Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 4.169
Cāturmāsya means reducing sense gratification
“At the end of summer Mādhavendra Purī returned to Jagannātha Purī, where he remained with great pleasure during the whole period of Cāturmāsya.”
What the purport teaches
- Cāturmāsya is a four-month period during the rainy season, observed according to lunar or solar reckoning.
- Cāturmāsya should be observed by all sections of the population. Its observance is obligatory for all āśramas, whether one is a gṛhastha or a sannyāsī.
- The real purpose of the vow is to minimize sense gratification. During these four months, one should practice giving up food intended for sense enjoyment.
Try this today
Today, give up one food indulgence chosen only for sense enjoyment.
Ask yourself
How could I simplify my eating to reduce sense gratification?
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.