Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 19.75
Distinctions Are Empty Without Devotional Service
“ ‘For a person devoid of devotional service, birth in a great family or nation, knowledge of the revealed scriptures, performance of austerities and penance, and chanting of Vedic mantras are all like ornaments on a dead body. Such ornaments simply serve the concocted pleasures of the general populace.’”
What the purport teaches
- Without devotional service, birth in a great family or nation and knowledge of revealed scriptures are like ornaments on a dead body.
- The same comparison applies to austerities, penance, and chanting of Vedic mantras when devotional service is absent.
- Such ornaments merely serve the concocted pleasures of the general populace.
Try this today
Before one devotional act today, pause and set aside the wish to impress others.
Ask yourself
Am I more concerned with outward distinction or with devotional service?
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.