Shloka 36
प्रह्लादस्य अव्यभिचारिणी भक्ति, मायाविनाशः, तथा विष्णोः विश्वरूप-स्तुतिः
तान् एवाहं न पश्यामि मित्रादींस् तात मा क्रुधः साध्याभावे महाबाहो साधनैः किं प्रयोजनम्
tān evāhaṃ na paśyāmi mitrādīṃs tāta mā krudhaḥ sādhyābhāve mahābāho sādhanaiḥ kiṃ prayojanam
तात, मला मित्रादी कोणीच दिसत नाही; राग करू नका. महाबाहो, जेव्हा साध्यच नाही, तेव्हा साधनांचा काय उपयोग?
Unspecified character within the Ansha 4 narrative (a counsel-giver addressing a ‘mighty-armed’ prince/warrior)
Concept: Means (upāya) are futile when the true goal is not defined; ultimate human endeavor must be oriented to the highest good, not merely strategic success.
Vedantic Theme: Moksha
Application: Clarify your life’s telos (values and ultimate aim) before optimizing tactics; align career, relationships, and discipline with that aim.
Vishishtadvaita: Affirms puruṣārtha hierarchy: without the Supreme as the end, worldly instruments are empty—supporting Viśiṣṭādvaita’s bhagavad-prāpti as the highest goal.
Phase: Teaching (Prahlada's schools)
Bhakti Quality: Vairāgya and single-pointedness: worldly means are meaningless without the true end (parama-puruṣārtha).
Vishnu Form: Para-Brahman
Bhakti Type: shanta
FAQs
This verse frames a key practical ethic: effort (means) is meaningful only when the goal is real and attainable; otherwise, strategy and action become futile.
Through dialogues where advisers restrain anger and redirect rulers toward discernment—prioritizing achievable aims, alliances, and dharma-aligned decisions.
Even in political and genealogical episodes, the Purana’s worldview implies that righteous order (dharma) and successful governance ultimately rest on alignment with the cosmic sovereignty upheld by Vishnu.