Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 2.1
Deep Separation from Kṛṣṇa
“While relating in synopsis form the last division of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, in this chapter I shall describe the Lord’s transcendental ecstasy, which appears like madness due to His separation from Kṛṣṇa.”
What the purport teaches
- This chapter briefly describes Lord Caitanya’s activities after He accepted sannyāsa, especially His transcendental ecstasy in separation from Kṛṣṇa.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is described as gaura, or fair in complexion. Kṛṣṇa Himself becomes fair when absorbed in thoughts of the fair-complexioned gopīs.
- The Lord felt separation very deeply, like a lover separated from the beloved. He expressed these feelings for nearly twelve years at the end of His pastimes.
Try this today
Read the translation slowly, keeping in mind that the apparent madness is described as transcendental ecstasy.
Ask yourself
How does the comparison with a separated lover help you understand the Lord’s deep longing for Kṛṣṇa?
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.