Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.223
Spiritual Leadership Serves Rather Than Exploits
“Advaita Ācārya was always absorbed in thoughts of how to deliver the fallen souls of the entire world. “The entire world is full of nondevotees,” He thought. “How will they be delivered?””
What the purport teaches
- Advaita Ācārya constantly considered how to deliver the fallen souls of the entire world. His concern sets the standard for an ācārya.
- An ācārya knows the conclusion of the śāstras, follows his predecessors, and endeavors to spread devotion throughout the world.
- Using a temple and people’s devotional contributions for one’s own livelihood does not make one an ācārya or gosvāmī. The purport calls honest work, even sweeping the street, more honorable than such exploitation.
Try this today
Do one small service today for someone’s spiritual benefit without seeking a personal return.
Ask yourself
Is my service directed toward others’ spiritual welfare or my own advantage?
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.