Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 3.181
Affection Supports the Search for Kṛṣṇa
“Śacīmātā said, “It will be a great happiness for me if Nimāi [Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu] stays here. But at the same time, if someone blames Him, it will be my great unhappiness.””
What the purport teaches
- A mother feels great happiness when her son remains with her. Yet blame from experienced saintly persons for neglecting the search for Kṛṣṇa brings her unhappiness.
- A mother naturally desires her son’s welfare. If she wants him to progress spiritually, she should allow him to go out searching for Kṛṣṇa.
- By allowing her son to go as a sannyāsī and search for Kṛṣṇa, Śacīmātā instructs all mothers. Her example teaches that sons should become real devotees of Kṛṣṇa rather than remain under an affectionate mother’s care.
Try this today
Offer one word of encouragement to someone seeking to progress in devotion to Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Does my affection for someone support their search for Kṛṣṇa?
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.