Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 5.80
Spiritual Standing Goes Beyond Outward Appearance
“Although Rāmānanda Rāya was a householder, he was not under the control of the six kinds of bodily changes. Although apparently a pounds-and-shillings man, he advised even persons in the renounced order.”
What the purport teaches
- Rāmānanda Rāya outwardly appeared to be an ordinary householder concerned with money. Yet a transcendentally situated Vaiṣṇava is not under the control of the senses, even while playing the part of a householder.
- He was always absorbed in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental pastimes. His mind was spiritually situated, and he was interested only in the subject of Kṛṣṇa.
- He was already spiritually situated in renounced life and could advise even those in the renounced order. His spiritual potency could elevate a person from a material to a spiritual position.
Try this today
Set aside five minutes amid your daily responsibilities to read about Kṛṣṇa with focused attention.
Ask yourself
Do I judge spiritual standing by outward circumstances rather than absorption in 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.