Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 8.72
Writing by the devotees’ mercy and order
“By their mercy, all these devotees ordered me to write of the last pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Because of their order only, although I am shameless, I have attempted to write this Caitanya-caritāmṛta.”
What the purport teaches
- By their mercy, the devotees ordered Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī to write Lord Caitanya’s last pastimes. He attempted Caitanya-caritāmṛta only because of their order.
- Writing transcendental literature requires empowerment from higher authorities or advanced devotees. Such literature must be free from mistakes, illusions, cheating and imperfect sense perceptions.
- The words of Kṛṣṇa and the disciplic succession carrying His orders are authoritative. Although empowered to write, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī humbly felt ashamed that he was to narrate the Lord’s pastimes.
Try this today
Before reading today, pause to acknowledge the devotees’ mercy behind Caitanya-caritāmṛta.
Ask yourself
How does the author’s humility shape your approach to studying his work?
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.