Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 16.145
The Flute Drinks and Invites Others
“ ‘Although the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips is the absolute property of the gopīs, the flute, which is just an insignificant stick, is forcibly drinking that nectar and loudly inviting the gopīs to come drink it also. Just imagine the strength of the flute’s austerities and good fortune! Even great devotees drink the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips after the flute has done so.
What the purport teaches
- The gopīs regarded the nectar of Kṛṣṇa’s lips as their absolute property, yet an insignificant stick was forcibly drinking it.
- The flute was also loudly inviting the gopīs to come and drink that nectar.
- They marveled at the strength of the flute’s austerities and good fortune. Even great devotees drank the nectar only after the flute had done so.
Try this today
Write down the two actions attributed to the flute: drinking the nectar and inviting the gopīs to drink.
Ask yourself
How does the flute’s invitation add to the gopīs’ astonishment at his good fortune?
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.