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
Vater und Mutter sind ihren Kindern stets zugetan. Wenn die Kinder ungehorsam sind, tadeln die Eltern sie zur Unterweisung und zu ihrem Wohl, nicht aus Feindschaft wie ein Fremder. Wie also konnte Hiraṇyakaśipu einen so edlen Sohn wie Prahlāda bestrafen? Das möchte ich wissen.
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.