Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 1.139
Descriptions of the Lord Can Purify
“ ‘O learned devotees, I am by nature ignorant and low, yet even though it is from me that the Vidagdha-mādhava has come, it is filled with descriptions of the transcendental attributes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, will not such a literature bring about the attainment of the highest goal of life? Although its wood may be ignited by a low-class man, fire can nevertheless purify gold. Similarly, although I am very low by nature, this book may help cleanse the dirt from within the hearts of the golden devotees.’”
What the purport teaches
- The author humbly describes himself as ignorant and low, yet Vidagdha-mādhava is filled with the transcendental attributes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- He asks whether such literature will bring about the highest goal of life. Its value rests in its descriptions of the Lord, not in the author's standing.
- Fire can purify gold even when a low-class man lights it. Similarly, the author hopes his book may cleanse dirt from the hearts of the golden devotees.
Try this today
Read this verse once more and pause over its hope of cleansing the heart.
Ask yourself
Do I value descriptions of the Lord more than the social standing of the person presenting them?
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.