Srimad Bhagavatam – day 394
Narayanaya namah
“Prahlada attentively heard all the lessons being taught by his teachers, but felt that emphasis was being given to dualities and differences. The lessons centered around differences such as ‘you and me’ or ‘mine and yours’.
Virtuous traits and feelings of non-duality were not taught. Concept of truthfulness was missing. Feelings of hatred, violence, selfishness, greed and self-centeredness were being inculcated”.
Swamiji explains: What right does a person have to take the life of others when he was not the person who bestowed them with life? Even these days we see people instigating violence. Violence and hatred have grown like a vast tree. This evil will perhaps be set right only during final dissolution (pralaya). Compassion is disappearing. Innocent children are deliberately being killed. This reflects a bad ego which probably stems from their education. From this it is clear that education system needs reformation. Certain habits, beliefs and concepts need to be altered. Only then this world will be a beautiful place. At present schools where such good habits are inculcated have been rendered valueless.
“Prahlāda did not appreciate these lessons which taught negativity. Even then, Prahlāda never disrespected his teachers. Days went by. One day, demon king Hiraṇyakaśipu seated Prahlāda lovingly on his lap and enquired, “My dear son, among all the lessons learnt till date, which is your most favorite one?”
Prahlāda replied, “O supreme among demons! Deep inclination and desire towards these illusory material objects causes the person’s inner instrument called mind to undergo deep sorrow. This samsara, which is the residence for all sensory comforts, is like a deep dark well which becomes the cause for the person’s downfall. Discarding these illusory worldly comforts, a person should retire to the forests and surrender to Lord Srihari. In this lies one’s welfare.”
Upon hearing his son glorifying his enemy, father Hiraṇyakaśipu laughed derisively thinking, “someone who has a soft corner towards my enemy is spoiling this child’s mind”. He called the teachers and reprimanded, “Please educate my son Prahlāda as per proper methods. His mind is being spoilt. He has the guts to openly speak about my enemy. Ensure that he is not deceived by those imposters who in reality are followers of Vishnu.”
The teachers took Prahlāda along with them and returned to their home. After speaking lovingly, and after cajoling him they asked, “Dear Prahlāda! May you be bestowed with auspiciousness! Truthfully answer our questions. How could you develop this evil habit known as devotion towards Vishnu, when none of our other students have acquired it? Who is secretively teaching you this knowledge? Or could it be that devotion sprouted automatically in you? It amazes us that you are devoted to Vishnu. Prahlāda, the happiness and fame of your lineage lies in your hands. We, your teachers, seek to know the truth in this matter. Please reply.”
Prahlāda replied, “My dear teachers, humans who are deluded due to the illusion cast by the Supreme Lord maintain differences such and ‘I and you’. Such differences are unreal. I offer obeisance to that Supreme Lord who is the Lord of illusion.
It is spiritual ignorance that causes the feelings ‘I am different from you’ to arise in a person. This spiritual ignorance (avidya) inherently exists within all beings. However, the moment the Lord’s grace falls upon the person, all these dualities and differences vanish”.
Narayanaya namah