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Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 24.176

Listen to Kṛṣṇa with Undivided Attention

“ ‘My dear mother, in this forest, all the birds, after rising on the beautiful branches of the trees, are closing their eyes and, not being attracted by any other sound, are simply listening to the vibration of Kṛṣṇa’s flute. Such birds must be on the same level as great saints.’

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrī Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 24.176, translation

What the purport teaches

  • The gopīs spoke these words while lamenting in separation from Kṛṣṇa. They were observing how the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana enjoyed life like saintly persons.
  • The birds sit on beautiful tree branches with their eyes closed. Unattracted by any other sound, they simply listen to Kṛṣṇa’s flute.
  • The gopīs say that such birds must be on the same level as great saints. Their description highlights the birds’ absorbed listening.

Try this today

Read the birds’ description slowly today, putting aside distractions and reflecting on their absorbed attention to Kṛṣṇa.

Ask yourself

What can I learn from the birds’ undivided attention to Kṛṣṇa’s flute?

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.

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