Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 5.20
Serving as a Maidservant of the Gopīs
“Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya used to act in that way because he thought of himself in his original position as a maidservant of the gopīs. Thus although externally he appeared to be a man, internally, in his original spiritual position, he considered himself a maidservant and considered the two girls gopīs.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrīla Rāmānanda Rāya composed Jagannātha-vallabha-nāṭaka and engaged two professional dancers and singers to demonstrate its meaning. They were to play the parts of gopīs.
- Because the gopīs are worshipable personalities, he considered the girls gopīs and himself their maidservant. In this spirit, he personally served them and taught them to awaken thoughts like those of the gopīs.
- Although externally he appeared to be a man, internally he considered himself a maidservant in his original spiritual position. Because he always maintained this position, his rehearsal with the girls was on the spiritual platform.
Try this today
Before one act of service today, pause and consciously approach it as a servant rather than seeking recognition.
Ask yourself
How did Rāmānanda Rāya’s understanding of himself shape the way he served?
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.