Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 45
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
पुत्रान् विप्रतिकूलान् स्वान् पितर: पुत्रवत्सला: । उपालभन्ते शिक्षार्थं नैवाघमपरो यथा ॥ ४५ ॥
putrān vipratikūlān svān pitaraḥ putra-vatsalāḥ upālabhante śikṣārthaṁ naivāgham aparo yathā
إن الأب والأم يظلان محبَّين لأبنائهما دائمًا. فإذا عصى الأبناء وبّخهم الوالدان للتأديب ولمصلحتهم، لا عداوةً كالغريب. فكيف إذن عاقب هِرنياكشيبو ابنًا نبيلاً مثل برهلادا؟ هذا ما أتوق لمعرفةِه.
FAQs
This verse explains that chastisement should be for instruction (śikṣārtham), not to cause harm—like a loving father correcting a child.
Prahlāda spoke to soften his father’s anger, teaching that true authority corrects for the child’s welfare, not out of hatred or vengeance.
When giving feedback or disciplining others, keep the intention to educate and uplift—avoid harshness driven by ego, anger, or the desire to hurt.