Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 16.58
Establish the Known Before the Unknown
“ ‘Without first mentioning what is known, one should not introduce the unknown, for that which has no solid basis can never be established anywhere.’
What the purport teaches
- One should first mention what is known before introducing what is unknown.
- That which has no solid basis cannot be established anywhere.
- This principle is expressed in a verse from the Ekādaśī-tattva.
Try this today
When explaining one new idea today, begin with something your listener already knows.
Ask yourself
What familiar starting point could help me explain something new?
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.