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Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 4.181

Selfless Love Makes Kṛṣṇa’s Happiness Central

“Now, whatever affection we see the gopīs show for their own bodies, know it for certain to be only for the sake of Lord Kṛṣṇa.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta Ādi 4.181, translation

What the purport teaches

  • The selfless love of Godhead exhibited by the gopīs has no parallel. Their care in decorating themselves should not be misunderstood.
  • They dressed as beautifully as possible only to make Kṛṣṇa happy. They had no ulterior desires.
  • They dedicated their bodies and everything they possessed to Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s service. They understood their bodies to be meant for His enjoyment.

Try this today

Before getting ready today, pause and consider how caring for your body can support service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Ask yourself

When I care for my appearance, what purpose am I hoping to serve?

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.

A practice of bhakti from the book's own listGive the name to othersCC Ādi 7.92Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio