Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 8.31
Take Shelter of Caitanya and Nityānanda
“But if one only chants, with some slight faith, the holy names of Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda, very quickly he is cleansed of all offenses. Thus as soon as he chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, he feels the ecstasy of love for God.”
What the purport teaches
- Chanting the names of Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda with even slight faith quickly cleanses one of offenses. One can then experience love for God while chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
- Taking Their shelter includes following Their instructions to become more tolerant than a tree and humbler than grass. Chanting in this way soon brings transcendental loving service.
- The considerations of offenses in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa do not apply to chanting the names of Gaura-Nityānanda. Therefore one should first approach Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda, or worship Guru-Gaurāṅga, before coming to the stage of worshiping Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
Try this today
Chant the holy names of Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda before chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra today.
Ask yourself
How can I practice humility and tolerance as I take shelter of Caitanya and Nityānanda?
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.