https://youtu.be/sIHqVzhRTo4

Pramādohi mūlam kāma krodhādheh! The main reason behind kama (desire) and krodha (anger) is carelessness. Few people possess excess of confidence levels - overconfidence which reflects in their behaviour. They feel as though they can face anything but ultimately they stumble. It is good to be confident enough but overconfidence and ego is not at all good. These vices deprive man of his duty boundedness, eventually leading to his downfall. They also propel him to go in a haphazard manner irrespective of the path of one's sadhana (spiritual practice). It is no surprise that the sage Narada also was no exception in this case. 

Once, Narada, while roaming about, reached a place which is known to be  "Kamadahana" (where Lord Shiva had killed Manmatha - God of desires) The peace prevailing in the region attracted him over there. He decided to do penance for sometime. Narada could continue his penance without any obstacles. At that time, in order to deviate him from penance, few angels tried their best, but in vain. Narada also did not get furious over them for trying to disturb his penance. This is also a speciality. Finally, Narada ended his penance happily and reached Kailasa directly. He boasted about himself that he had win over desires and anger, in front of Lord Shiva. The Lord listened with a gentle smile. Narada reiterated that he had won over desires. He kept on saying the same to all those he met. Later, he went to Brahma and said about his unperturbed penance despite the presence of angels around him. Brahma also remained silent. Finally, Narada went to Lord Vishnu and said the same. 

All the games of the angels remained flop shows in front of Narada and there is no big reason behind this. We have also told that the place where he did his penance is known as Kamadahana. Lord Shiva also had done penance earlier. At such pious environment, there is no possibility of one getting negative thoughts. That is the power of the place/pilgrim center (it is as good as being in the holy presence of Guru) Because of such sacredness, Narada's penance was unperturbed. Vishnu knows this. So, in order to kill the ego of Narada, he subjected him to several tests. It was only then that Narada could understand his mistake. He could no longer win over in those rigorous tests. He finally saught refuge in Vishnu.There are innumerable stories about the tests that Narada was subjected to. We can perhaps discuss a story a day when we have enough time. 

Hence, with respect to senses and kama-krodha, one must be constantly watchful. It is wrong to possess the ego that "I have achieved". In some situations, because of the presence of the pious and the positive vibrations of the sacred pilgrim centers, the negative traits will diminish. It is not your greatness at all. It is just the power of the surroundings. 

A real courageous person is the one who controls the saliva despite the presence of a marshmallow on the tongue. Also, a real valorous person is the one whose mind remains calm even when there is an object right in front that distorts one's attention. How difficult it is to bring back a marshmallow out even without drinking its juice with saliva? That indicates the level of sadhana and control of senses. It is only for the sake of persuading sadhana that God creates favourable opportunities for us, out of sheer grace. We must grasp this and utilise this to progress in the path of sadhana. You are said to have won over kama-krodha only when you are amidst the objects that disturb your mind and in spite of all that, you continue your japa, penance or sadhana. What is the use of boasting about yourself when you emerge victorious when you are not in the negative environment. This is what has happened to Narada.

Jai Guru Datta. Sri Guru Datta.