Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 16.72
Honor Those Who Constantly Chant
“A person who is always chanting the holy name of the Lord is to be considered a first-class Vaiṣṇava, and your duty is to serve his lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- The Lord says that one who always chants His holy name is to be considered a first-class Vaiṣṇava, whose lotus feet should be served. The purport describes this devotee as having attained the second platform of Vaiṣṇavism.
- A neophyte simply tries to chant, while an advanced devotee is accustomed to chanting and takes pleasure in it.
- This advanced devotee is called a madhyama-bhāgavata, situated between the neophyte and the perfect devotee. Generally such a devotee becomes a preacher and should be worshiped by beginners as an intermediary.
Try this today
Offer one small service today to a devotee who regularly chants the Lord’s holy name.
Ask yourself
How does the distinction between trying to chant and taking pleasure in chanting help you reflect on your practice?
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.