Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 19.151
Mercy Gives the Seed of Devotion
“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
What the purport teaches
- Living entities wander throughout the universe according to their karma, rising to higher planetary systems or descending to lower ones.
- Innumerable living entities suffer and enjoy the results of fruitive activity, life after life. This is the condition of materially bound living entities under māyā.
- By Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, a fortunate person meets a bona fide spiritual master. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, that person receives the seed of devotional service.
Try this today
Reread the final two sentences of the translation and pause to appreciate the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master.
Ask yourself
How does seeing spiritual opportunity as mercy affect your appreciation for it?
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.