Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 12.212
Preserve Reverence While Serving Closely
“The eyes of Lord Jagannātha conquered the beauty of blossoming lotus flowers, and His neck was as lustrous as a mirror made of sapphires.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu usually saw Lord Jagannātha from behind the column of Garuḍa. After fifteen days without seeing Him, great separation and eagerness brought Him closer.
- The Deity and the spiritual master should be seen from a respectful distance. This respectful conduct is called maryādā.
- Coming too near can degrade a beginner through familiarity. Personal servants of the Deity and the spiritual master must be especially careful not to become negligent in their duties.
Try this today
Choose one service duty today and carry it out carefully, without taking it for granted.
Ask yourself
Where might familiarity be weakening my care or reverence in service?
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.