Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 30
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
श्रीभगवानुवाच मैवं विभोऽसुराणां ते प्रदेय: पद्मसम्भव । वर: क्रूरनिसर्गाणामहीनाममृतं यथा ॥ ३० ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca maivaṁ vibho ’surāṇāṁ te pradeyaḥ padma-sambhava varaḥ krūra-nisargāṇām ahīnām amṛtaṁ yathā
Die Höchste Persönlichkeit Gottes sprach: Mein lieber Brahmā, aus der Lotosblume geboren, gewähre den Asuras keine Segnungen; Gaben an Wesen, die von Natur aus grausam und neidisch sind, sind wie Milch für eine Schlange – gefährlich. Ich warne dich, niemals wieder einem Dämon solche Gnaden zu geben.
FAQs
This verse warns that granting boons to those with a cruel, demoniac nature is dangerous—like giving nectar to serpents—because such power is likely to be misused.
The Lord cautions Brahmā not to empower asuras through extraordinary benedictions, since demoniac tendencies often lead them to harm others and oppose dharma despite receiving divine gifts.
Be discerning about whom you empower with resources, authority, or influence; without character and devotion, power can magnify harmful tendencies rather than produce good.