Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.143
A Guru Is Recognized by Results
“Seeing the sublime character of the prostitute, everyone was astonished. Everyone glorified the influence of Haridāsa Ṭhākura and offered him obeisances.”
What the purport teaches
- Everyone was astonished by her sublime character and glorified the influence of Haridāsa Ṭhākura.
- One is recognized by the results of one's actions, not simply by a title such as gosvāmī, svāmī, prabhu, or prabhupāda.
- A spiritual master is recognized as an actual guru when he changes his disciples' character. Seeing this result, people offered obeisances to Haridāsa Ṭhākura.
Try this today
Write down one change in character described here that led people to honor Haridāsa Ṭhākura.
Ask yourself
Am I more impressed by spiritual titles or by genuine changes in character?
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.