Pedagogy of Vishnu

Synopsis

Vishnu designed an experience for Narad to understand Garud's capabilities. Narad gathered facts, while Garud returned with deeper understanding and ownership. This story highlights Vishnu's wisdom in fostering insight through lived experience. Indian wisdom traditions aim to awaken anubhav, knowledge from direct experience. Life's deepest lessons often come from what we discover ourselves.

Why didn't Vishnu answer Narad's question? Narad once asked Vishnu a deeply human question, 'Why do you repose such trust in Garud?' Vishnu knew the answer. Yet, he did not reply.

Days later, when a commotion arose outside the palace, Vishnu asked Narad to find out what had happened. Narad returned with the immediate fact: a bullock cart had overturned. With every further question from Vishnu, he had to return to gather another piece of information. What caused the accident? Was anyone hurt? Whose cart was it? Could anything be done?

Later, Vishnu sent Garud to the same scene. Garud returned with information, but also understanding and ownership. He described what had happened and why it had happened, who had been affected, what help was needed, what arrangements had already been made,and how the family would continue its journey. The story is usually read as a comparison between Narad and Garud. However, the most remarkable character is Vishnu.

He never tells Narad that Garud is better. He never delivers a sermon on leadership or responsibility. Instead, Vishnu designs an experience through which Narad discovers the answer.

The purpose of Indian wisdom traditions is rarely to fill the mind with information. They awakened insight. Our sages called it anubhav - knowledge that arises from lived experience rather than borrowed explanation. We explain to our children, advise our students, instruct our colleagues and persuade those we lead. Perhaps that is why the deepest lessons of our lives come from what life allowed us to discover.

---

The article was first published in Economics Times. July 7 2026. Reproduced with kind permission. Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/speaking-tree/pedagogy-of-vishnu/articleshow/132224759.cms