Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 2.21
Knowing Oneself as the Lord’s Servitor
“[Grandfather Bhīṣma said:] “As the one sun appears differently situated to different seers, so also do You, the unborn, appear differently represented as the Paramātmā in every living being. But when a seer knows himself to be one of Your own servitors, no longer does he maintain such duality. Thus I am now able to comprehend Your eternal forms, knowing well the Paramātmā to be only Your plenary portion.””
What the purport teaches
- Bhīṣma compares the Paramātmā in every living being to one sun seen in different places. The Lord is unborn, though He appears differently represented.
- A seer who knows himself as the Lord’s own servitor no longer maintains such duality. Bhīṣma recognizes the Paramātmā as only the Lord’s plenary portion.
- Bhīṣma spoke these words at the final moment of his life, while looking at Lord Kṛṣṇa. He was lying on a bed of arrows, surrounded by relatives, friends and sages.
Try this today
Pause before one task today and reflect, “I am the Lord’s servitor.”
Ask yourself
How might knowing myself as the Lord’s servitor shape my attitude today?
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.