Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 12.150
Honor Previous Ācāryas Without Rivalry
“This incident has been described in detail by Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura. Therefore I have described it only in brief.”
What the purport teaches
- Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura had already described the incident in detail, so the author described it only briefly.
- It is proper etiquette not to repeat a previous ācārya’s writing for personal sense gratification or to outdo that ācārya.
- Unless there is some definite improvement, one should not repeat what has already been written.
Try this today
Before repeating an explanation today, pause to ask whether you are adding a definite improvement.
Ask yourself
When you repeat something already well explained, are you adding something useful or seeking recognition?
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.