Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.220
Honor Vaiṣṇavas Beyond Birth and Social Prejudice
“My dear Sir, Your behavior is uncommon. Indeed, sometimes I am afraid to speak to You. But please favor me by protecting me from the behavior of society.”
What the purport teaches
- Haridāsa Ṭhākura feared that society’s criticism of his Muslim birth would cause difficulty for Advaita Ācārya, who cared for him.
- Advaita Ācārya treated Haridāsa Ṭhākura as a most elevated Vaiṣṇava. We should follow His example rather than the envy of others.
- Europeans and Americans who accept the principles of Vaiṣṇava philosophy and behavior should never be excluded from Vaiṣṇava society.
Try this today
Offer a sincere word of respect to a devotee whose background differs from yours.
Ask yourself
Do I allow someone’s birth or background to overshadow my respect for their devotional life?
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.