Once, Shaunaka, the wise sage, inquired with curiosity: “If, O learned one, a mother calls her son for breakfast, by what etymology or designation is he addressed? Kindly explain this.” Sauti replied, “At the time of his birth, the mother did not give him water; therefore, he is called Narada. But Narada gives both water and knowledge, and the boy, in turn, shares these gifts with other boys. Indeed, it was by the potency of Narada alone that the child came into being, O sage.” Still seeking clarity, Shaunaka asked, “How is the great sage auspiciously named Narada?” Sauti explained, “He is called Narada because he gave the son to Kashyapa.” But Shaunaka pressed further, “How is it that the son of Brahma, born in a Shudra womb, is known as Narada?” Sauti answered, “He gave water to the child’s throat, and thus he is remembered as Narada. From Narada’s own throat, a boy was born.” Sauti then invited Shaunaka to listen carefully to the account of this child’s early life. The Gopika boy grew day by day in the house of a Brahmin. While the boy was being raised, Brahmins arrived at the Brahmin’s home. They came discreetly, as though they had taken away the harsh midday summer sun, and at the proper time, four eminent sages brought with them fruits and roots. The fourth sage, with great joy, bestowed upon the boy the sacred Krishna-mantra. One night, as the child’s mother walked along a path, that virtuous lady was suddenly taken up to Vaikuntha in Vishnu’s celestial chariot. When morning came, the boy, accompanied by the Brahmins, departed from the Brahmin’s house. The sons of Brahma, having left the child, returned to their own abode. There, after bathing, the boy recited the Vishnu mantra that had been given to him by the Brahmin. In the vast and fearsome forest, at the base of an ashvattha tree, he continued his spiritual practice. At this point, Shaunaka again inquired, “What is the supreme wealth given by Shri Hari? Worthy sir, please tell us.” Sauti answered, “There is a mantra of twenty-two syllables, exceedingly rare even among the Vedas. With devotion, Brahma gave this mantra to the wise Kumara: ‘Om, Shri, obeisance to the Lord of the rasa circle.’ Along with this, the great hymn to the Supreme Person and the protective charm previously mentioned were also given.” He described how this protective charm appeared as a circle of radiant light, shining with the brilliance of ten million suns. The Vaishnavas meditate on this divine form in their innermost hearts: the Lord of fresh raincloud hue, with eyes like autumn lotuses, a row of teeth more beautiful than a string of pearls, possessing beauty surpassing millions of Cupids and the abode of playful charm. He stands in the graceful tribhanga pose, with two arms, clad in yellow garments, cheeks adorned with a pair of jeweled earrings, and from the knees upwards, garlanded with jasmine flowers. His chest glows with the Kaustubha gem, and he is ever surrounded by companions endowed with eternal youth. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and others worship, salute, and praise him. Yet he remains untouched, a witness, beyond all qualities and transcending nature itself. Thus, O sage, have I related the meditation, the hymn, and the protective chant as they were revealed.