Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 6.17.14
Ūti· What drives us to actHumility Opens the Way to Shelter
“This person is puffed up because of his achievements, thinking, “I am the best.” He does not deserve to approach the shelter of Lord Viṣṇu’s lotus feet, which are worshiped by all saintly persons, for he is impudent, thinking himself greatly important.”
What the purport teaches
- A devotee who thinks himself very advanced in devotional service is considered puffed up. Such pride makes one unfit to take shelter at the Lord’s lotus feet.
- Lord Caitanya teaches that one should chant the holy name humbly, thinking oneself lower than straw and being more tolerant than a tree.
- One should give up false prestige and offer all respect to others. In this humble state, one can chant the Lord’s holy name constantly.
Try this today
Chant the Lord’s holy name today with a deliberate wish to give respect rather than receive it.
Ask yourself
Where might pride in my spiritual progress be weakening my humility?
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.