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Ah, you’re referring to a famous story from Hindu traditions about Krishna, Narada, māyā (illusion), and the passage of 12 years, often told as a parable to explain the nature of illusion and attachment. Let me recount it for you:
The Story
One day, Narada, the divine sage and devotee of Vishnu, asked Lord Krishna to explain the power of māyā (illusion). Narada was learned and wise, but he still wondered how māyā could bind even the most intelligent beings.
Krishna smiled and said:
"Alright, Narada, you will understand soon. But first, fetch me a little water from the nearby river."
Obediently, Narada set off with a pot. At the riverbank, he saw a beautiful maiden. Enchanted, he forgot all about Krishna’s request. He spoke with her, soon fell in love, and asked for her hand in marriage. The maiden agreed, and Narada began a new life as a householder.
Years passed. Narada had children, wealth, and responsibilities. He became deeply absorbed in family life. Twelve long years went by.
Then, one fateful day, the river near the village flooded. The raging waters swept away Narada’s home, his wife, and his children. In agony, Narada tried to save them, but he was helpless. Crying out in despair, he suddenly remembered Krishna.
At that very instant, the flood, the village, and the family vanished. Narada found himself standing by the riverbank, holding the empty water pot — just where he had first seen the maiden. Only a few moments had passed since Krishna had asked him for water.
Krishna, smiling knowingly, said:
"So, Narada, where is my water? Do you now understand the power of māyā?"
Meaning of the Story
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Māyā (illusion) can make us forget our true purpose and entangle us in worldly attachments.
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Time in illusion can feel vast, though in reality it is fleeting.
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Even great sages like Narada are not immune to māyā.
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Ultimately, Krishna’s grace is what awakens us from the dream of illusion.
Would you like me to retell this story in a short, poetic form (almost like a parable you could narrate to children), or in a detailed philosophical explanation with Vedantic insights?
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