Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 53
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
ततो हरौ भगवति भक्तिं कुरुत दानवा: । आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र सर्वभूतात्मनीश्वरे ॥ ५३ ॥
tato harau bhagavati bhaktiṁ kuruta dānavāḥ ātmaupamyena sarvatra sarva-bhūtātmanīśvare
Maka, wahai para dānava! Sebagaimana kamu memandang diri sendiri dengan niat baik dan menjaga diri, demikianlah berbhaktilah kepada Bhagavān Hari, Penguasa yang hadir di mana-mana sebagai Paramātmā semua makhluk.
The word ātmaupamyena refers to thinking others to be like oneself. One can very intelligently conclude that without devotional service, without becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious, one cannot be happy. Therefore the duty of all devotees is to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness everywhere all over the world, because all living entities without Kṛṣṇa consciousness are suffering the pangs of material existence. To preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the best welfare activity. Indeed, it is described by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as para-upakāra, work for the true benefit of others. The activities of para-upakāra have been especially entrusted to those who have taken birth in India as human beings.
FAQs
This verse teaches that Hari is the indwelling Lord (the Self within all creatures), so a devotee should cultivate bhakti with a universal vision—recognizing Him everywhere and treating beings with empathy.
Prahlada was teaching his demoniac schoolmates that real welfare is devotion to the Supreme Controller, Hari, who resides as Paramatma in every heart—beyond sectarian or demoniac mentality.
Practice devotion while treating others as you would want to be treated, remembering the same Lord is present within all; this transforms relationships into a spiritual practice grounded in compassion and God-consciousness.