Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 19.213
Control the Senses Through Attachment to Kṛṣṇa
“ ‘The word “śama” or “śānta-rasa” indicates that one is attached to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. “Dama” means controlling the senses and not being deviated from the Lord’s service. endurance of unhappiness is “titikṣā,” and “dhṛti” means controlling the tongue and the genitals.’
What the purport teaches
- Śama means attachment to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, and dama means controlling the senses without departing from His service. Titikṣā means enduring unhappiness.
- Dhṛti means controlling the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals. One should eat to keep the body fit for the Lord’s service, not simply follow the tongue’s demands.
- Kṛṣṇa mercifully gives prasādam, food offered to Him, to help devotees conquer the tongue. Attachment to His lotus feet and eating only prasādam help bring the senses under control.
Try this today
At one meal today, eat food offered to Kṛṣṇa and take only what you need.
Ask yourself
Am I eating to support the Lord’s service or simply following the demands of my tongue?
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.