Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 3.127
Ecstatic Feelings Struggle Within the Lord
“The transcendental ecstatic symptoms of disappointment, moroseness, pleasure, restlessness, pride and humility all began to fight like soldiers within the Lord.”
What the purport teaches
- Disappointment, moroseness, pleasure, restlessness, pride and humility fought like soldiers within the Lord. These are described as transcendental ecstatic symptoms.
- Harṣa is the great gladness experienced when one attains the desired goal of life. Its symptoms include shivering, bodily hairs standing on end, perspiration and tears.
- Garva, or pride, arises when one attains the desired object, feels fortunate and feels greatness because of one’s own qualities. Its symptoms include increased bodily luster, uttering prayers, not replying to inquiries and concealing one’s desires.
Try this today
Write a brief definition of harṣa and garva, using only the descriptions in this purport.
Ask yourself
How do the descriptions of harṣa and garva help you read the Lord’s feelings as transcendental ecstatic symptoms?
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.