Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
बुद्धिभेद: परकृत उताहो ते स्वतोऽभवत् । भण्यतां श्रोतुकामानां गुरूणां कुलनन्दन ॥ १० ॥
buddhi-bhedaḥ para-kṛta utāho te svato ’bhavat bhaṇyatāṁ śrotu-kāmānāṁ gurūṇāṁ kula-nandana
«Cette altération de ton intelligence vient-elle des ennemis, ou bien est-elle née de toi-même ? Ô joie de ta lignée, nous sommes tes maîtres et désirons l’entendre ; dis la vérité.»
Prahlāda Mahārāja’s teachers were astonished that a small boy could speak such exalted Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Therefore they inquired about the Vaiṣṇavas who stealthily taught it to him, in order that these Vaiṣṇavas might be arrested and killed in the presence of Prahlāda’s father, Hiraṇyakaśipu.
FAQs
This verse shows the teachers questioning whether Prahlāda’s transformed intelligence came from outside influence or arose naturally—highlighting that genuine bhakti-wisdom can manifest from within by divine grace, not merely by instruction.
They were alarmed that Prahlāda was developing devotion and a worldview contrary to their demoniac curriculum, so they tried to trace its source—suspecting someone had influenced him.
When your values shift toward devotion and truth, examine whether it is mere social influence or a sincere inner awakening—and then nourish it through satsanga, hearing, and steady practice.