Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 3.194
Humility and the Desire to See Him
“Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, “You are going to Jagannātha Purī, and that is all right, but what will be my destination? I am not able to go to Jagannātha Purī.”
What the purport teaches
- Although born in a Muslim family, Śrīla Haridāsa Ṭhākura was accepted as a properly initiated brāhmaṇa. As such, he had every right to enter the temple of Jagannātha Purī.
- Out of great humility, he did not want to violate the existing temple-entry rules. He feared that if Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu lived within the temple, he would have no way to see Him.
- Later, Haridāsa Ṭhākura went to Jagannātha Purī and lived outside the temple at Siddhabakula. A monastery known as Siddhabakula Maṭha was subsequently erected there.
Try this today
Reflect for a minute on how Haridāsa Ṭhākura did not insist on his own standing, even though he was accepted as a brāhmaṇa.
Ask yourself
What can I learn from Haridāsa Ṭhākura’s humility and concern to see the Lord?
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.