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
Un père et une mère aiment toujours leurs enfants. Quand ceux-ci désobéissent, ils les réprimandent pour les instruire et pour leur bien, non par inimitié comme envers un étranger. Comment donc Hiraṇyakaśipu a-t-il pu châtier un fils aussi noble que Prahlāda ? Voilà ce que je veux savoir.
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.