Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 4.123
Exclusive Service Without Material Attachment
“Mādhavendra Purī avoided begging. He was completely unattached and indifferent to material things. If, without his begging, someone offered him some food, he would eat; otherwise he would fast.”
What the purport teaches
- Mādhavendra Purī had attained the paramahaṁsa stage, the highest stage for a sannyāsī. He was completely unattached to material things.
- One who follows ayācita-vṛtti does not ask anyone for food. Mādhavendra Purī ate when food was voluntarily offered; otherwise he fasted.
- A paramahaṁsa conquers the desire for sleep, food and sense gratification. He remains a humble, meek mendicant engaged exclusively in the Lord’s service day and night.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today for service to the Lord without pursuing a material desire during that time.
Ask yourself
What material concern most often distracts me from serving 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.