Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 25.167
Devotional Discussion Transforms a City
“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu then returned to His residence with His personal associates. Thus He turned the whole city of Vārāṇasī into another Navadvīpa [Nadīyā-nagara].”
What the purport teaches
- Both Navadvīpa and Vārāṇasī were celebrated centers of learning. Yet discussion of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam was ordinary in Navadvīpa and very rare in Vārāṇasī, where there were hardly any devotees.
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu turned Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī and his disciples into Vaiṣṇavas. Vārāṇasī became like Navadvīpa because so many devotees began discussing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- The purport describes scholars and sannyāsīs gathering on the banks of the Ganges to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and perform saṅkīrtana.
Try this today
Arrange a small opportunity to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam or chant together with someone.
Ask yourself
How can your learning make room for hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and chanting together?
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.