Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 24.25
Serve for Kṛṣṇa’s Satisfaction
“The word ‘kurvanti’ means ‘they do something for others,’ since it is a form of the verb ‘to do’ indicating things done for others. It is used in connection with devotional service, which must be executed for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa. That is the purport of the word ‘kurvanti.’
What the purport teaches
- The verb form kurvanti indicates doing something for another’s satisfaction, rather than one’s own.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained to Sanātana Gosvāmī that devotional service should be done only for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction.
- The grammatical distinction is between ātmane-pada, used for one’s own benefit, and parasmai-pada, used for another’s benefit.
Try this today
Before one act of devotional service today, pause and intend to do it for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction.
Ask yourself
When I serve, am I seeking my own satisfaction or Kṛṣṇa’s?
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.