Sayings of Ramakrishna 167

Once upon a time conceit entered the heart of the Divine Sage Nârada, and he thought there was no greater devotee than himself. 

Reading his heart, the Lord Srî Vishnu said, "Nârada, go to such and such a place, there is a great Bhakta of mine there, and cultivate his acquaintance." 

Nârada went there and found an agriculturist, who rose early in the morning, pronounced the name of Hari only once, and taking his plough went out to till the ground all day long. At night he went to bed after pronouncing the name of Hari once more. 

Nârada said within himself, "How can this rustic be called a lover of God? I see him busily engaged in worldly duties, and he has no signs of a pious man in him." 

Nârada then went back to the Lord and said all he thought of his new acquaintance. The Lord said, "Nârada, take this cup full of oil, go round this city and come back with it, but beware lest a drop of it fall to the ground." 

Nârada did as he was told, and on his return he was asked, "Well, Nârada, how often did you remember me in your walk?" 

"Not once, my Lord," replied Nârada, "and how could I when I had to watch this cup brimming over with oil?" 

The Lord then said, "This one cup of oil did so divert your attention that even you did forget me altogether, but look to that rustic who, carrying the heavy load of a family, still remembers me twice every day."