Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 7.67
Choose Spiritual Association with Discernment
“You belong to our Śaṅkara-sampradāya and live in our village, Vārāṇasī. Why then do You not associate with us? Why is it that You avoid even seeing us?
What the purport teaches
- An advancing Vaiṣṇava distinguishes the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the devotees, the innocent and the jealous. He behaves differently toward each.
- He increases his love for Godhead, befriends devotees and teaches Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the innocent. He avoids those who are envious of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
- Caitanya Mahāprabhu exemplified this discernment in association. A preacher generally avoids wasting time with Māyāvādī sannyāsīs, but must answer philosophical arguments based on śāstra.
Try this today
Take one small step today to strengthen a friendship with a devotee.
Ask yourself
Are my choices of association helping me grow in love for Godhead?
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.