Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.5.6
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesDevotional Wisdom Can Meet Resistance
“Nārada Muni continued: When Prahlāda Mahārāja spoke about the path of self-realization in devotional service, thus being faithful to the camp of his father’s enemies, Hiraṇyakaśipu, the King of the demons, heard Prahlāda’s words and he laughingly said, “Thus is the intelligence of children spoiled by the words of the enemy.””
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda spoke about self-realization through devotional service. Hiraṇyakaśipu laughed and treated this wisdom as the influence of enemies.
- Hiraṇyakaśipu regarded Lord Viṣṇu and His devotees as enemies. He would not accept Viṣṇu as the Supreme or surrender to Him.
- Kṛṣṇa asks everyone to give up other duties and surrender unto Him. Hiraṇyakaśipu resisted this instruction and wanted to prevent Prahlāda from receiving further Vaiṣṇava guidance.
Try this today
Reflect for one minute on Kṛṣṇa’s instruction to surrender unto Him, noticing any resistance in your heart.
Ask yourself
Do I ever dismiss spiritual guidance because it challenges my wish to remain in control?
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.