Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 4.144
Accepting the Place Given for Service
“Sanātana Gosvāmī replied, “You have given me very good advice. I shall certainly go there, for that is the place the Lord has given me for my residence.””
What the purport teaches
- Sanātana Gosvāmī accepts the advice because Vṛndāvana is his prabhu-datta deśa, the residence given by the Lord. The Lord sent him and Rūpa Gosvāmī there to excavate and renovate holy places and establish the cult of bhakti.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s devotional movement teaches devotees to spread bhakti throughout the world, not simply remain in one place. Devotees should accept places assigned for this service as their prabhu-datta deśa.
- The spiritual master represents Lord Kṛṣṇa, so carrying out the spiritual master’s orders means carrying out the orders of Kṛṣṇa or Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness as directed by the spiritual master satisfies Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Try this today
Identify one small way to support the sharing of Kṛṣṇa consciousness where you live, in keeping with the guidance you have received.
Ask yourself
How can I view my place of residence as a place for service rather than only personal comfort?
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.