Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 5.72
Recognize Our Smallness Before God
“Where am I, a small creature of seven spans the measure of my own hand? I am enclosed in the universe composed of material nature, the total material energy, false ego, ether, air, water and earth. And what is Your glory? Unlimited universes pass through the pores of Your body just like particles of dust passing through the opening of a window.”
What the purport teaches
- Lord Brahmā offered this prayer in defeat after seeing Kṛṣṇa still surrounded by the calves and cowherd boys he had stolen.
- Even Brahmā, who manages the entire universe, cannot compare to the Personality of Godhead. The Lord produces numberless universes through spiritual rays emanating from His bodily pores.
- Brahmā’s prayers teach our insignificance in comparison to God. They offer much to learn for those falsely proud of their accumulated power.
Try this today
Recall one ability or responsibility you feel proud of, and pause to remember Brahmā’s humility before Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Where might pride in my own abilities keep me from recognizing my smallness before God?
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.