You showed me the path when I couldn't see one. Forever grateful! Happy Guru Purnima to the one who turned my doubts into confidence. Teachers like you are rare and precious. Thank you for being my guiding star. Your presence in my life is the greatest blessing. Happy Guru Purnima! Thank you for believing in me when I didn't. On this day, I reflect on how your teachings have shaped my journey. May your wisdom continue to light many more lives, just like mine. You're not just a guide—you're a life-changer. If I could thank you a thousand times, it still wouldn't be enough. A mentor like you is a rare gem. Lucky to have found you. In every challenge, your voice echoes in my mind. Thank you. Your lessons have become my compass in life. Happy Guru Purnima to the ones who light our way. Grateful for every lesson, every word. Cheers to the mentors who make us better. Today, we honour the teachers who shape the future. Guidance, wisdom, and heart — that's what you gave me. Thank you for showing me the way. Happy Guru Purnima! Some heroes wear robes, some carry books. All are gurus. Here's to lifelong learning and the ones who teach it. A good teacher explains, a great teacher inspires. Not all superheroes wear capes—some are just called 'Sir' or 'Ma'am.' From darkness to light, from fear to might — thank you, Guru, for making my path bright. A candle loses nothing by lighting another—thank you for lighting my soul. In the garden of life, you're the root of my growth. Like the moon reflects the sun, I reflect your wisdom. "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu..." — saluting the divine guru within all of us. May your teachings forever echo in my mind. Happy Guru Purnima! With folded hands and a grateful heart, I bow to you, my Guru. A true guru teaches beyond words. Thank you for your silent strength. On this Guru Purnima, I offer my pranams to the eternal teacher within you. You've made a difference no book ever could. Thank you, Guru. Life became meaningful because of your teachings. Happy Guru Purnima!
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
06-07-2025
- First Post
Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, 'KGF' fame Yash's 'Ramayana' made on a budget of Rs 1600 crore? Source says 'While part 1's cost is Rs 900 crore...'
Set in a timeless age, the universe is held in balance by the cosmic trinity — Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer — who preserve harmony among gods, sages, humans, and demons read more The first glimpse of Ramayana is here. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The visuals have been saved for the later part of the day as the first glimpse only presents the art work and an introduction to the world the makers have created. There were reports the film has a budget of Rs 835 crore, a source told Bollywood Hungama, 'While Ramayana 1 is being made on a budget of Rs. 900 crore, the second part of Ramayana has a cost of Rs. 700 crore. The reason for the reduction is budget for part two is a result of a large investment in asset and world creation for part one, leaving just the action sequences for the second installment. The characters built and designed alongside the set pieces will continue to be a part of the second installment.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The source added, 'Ramayana is the most ambitious film for the Malhotra Family, and they are treating it as a project of pride. The entire team is confident of recovering the investment and even making profits as the idea is to tap into the world audience, and to do so, it's important to deliver a global project, with spectacular visuals.' Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and 8-time Oscar winning VFX studio DNEG in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations; Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will release worldwide : Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. Set in a timeless age, the universe is held in balance by the cosmic trinity — Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer — who preserve harmony among gods, sages, humans, and demons. But from the ashes of this balance rises a force unlike any before.
