Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 17.142
The Kumāras Become Devotees
“ ‘When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasī leaves and saffron from the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered through the nostrils into the hearts of those sages [the Kumāras], they experienced a change in both body and mind, even though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.’
What the purport teaches
- The Kumāras were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding. Seeing the Lord and smelling tulasī and saffron from His lotus feet changed both their bodies and minds.
- They became devotees and abandoned their long-cherished impersonalism. Thus the four Kumāras became Vaiṣṇavas.
- Those actually on the platform of Brahman realization who have not offended Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet can immediately become Vaiṣṇavas. Offenders, however, remain unattracted to the Lord’s personal feature even after repeated temple visits.
Try this today
Offer a respectful bow to the Lord today, remembering the Kumāras’ obeisances.
Ask yourself
How can the Kumāras’ response encourage me to approach the Lord’s personal form with respect?
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.