Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.4.46
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesSeek Understanding Through Respectful Inquiry
“Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira further inquired: How was it possible for a father to be so violent toward an exalted son who was obedient, well-behaved and respectful to his father? O brāhmaṇa, O master, I have never heard of such a contradiction as an affectionate father’s punishing his noble son with the intention of killing him. Kindly dissipate our doubts in this regard.”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda was obedient, well-behaved and respectful toward his father. Yet his father acted violently toward him with the intention of killing him.
- Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira found this deeply contradictory. An affectionate father is rarely found to chastise a noble and devoted son.
- Rather than leave his doubt unresolved, Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully asked Nārada Muni to dispel it.
Try this today
Write one sincere question you have about this account, phrasing it as a respectful request for understanding.
Ask yourself
How can you express a troubling spiritual question with the respect shown by Yudhiṣṭhira?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.