Thought for the Day - 30th April 2015 (Thursday)

When Prahlada’s father, Hiranyakasipu drew him near and fondly asked the boy to repeat what he had learnt from his teacher, Prahlada replied, “I learned the secret essence of all learning.” The father was glad and asked him, “Tell me the essential thing that you have mastered.” Prahlada said, “Father! He who illumines everything, He who finally absorbs everything with Himself, is the One, Lord Narayana. Having Him always in mind and experiencing the bliss thereof awards fulfillment to all.” He further said, “Father! You conquered the entire world, but you failed to conquer your senses. How then can you receive grace from Narayana? These material skills and worldly achievements are hollow possessions. The knowledge and experience of the One Divine (Brahma-vidya), that alone is worthy to be pursued,” said the child prodigy.

Ketika ayah Prahlada, Hiranyakasipu mendekatinya dan dengan raya sayang menanyakan kepada sang anak untuk mengulangi apa yang telah ia pelajari dari gurunya, Prahlada menjawab, "Saya belajar esensi rahasia semua pelajaran." Sang ayah senang dan bertanya, "Katakan hal penting yang telah engkau kuasai. "Prahlada mengatakan," Ayah! Beliau yang menerangi segala sesuatu, Beliau yang akhirnya menyerap semuanya dan menjadi Satu dengan-Nya, adalah Narayana. Dengan senantiasa mengingat-Nya dalam pikiran dan mengalami kebahagiaan, maka akan mendapatkan pemenuhan dari-Nya. "Lebih lanjut ia mengatakan, "Ayah! engkau menaklukkan seluruh dunia, tetapi engkau gagal menaklukkan indra-mu sendiri. Bagaimana engkau dapat menerima berkat dari Narayana? Keterampilan material dan pencapaian duniawi adalah palsu. Hanya pengetahuan dan pengalaman dari Tuhan (Brahma-vidya), yang layak untuk dicari. (Sutra Vahini, Ch 2)

-BABA