Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 4.147
A Vaiṣṇava Does Not Hank er for Fame
“Being afraid of his reputation [pratiṣṭhā], Mādhavendra Purī fled from Remuṇā. But the reputation brought by love of Godhead is so sublime that it goes along with the devotee, as if following him.”
What the purport teaches
- A Vaiṣṇava does not hanker after fame or a great reputation. Mādhavendra Purī wanted to remain outside the vision of the general populace.
- Reputation can provoke envy in jealous people. Yet the reputation brought by love of Godhead followed Mādhavendra Purī even when he fled from it.
- Mādhavendra Purī received honor because he was a most confidential devotee of the Lord. Pretending to be free from desire for reputation in order to become famous is not genuine humility.
Try this today
Do one small act of devotional service today without drawing attention to yourself.
Ask yourself
Do I ever display humility because I hope others will admire me?
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.