Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 13
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
स एष आत्मा स्वपरेत्यबुद्धिभि- र्दुरत्ययानुक्रमणो निरूप्यते । मुह्यन्ति यद्वर्त्मनि वेदवादिनो ब्रह्मादयो ह्येष भिनत्ति मे मतिम् ॥ १३ ॥
sa eṣa ātmā sva-parety abuddhibhir duratyayānukramaṇo nirūpyate muhyanti yad-vartmani veda-vādino brahmādayo hy eṣa bhinatti me matim
Persons who always think in terms of “enemy” and “friend” are unable to ascertain the Supersoul within themselves. Not to speak of them, even such exalted persons as Lord Brahmā, who are fully conversant with the Vedic literature, are sometimes bewildered in following the principles of devotional service. The same Supreme Personality of Godhead who has created this situation has certainly given me the intelligence to take the side of your so-called enemy.
Prahlāda Mahārāja admitted frankly, “My dear teachers, you wrongly think that Lord Viṣṇu is your enemy, but because He is favorable toward me, I understand that He is the friend of everyone. You may think that I have taken the side of your enemy, but factually He has bestowed a great favor upon me.”
FAQs
This verse says the Lord’s course is “duratyaya”—unfathomable—and even learned Vedic scholars and Brahmā can be bewildered about His path, so He is not fully grasped by intellectual or dualistic thinking.
Prahlada is stressing the Lord’s transcendence: even the greatest cosmic authority (Brahmā) cannot fully map the Lord’s ways, so one should rely on devotion and surrender rather than pride in learning.
Cultivate humility and bhakti: accept that God’s plans may surpass logic, avoid harsh “mine vs theirs” mentality, and seek clarity through sincere devotion, prayer, and scriptural hearing.