Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 19.69
Chanting Purifies Beyond Social Distinctions
“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “Don’t touch him, for he belongs to a very low caste. You are a follower of Vedic principles and are a well experienced performer of many sacrifices. You also belong to the aristocracy.””
What the purport teaches
- The purport warns against false prestige based on aristocratic birth and the performance of Vedic sacrifices.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu challenged this system by inaugurating the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Through chanting, one can be delivered regardless of caste, creed, color or social position.
- Whoever chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is immediately purified because devotional service is transcendental. A person engaged in chanting the Lord’s holy name should not be neglected.
Try this today
Set aside a quiet moment today to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
Ask yourself
Do I ever let social position keep me from respecting someone who chants the holy name?
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.