Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 7.52
Meet Personal Criticism Without Anger
“While Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara were thus talking with Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He only smiled slightly and remained silent. At that time a brāhmaṇa came there to meet the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu smiled slightly and remained silent because the criticism was directed at Himself. The purport calls this ideal Vaiṣṇava behavior.
- One should not become angry at criticism of oneself. When other Vaiṣṇavas are criticized, however, one must be prepared to act.
- The Lord was compassionate toward His pure devotees Tapana Miśra and Candraśekhara. By His omnipotency, He arranged for a brāhmaṇa to arrive for their happiness.
Try this today
If you receive personal criticism today, pause and choose a response without anger.
Ask yourself
How can I distinguish humility about criticism of myself from responsibility toward other devotees?
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.