Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 3.63
Spiritual Advancement Remains Humble
“Haridāsa Ṭhākura said, “I am the most sinful and lowest among men. Later I shall eat one palmful of prasādam while waiting outside.””
What the purport teaches
- Haridāsa Ṭhākura was an exalted Vaiṣṇava accepted by Advaita Ācārya, Nityānanda Prabhu and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
- Although personally invited by the two Lords, he proposed to take prasādam outside. Out of great humility, he accepted the social position assigned to Muslims at that time so as not to disturb social tranquillity.
- Though equal to other great Vaiṣṇavas, he considered himself pāpiṣṭha, a most sinful man, and adhama, the lowest among men. The purport explains that even a spiritually advanced Vaiṣṇava remains externally humble and submissive.
Try this today
Today, quietly do one helpful act without drawing attention to your own merit.
Ask yourself
Can I remain humble without seeking recognition for my spiritual progress?
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.