Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 24.348
Outward Renunciation, Inward Devotional Joy
“Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, the elder brother of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, was a most important minister in the government of Hussain Shah, the ruler of Bengal, and he was considered a most brilliant gem in that assembly. He possessed all the opulences of a royal position, but he gave up everything just to accept the youthful goddess of renunciation. Although he externally appeared to be a mendicant who had renounced everything, he was filled with the pleasure of devotional service within his heart. Thus he can be compared to a deep lake covered with moss. He was the object of pleasure for all the devotees who knew the science of devotional service.
What the purport teaches
- Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, the elder brother of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, was an important minister under Hussain Shah. He was considered a brilliant gem in that assembly.
- He gave up all the opulences of his royal position to accept renunciation. Although outwardly a mendicant, his heart was filled with the pleasure of devotional service.
- He is compared to a deep lake covered with moss: his outward appearance concealed his inward devotional joy. He gave pleasure to devotees who knew the science of devotional service.
Try this today
Set aside one small comfort today and use that time for devotional service.
Ask yourself
What does Sanātana Gosvāmī’s example teach me about looking beyond outward appearances?
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.