Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 14.15
Thirty-Two Symptoms of a Great Personality
“ ‘There are thirty-two bodily symptoms of a great personality: five of his bodily parts are large, five fine, seven reddish, six raised, three small, three broad and three grave.’
What the purport teaches
- The Sāmudrika describes thirty-two bodily symptoms of a great personality. Five parts are large: the nose, arms, chin, eyes and knees; five are fine: the skin, fingertips, teeth, hair on the body and hair on the head.
- Seven parts are reddish: the eyes, soles, palms, palate, nails and upper and lower lips. Six are raised: the chest, shoulders, nails, nose, waist and mouth.
- Three parts are small: the neck, thighs and male organ; three are broad: the waist, forehead and chest. Three are grave: the navel, voice and existence.
Try this today
Write down the seven category counts—five, five, seven, six, three, three and three—and add them to confirm the total of thirty-two.
Ask yourself
How does grouping the symptoms help you understand the description of a great personality?
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.