Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 5.23
Serve Kṛṣṇa by Serving His Devotee
“Sir, I am not a suitable bridegroom for your daughter. I render service to you only for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa.
What the purport teaches
- Both brāhmaṇas were pure Vaiṣṇavas. The younger man cared for the older one only for Kṛṣṇa's satisfaction, not to obtain a bride.
- Kṛṣṇa says that it is better to render service to His devotee. A pure Vaiṣṇava identifies himself as a servant of a servant of Kṛṣṇa.
- One should not try to serve Kṛṣṇa directly while neglecting His servant. The purport teaches that serving a liberated Vaiṣṇava is necessary for attaining liberation.
Try this today
Offer one small service to a devotee of Kṛṣṇa today without seeking anything in return.
Ask yourself
Am I offering service for Kṛṣṇa's satisfaction or hoping for a personal reward?
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.