Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 8.127
Approach Advanced Devotees With Humility
“Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “After hearing about your glories, I have come to your place. But you are offering Me words of praise out of respect for a sannyāsī, one in the renounced order of life.”
What the purport teaches
- The transcendental opulences of advanced devotees are far more important than material opulences. Material wealth, education, heritage or beauty should not make us proud before them.
- An advanced devotee may offer formal respect to a proud person without giving transcendental knowledge. Such pride prevents one from understanding the science of Kṛṣṇa.
- By His personal example, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches us to be submissive and humble before a Vaiṣṇava, even if we hold a high position.
Try this today
When speaking with a devotee today, listen respectfully without bringing up your own achievements.
Ask yourself
What personal advantage might make me feel superior when approaching a devotee?
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.