Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 5.89
Seek Service, Not Sense Gratification
“My dear Lord, I am not thinking to become happy by getting the daughter as a bride. I am simply thinking that the brāhmaṇa has broken his promise, and that is giving me great pain.”
What the purport teaches
- The young brāhmaṇa did not seek marriage for material happiness or sense gratification.
- His only concern was that the elderly brāhmaṇa would incur a spiritual blemish if Gopāla did not bear witness. He therefore sought protection and help from the Deity.
- The young brāhmaṇa was a pure Vaiṣṇava who wanted only to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the older brāhmaṇa. The older brāhmaṇa was also a Vaiṣṇava, very much devoted to the Lord.
Try this today
Do one small act of service today for another person’s spiritual welfare, without seeking a personal reward.
Ask yourself
Am I seeking personal enjoyment, or am I concerned for another person’s spiritual welfare?
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.