Shloka 54
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
यदाचार्य: परावृत्तो गृहमेधीयकर्मसु । वयस्यैर्बालकैस्तत्र सोपहूत: कृतक्षणै: ॥ ५४ ॥
yadācāryaḥ parāvṛtto gṛhamedhīya-karmasu vayasyair bālakais tatra sopahūtaḥ kṛta-kṣaṇaiḥ
ಆಚಾರ್ಯರು ಗೃಹಸ್ಥ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋದಾಗ, ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನ ಸಮವಯಸ್ಕ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಬಿಡುವಿನ ಹೊತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವನನ್ನು ಆಟಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು।
In tiffin hours, the hours when the teachers were absent from the classroom, the students called Prahlāda Mahārāja, wanting to play with him. As will be seen from the following verses, however, Prahlāda Mahārāja was not very much interested in playing. Instead, he wanted to utilize every moment for advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Therefore, as indicated in this verse by the word kṛta-kṣaṇaiḥ, at the opportune moment when it was possible to preach about Kṛṣṇa consciousness, Prahlāda Mahārāja used the time as follows.
FAQs
This verse notes that the teacher became diverted into gṛhamedhīya-karmas—duties centered on material gain—creating space for Prahlāda to speak about higher spiritual aims.
Because the instructors were focused elsewhere, the boys made an opportune moment and invited Prahlāda, allowing him to share devotion and spiritual wisdom without interruption.
Create intentional “windows” away from routine busyness to hear and discuss bhakti—seek good association and use opportunities to learn and share spiritual truths.