Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.142
Respect Devotion, Not Birth or Background
“Thus the prostitute became a celebrated devotee. She became very advanced in spiritual life, and many stalwart Vaiṣṇavas would come to see her.”
What the purport teaches
- She became a celebrated, spiritually advanced devotee, and many stalwart Vaiṣṇavas came to see her.
- Anyone can become a Vaiṣṇava by following Vaiṣṇava principles. A devotee who follows these principles is no longer on the material platform.
- Strict adherence to the principles, not one's country of birth, should be considered. A Vaiṣṇava should receive the respect due a Vaiṣṇava, without national labels.
Try this today
Today, consciously set aside a background-based judgment and offer a devotee a respectful greeting.
Ask yourself
Do I judge devotees by their background rather than their devotional conduct?
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.