Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 7.54
Recognize Pride in Spiritual Learning
“[Vallabha Bhaṭṭa was thinking:] “I am a great Vaiṣṇava. Having learned all the conclusions of Vaiṣṇava philosophy, I can understand the meaning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and explain it very well.””
What the purport teaches
- Vallabha Bhaṭṭa thought of himself as a great Vaiṣṇava.
- He believed that learning all the conclusions of Vaiṣṇava philosophy qualified him to understand and explain Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam very well.
- The surrounding verses identify this confidence as pride. They point instead to learning from realized devotees through humble service.
Try this today
Before studying today, acknowledge one thing about devotional service that you still need help understanding.
Ask yourself
Do I sometimes use what I have learned to think highly of myself rather than to become ready to learn?
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.