Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 10.166
Many Jīvas, One Supreme Brahman
“Both Brahmānanda and Gaurahari are moving, whereas the blackish Lord Jagannātha is sitting tight and immobile.”
What the purport teaches
- Brahmānanda Bhāratī wanted to prove that there is no difference between the Supreme Lord and the jīva. Caitanya Mahāprabhu argued by presenting Himself and Brahmānanda Bhāratī as jīvas: the jīvas are Brahman and are many, whereas the Supreme Brahman is one.
- Brahmānanda Bhāratī also wanted to establish that Jagannātha and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are one, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To fulfill His mission, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared to be moving, while Lord Jagannātha appeared to be inert.
- This was a jolly argument. Brahmānanda Bhāratī finally referred it to Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya for a decision.
Try this today
Write one sentence summarizing the distinction between the many jīvas and the one Supreme Brahman.
Ask yourself
Can I distinguish the many jīvas from the one Supreme Brahman while recognizing Jagannātha and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as one Supreme Lord?
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.