Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 2.89
Equal Expansions Have an Original Source
“When from one candle many others are lit, I consider that one the original.
What the purport teaches
- One burning lamp can light innumerable others without their being inferior. Still, the lamp that lights the others is considered the original.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead expands Himself in plenary forms of the viṣṇu-tattva. These forms are equally powerful, yet the original Personality of Godhead remains their source.
- Lord Śiva, who is in charge of the mode of ignorance, is compared to a lamp covered with carbon. His power cannot compare to that of the Viṣṇu principle.
Try this today
Sketch one lamp lighting several others, and write beneath it: “Equal expansions; original source.”
Ask yourself
How does the lamp example help me understand equal power alongside an original source?
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.