Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 22.136
Nine Ways Devotees Attained Perfection
“ ‘Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained the highest perfection, shelter at Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, simply by hearing about Lord Viṣṇu. Śukadeva Gosvāmī attained perfection simply by reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Prahlāda Mahārāja attained perfection by remembering the Lord. The goddess of fortune attained perfection by massaging the transcendental legs of Mahā-Viṣṇu. Mahārāja Pṛthu attained perfection by worshiping the Deity, and Akrūra attained perfection by offering prayers unto the Lord. Vajrāṅgajī [Hanumān] attained perfection by rendering service to Lord Rāmacandra, and Arjuna attained perfection simply by being Kṛṣṇa’s friend. Bali Mahārāja attained perfection by dedicating everything to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.’
What the purport teaches
- Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained shelter at Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet by hearing about Lord Viṣṇu. Śukadeva Gosvāmī attained perfection by reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and Prahlāda Mahārāja by remembering the Lord.
- The goddess of fortune attained perfection by massaging the transcendental legs of Mahā-Viṣṇu. Mahārāja Pṛthu attained perfection by worshiping the Deity, and Akrūra by offering prayers to the Lord.
- Vajrāṅgajī [Hanumān] attained perfection by serving Lord Rāmacandra, and Arjuna by being Kṛṣṇa’s friend. Bali Mahārāja attained perfection by dedicating everything to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet.
Try this today
Offer one simple prayer to the Lord today.
Ask yourself
Which of these forms of devotional service draws your attention most?
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.