Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.13.10
Mukti· LiberationQuiet Devotion Can Be Misunderstood
“Utkala appeared to the less intelligent persons on the road to be foolish, blind, dumb, deaf and mad, although actually he was not so. He remained like fire covered with ashes, without blazing flames.”
What the purport teaches
- Utkala appeared foolish or mad to less intelligent observers, although he was not so. He remained like fire covered with ashes.
- An advanced devotee may remain silent to avoid opposition and disturbance. He speaks in friendship with devotees and for the enlightenment of innocent people.
- One kind of advanced devotee is called bhajanānandī, while goṣṭhy-ānandī devotees preach to increase the number of devotees. Even preachers avoid those who are hostile to spiritual life.
Try this today
In one conversation today, avoid needless spiritual argument and choose friendly, helpful speech.
Ask yourself
Can I avoid judging someone’s spiritual understanding merely by how much they speak?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.