Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 12.50
Protect Spiritual Life When Accepting Gifts
“Advaita Ācārya, My spiritual master, should never accept charity from rich men or kings, because if a spiritual master accepts money or grains from such materialists his mind becomes polluted.
What the purport teaches
- Accepting money or food from materialistic persons is risky because it pollutes the recipient’s mind. Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu gave this warning for all spiritual masters.
- According to the Vedic system, giving charity to sannyāsīs and brāhmaṇas frees the giver from sinful activities. Formerly, brāhmaṇas would accept charity only from very pious persons.
- Before a Vaiṣṇava ācārya accepts a disciple, that person must at least agree to follow the rules and regulations. A Vaiṣṇava should not even accept charity or food from those who do not follow Vaiṣṇava principles.
Try this today
Review the four activities named in the purport—illicit sex, intoxication, gambling and meat-eating—and consider honestly your willingness to give them up.
Ask yourself
Why should spiritual principles matter more than the material value of a gift?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.