Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 18.207
Following the Lord’s Example in Initiation
“In this way Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu directly initiated the saintly Muslim by advising him to chant the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. The Muslim’s name was changed to Rāmadāsa. Another Pāṭhāna Muslim present there was named Vijulī Khān.”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu directly initiates the saintly Muslim by advising him to chant Kṛṣṇa’s holy name. His name is changed to Rāmadāsa.
- The purport explains that devotees receive changed names through bona fide initiation.
- Accepting those interested in understanding Kṛṣṇa, including Muslims and yavanas, follows Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s footsteps. The purport rejects the accusation that this spoils the Hindu system of religion.
Try this today
Reflect on whether someone’s religious background affects your willingness to welcome their interest in Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Do you welcome sincere interest in Kṛṣṇa regardless of a person’s background?
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.