Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 8.70
Intense Longing Is Pure Devotion’s Price
“ ‘Pure devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot be had even by pious activity in hundreds and thousands of lives. It can be attained only by paying one price — that is, intense greed to obtain it. If it is available somewhere, one must purchase it without delay.’”
What the purport teaches
- Pure devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot be obtained even through pious activity in hundreds and thousands of lives. Its one price is intense greed to obtain it, and one should seek it without delay.
- Regulative principles are necessary while one’s original, dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness has not spontaneously awakened.
- When Kṛṣṇa consciousness awakens, it flows spontaneously toward Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, like rivers flowing into the ocean. This is spontaneous loving service without extraneous endeavor.
Try this today
Set aside a few minutes today to pray for an intense desire to obtain pure devotional service.
Ask yourself
Do I sincerely long for pure devotional service, rather than regard it as something earned through pious activity?
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.