Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 17.250
Loving Exuberance Can Be Misunderstood
“Hearing the foolish student, the Lord became greatly angry and rebuked Lord Kṛṣṇa in various ways. Taking up a stick, He rose to strike the student.”
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs, especially Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, denounced Kṛṣṇa when Uddhava brought His message. Their words reflected an exuberant loving attitude that an ordinary person cannot understand.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu similarly rebuked Kṛṣṇa in loving exuberance while in the mood of the gopīs. The student misjudged His anger, and he and other students became ready to retaliate.
- After this incident, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu decided to take sannyāsa so people would not offend Him by considering Him an ordinary householder. A sannyāsī is naturally offered respect in India.
Try this today
Reread the explanation of loving exuberance and note one way the student misunderstood the Lord.
Ask yourself
How does this purport caution me against judging devotional feelings by ordinary appearances?
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.