Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.8.3-4
Ūti· What drives us to actMistreating Devotees Destroys Good Fortune
“When Hiraṇyakaśipu understood the entire situation, he was extremely angry, so much so that his body trembled. Thus he finally decided to kill his son Prahlāda. Hiraṇyakaśipu was by nature very cruel, and feeling insulted, he began hissing like a snake trampled upon by someone’s foot. His son Prahlāda was peaceful, mild and gentle, his senses were under control, and he stood before Hiraṇyakaśipu with folded hands. According to Prahlāda’s age and behavior, he was not to be chastised. Yet with staring, crooked eyes, Hiraṇyakaśipu rebuked him with the following harsh words.”
What the purport teaches
- Hiraṇyakaśipu trembled with anger and decided to kill his son. Prahlāda remained peaceful, gentle and self-controlled, standing with folded hands.
- Impudence toward a highly authorized devotee brings punishment through the laws of nature. It diminishes life, blessings and the results of pious activities.
- Although Hiraṇyakaśipu had gained immense material power, his mistreatment of Prahlāda Mahārāja diminished the results of his tapasya.
Try this today
Before responding to an irritation today, pause and choose gentle words rather than harsh ones.
Ask yourself
How can Prahlāda’s gentleness guide my response when I feel insulted?
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.