Shloka 24
Prahlāda Instructs the Sons of Demons: Begin Bhakti from Childhood; Household Attachment as Bondage; Nārāyaṇa as the All-Pervading Supersoul
तस्मात्सर्वेषु भूतेषु दयां कुरुत सौहृदम् । भावमासुरमुन्मुच्य यया तुष्यत्यधोक्षज: ॥ २४ ॥
tasmāt sarveṣu bhūteṣu dayāṁ kuruta sauhṛdam bhāvam āsuram unmucya yayā tuṣyaty adhokṣajaḥ
Ainsi, ô jeunes nés des asuras, ayez compassion et bienveillance envers tous les êtres. Rejetez la nature démoniaque, vivez sans inimitié ni dualité, afin que l’Adhokṣaja, Śrī Hari, soit satisfait.
The Lord says in Bhagavad-gītā (18.55) , bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ: “One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service.” Prahlāda Mahārāja ultimately instructed his class friends, the sons of the demons, to accept the process of devotional service by preaching the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to everyone. Preaching is the best service to the Lord. The Lord will immediately be extremely satisfied with one who engages in this service of preaching Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is confirmed by the Lord Himself in Bhagavad-gītā (18.69) . Na ca tasmān manuṣyeṣu kaścin me priya-kṛttamaḥ: “There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” If one sincerely tries his best to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness by preaching the glories of the Lord and His supremacy, even if he is imperfectly educated, he becomes the dearmost servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is bhakti. As one performs this service for humanity, without discrimination between friends and enemies, the Lord becomes satisfied, and the mission of one’s life is fulfilled. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu therefore advised everyone to become a guru- devotee and preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness ( yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa ). That is the easiest way to realize the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By such preaching, the preacher becomes satisfied, and those to whom he preaches are also satisfied. This is the process of bringing peace and tranquillity to the entire world.
FAQs
In Bhagavatam 7.6.24, Prahlāda teaches that one should show mercy and friendly goodwill to all beings and abandon an asuric mindset—this disposition pleases the Lord (Adhokṣaja).
Prahlāda was instructing the sons of demons in school, urging them to give up demoniac tendencies and adopt devotional qualities like compassion and friendliness, which are favorable for pleasing the Supreme Lord.
Practice non-harm, kindness, and respectful conduct toward all; replace envy and cruelty with empathy and service—making daily choices that align with devotion and compassion.