Prahlada's Education

Chapter 5

Hiranyakasipu had placed his son under the tutelage of Sukracarya’s two sons, Sanda and Amarka. Prahlada, however, rejected their materialistic teachings and instead nurtured his pure devotion to the Lord. Once, Hiranyakasipu asked his son to describe the best thing he had learnt in school. Prahlada Maharaja replied by telling his father that anyone engrossed in materialistic duality, thinking “This is mine, and that belongs to my enemy,” should renounce family life and go to the forest to worship the Supreme Lord! Hiranyakasipu laughed incredulously at his response, and ordered the sons of Sukracarya to immediately rectify the child. When Prahlada maintained his complete disinterest in mundane lessons, the anxious teachers became more and more threatening.

After carefully tutoring Prahlada further, they again brought him to his father. When Hiranyakasipu affectionately asked his son the same question for the second time, Prahlada Maharaja unhesitatingly praised the nine processes of devotional service! Completely outraged, Hiranyakasipu angrily enquired how Prahlada had developed such unwavering devotion. Prahlada answered with perfect equipoise, highlighting the extraordinary potency of associating with saintly devotees.