ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ (prahilaad)
Meaning: noun: Bhagat Prahlad, a devotee in the family of demons.
Quote:
ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦੁ ਹਰਿ ਉਚਰੈ॥ ਸਾਸਨਾ ਤੇ ਬਾਲਕੁ ਗਮੁ ਨ ਕਰੈ॥
gur updes prahilaad hari uchrai. saasnaa te baalak gam na karai.
In accordance with his Guru’s instructions, Prahlad recites the Name of the Divine. The child is not afraid of any reprimand or punishment. – Guru Amar Das, Guru Granth Sahib, 1133
Message: The verse above refers to the famous story of Prahlad who refused to worship his own father and insisted on worshipping the Almighty, despite having to face dire consequences.
According to legend, Prahlad was the young son of King Hiranyakashipu (Harnakhas). The King was very egoistic and sought undisputed lordship over the material world. He did not believe in the supremacy of the Divine. Due to his overwhelming egoism, he considered himself to be the Divine.
Prahlad however, was born with a very strong spiritual inclination. As he was growing up, the King tried his best, through various means, to break this connection. As a saintly boy known for his piety, he was able to withstand the onslaught. The King failed to make him give up his steadfast devotion to the Divine. As the legend goes, the King was ultimately killed by an avatar sent to save Prahlad.
The story of Prahlad is very motivating. It teaches us that age is no impediment to the path of devotion. Steadfastness in one’s belief and surrender to the Divine are necessary qualities. In the legend, he stands up to his teacher and refuses to write the alphabet. Instead he insists that the teacher write about the Divine, the preserver of the universe. He was not afraid of any punishment the King would mete out because he believed that the Divine, the giver of peace, was always with him and his firm belief sustained him. Despite his mother’s pleas, he did not forsake the Divine.
If, following the Guru’s advice, we hold firmly on to our faith in the power and wisdom of the Divine, we will be saved too. However, unlike Prahlad, we succumb to threats and our resolve falters when continuously tested. The moral of the above story is: Egotism does not stand a chance when it comes in conflict with the Guru’s wisdom. It is easily neutralized.
ਜਿਉ ਗੁਰ ਉਪਦੇਸਿ ਤਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਹਿਲਾਦਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਕ ਪੈਜ ਰਖਾਵੈਗੋ॥
Just as Prahlad was saved through the Guru’s teachings, the Guru always protects the honour of his devotees. – Guru Ram Das, Guru Granth Sahib, 1311
