Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.36
Ūti· What drives us to actDevotion Misjudged as Disloyalty
“Although Prahlāda is only five years old, even at this young age he has given up his affectionate relationship with his father and mother. Therefore, he is certainly untrustworthy. Indeed, it is not at all believable that he will behave well toward Viṣṇu.”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda was only five years old when his father made this accusation.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu claimed that Prahlāda had given up affection for his father and mother. He therefore called the boy untrustworthy.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu even doubted that Prahlāda would behave well toward Viṣṇu. This expresses his suspicion, not a proven fault in Prahlāda’s devotion.
Try this today
Before judging someone’s loyalty today, distinguish what they have actually done from what you suspect.
Ask yourself
Do I sometimes mistake someone’s different spiritual commitment for a lack of affection?
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.