Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 13.61
Renunciation Is for Humble Service
“This saffron cloth is unfit for a Vaiṣṇava to wear; therefore I have no use for it. I shall give it to a stranger.”
What the purport teaches
- Sanātana Gosvāmī says he has no use for this saffron cloth and will give it to a stranger. The purport explains that Vaiṣṇavas are liberated and materially unattached; they need no sannyāsī dress to prove their exalted position.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu accepted the renounced order from a sannyāsī of the Māyāvāda school. Vaiṣṇava sannyāsīs never think that accepting such dress makes them equal to Him.
- A Vaiṣṇava accepts sannyāsa to remain an eternal servant of his spiritual master, not to become his equal. Considering himself unfit to dress like his paramahaṁsa spiritual master, he accepts sannyāsa out of humility, not pride.
Try this today
Do one small act of devotional service today without seeking recognition.
Ask yourself
Am I more concerned with appearing spiritually advanced or with remaining a humble servant?
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.