12.223
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Who is there on earth, as a human, who is dear to all, welcomed by all beings, and endowed with all virtues?
Bhīṣma said.
O best of the Bharatas, here, as you ask, I will recount to you the conversation between Ugrasena and Keśava that took place in the presence of Nārada.
Ugrasena said.
See, people are eager to praise Nārada. I think he is endowed with virtues. Tell me that, as I am asking you.
Vāsudeva said.
O lord of the Kukura, listen to those whom I consider and wish to speak of— the virtues of Nārada, O king, in brief.
His ego and the fall of his body are not due to his character; therefore, one whose conduct and learning are undivided is honored everywhere.
The ascetic Nārada is indeed one whose speech is never transgressed; whether from desire or from greed, therefore he is honored everywhere.
He who knows the principle and method of the self, is patient, capable, self-controlled, upright, and truthful, is therefore honored everywhere.
An elder who possesses brilliance, fame, intellect, policy, humility, birth, and austerity is therefore honored everywhere.
One who is of happy nature, enjoys well, is pleasant to be with, respectful, pure, speaks well, is free from envy, and therefore is honored everywhere.
He certainly does good; there is no sin in him; he does not delight in the misfortunes of others; therefore, he is honored everywhere.
He seeks to understand the meanings through Vedic teachings and stories. Because he is patient and without contempt, he is honored everywhere.
Because of equanimity, there is neither anyone especially dear nor anyone especially disliked in any way; therefore, one who speaks agreeably to the mind is honored everywhere.
One who is learned, versed in stories, wise, energetic, honest, content, calm, and free from greed is therefore honored everywhere.
He has never had conflict before, whether for wealth, righteousness, or desire. All his faults have been completely removed; therefore, he is honored everywhere.
He is firm in devotion, blameless in his nature, learned, compassionate, free from the fault of delusion, and therefore honored everywhere.
One who remains unattached in all associations, yet whose mind is sometimes seen to be attached, who is free from prolonged doubts and eloquent, is therefore honored everywhere.
He does not maintain concentration for the sake of pride, nor does he ever praise himself. Being free from envy and firm in speech, therefore, he is honored everywhere.
He, not despising the varied conduct of the world and of nature, skilled in the knowledge of association, is therefore honored everywhere.
He who does not envy any scripture, does not subsist on his own austerity, whose time is never wasted, and who is self-controlled, is therefore honored everywhere.
One who has made effort, gained wisdom, is not content, is absorbed in meditation, established in discipline, and is vigilant, is therefore honored everywhere.
He who is ashamed, endowed, well-conducted for the welfare of others, does not betray others' secrets; therefore, he is honored everywhere.
He neither rejoices in the gain of wealth nor is distressed by its loss; with a steady intellect and unattached self, therefore, he is honored everywhere.
Who would not hold dear one who is endowed with all virtues, skilful, pure, undaunted, a knower of time and policy?
