Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 22.74
Study, Respect, and Grow in Devotion
“ ‘A prākṛta-bhakta, or materialistic devotee, does not purposefully study the śāstra and try to understand the actual standard of pure devotional service. Consequently he does not show proper respect to advanced devotees. He may, however, follow the regulative principles learned from his spiritual master or from his family who worships the Deity. He is to be considered on the material platform, although he is trying to advance in devotional service. Such a person is a bhakta-prāya [neophyte devotee], or bhaktābhāsa, for he is a little enlightened by Vaiṣṇava philosophy.’
What the purport teaches
- A prākṛta-bhakta does not purposefully study the śāstra to understand the actual standard of pure devotional service. Consequently, he does not show proper respect to advanced devotees.
- He may follow regulative principles learned from his spiritual master or Deity-worshiping family, yet remain on the material platform. He is trying to advance but is only a little enlightened by Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
- An intermediate devotee has full love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, friendship with His devotees, and indifference toward those who envy them. He becomes first class when he feels an intimate relationship with all living entities, seeing them as part and parcel of the Supreme Person.
Try this today
Spend a few minutes studying this passage and identify one way to show proper respect to an advanced devotee.
Ask yourself
Am I purposefully studying to understand pure devotional service and showing respect to advanced 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.