Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 6.198
Devotional Bliss Surpasses Impersonal Brahman Bliss
“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu explained the meaning of the verse by giving evidence concerning Śukadeva Gosvāmī and the four ṛṣis Sanaka, Sanat-kumāra, Sanātana and Sanandana. Thus the Lord gave various meanings and explanations.”
What the purport teaches
- Śukadeva Gosvāmī and the four Kumāras were liberated and self-realized on the Brahman platform from the beginning of their lives. Yet Kṛṣṇa’s qualities and pastimes attracted them to His service.
- The four Kumāras became devotees through the aroma of flowers offered at Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. Śukadeva Gosvāmī heard Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam by the mercy of his father, Vyāsadeva, and became a great devotee.
- Their activities verify that Kṛṣṇa is all-attractive, even to liberated persons. The bliss of serving the Lord is therefore superior to brahmānanda, the bliss of realizing impersonal Brahman.
Try this today
Reread the two examples in the purport and write down its conclusion about the bliss of serving the Lord.
Ask yourself
What does the attraction of liberated persons to Kṛṣṇa reveal to you about devotional service?
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.