Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 20.352
Accept Incarnations According to Scripture
“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “As in other ages an incarnation is accepted according to the directions of the śāstras, in this Age of Kali an incarnation of God should be accepted in that way.”
What the purport teaches
- One should study the words of saintly people, the spiritual master and the śāstra together. Revealed scripture is the center for all.
- A spiritual master or saintly person must speak according to the śāstra. Following this standard protects one from accepting a pretender as an incarnation.
- In the Age of Kali, the only incarnation of Kṛṣṇa is Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He introduced the religious duty of this age: chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
Try this today
Chant the mahā-mantra today: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Ask yourself
Do I look to revealed scripture when considering spiritual claims?
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.