Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 22.55
Devotee Association Surpasses Heaven and Liberation
“ ‘The value of a moment’s association with a devotee of the Lord cannot be compared even to the attainment of the heavenly planets or liberation from matter, and what to speak of worldly benedictions in the form of material prosperity, which is for those who are meant for death.’
What the purport teaches
- The sages of Naimiṣāraṇya, headed by Śaunaka Ṛṣi, praised association with a devotee of the Lord.
- Even less than a second of this association is beyond comparison to a thousand Vedic rituals and sacrifices, heavenly elevation, or merging into the existence of the Supreme.
- Material prosperity is still less comparable to this association, since such worldly benedictions are for those who are meant for death.
Try this today
Make time today to hear a devotee rather than spend that time pursuing a material gain.
Ask yourself
What do my priorities show about the value I place on association with devotees?
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.