Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 3.251
Devotional Service Overcomes Māyā
“I have previously captivated the mind of even Brahmā, what to speak of others. Your mind alone have I failed to attract.
What the purport teaches
- The illusory energy said that she had captivated even Brahmā but had failed to attract Haridāsa Ṭhākura's mind. The purport explains that māyā captivates living beings through sexual desire and the thought that they are enjoyers.
- Haridāsa Ṭhākura always thought of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and remained busy satisfying the Lord's senses. His full engagement is practical proof of the strength of devotional service.
- To surpass māyā, one must give up identifying the body as the self and think of oneself as an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa and the Vaiṣṇavas. Proper devotional service brings anartha-nivṛtti, the cessation of everything unwanted.
Try this today
Before chanting today, pause and remember: “I am an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa and the Vaiṣṇavas.”
Ask yourself
Where can you replace the wish to be the enjoyer with the wish to serve Kṛṣṇa?
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.