Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 13.82
Society Supports the Independent Spiritual Teacher
“Anywhere and everywhere I go, all people offer me respect. Even without my asking, they voluntarily give me riches, clothing and paddy.”
What the purport teaches
- The speaker received respect everywhere and gifts of riches, clothing and paddy without asking. The purport explains that society provides a brāhmaṇa with life’s necessities so he can remain independent as a teacher, spiritual master and advisor.
- The Lord says He has divided society into brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra. The purport states that society cannot run smoothly without this division.
- Brāhmaṇas should give good advice, and kṣatriyas should administer society and maintain law and order. Vaiśyas should produce and trade to meet society’s needs, while śūdras should serve the other three sections.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining how providing a spiritual teacher’s necessities supports the work of teaching and advising.
Ask yourself
Why is society’s support important for an independent spiritual teacher and advisor?
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.