Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.6.29-30
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesAsk Respectfully to Dispel Doubts
“The sons of the demons replied: Dear Prahlāda, neither you nor we know any teacher or spiritual master other than Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, the sons of Śukrācārya. After all, we are children and they our controllers. For you especially, who always remain within the palace, it is very difficult to associate with a great personality. Dear friend, most gentle one, would you kindly explain how it was possible for you to hear Nārada? Kindly dispel our doubts in this regard.”
What the purport teaches
- Prahlāda’s schoolmates knew no teachers other than Ṣaṇḍa and Amarka, the sons of Śukrācārya. As children, they were under these teachers’ control.
- They thought it very difficult for Prahlāda to associate with a great personality because he always remained within the palace. They wanted to understand how he could have heard Nārada.
- The boys addressed Prahlāda as their dear friend and gentle one. They respectfully asked him to explain and dispel their doubts.
Try this today
Write one sincere question about a spiritual teaching you find unclear, phrasing it respectfully rather than as an accusation.
Ask yourself
When I have a doubt about what I hear, can I ask for clarification with the same gentleness?
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.