Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 28
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
श्रीगुरुपुत्र उवाच न मत्प्रणीतं न परप्रणीतं सुतो वदत्येष तवेन्द्रशत्रो । नैसर्गिकीयं मतिरस्य राजन् नियच्छ मन्युं कददा: स्म मा न: ॥ २८ ॥
śrī-guru-putra uvāca na mat-praṇītaṁ na para-praṇītaṁ suto vadaty eṣa tavendra-śatro naisargikīyaṁ matir asya rājan niyaccha manyuṁ kad adāḥ sma mā naḥ
El hijo del guru dijo: ¡Oh, enemigo de Indra! Lo que dice tu hijo no se lo he enseñado yo ni nadie más. Su devoción es natural. Por favor, controla tu ira y no nos culpes.
FAQs
This verse states that Prahlāda’s understanding is “naisargikīya”—natural and self-arising—indicating that devotion and spiritual insight can manifest spontaneously by divine grace and prior spiritual impressions.
He clarifies that Prahlāda did not learn these teachings from the school or any outside instructor, and he pleads with Hiraṇyakaśipu to restrain his anger so the teachers are not punished for Prahlāda’s devotion.
Recognize that genuine spirituality cannot be forced or suppressed; encourage sincere devotion and inner conscience, and respond to differences in belief with restraint rather than anger.