Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Ādi 9.53
Meet Criticism with Sincere Spiritual Participation
“Persons who had formerly criticized Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, calling Him a drunkard, also ate the fruit and began to dance, saying, “Very good! Very good!””
What the purport teaches
- Even Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu was unnecessarily criticized when He began the saṅkīrtana movement. Preachers should not be deterred by such criticism.
- The method is to invite critics to take prasādam, chant and dance. Former critics also ate the fruit and began to dance, saying, “Very good! Very good!”
- Those who join must be sincere and serious about spiritual advancement. Joining for material benefit or personal gratification prevents one from grasping the movement’s philosophy.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes chanting today, first examining your purpose and setting aside the wish for material benefit.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking sincere spiritual advancement, or some personal benefit, through my participation?
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.