How should a Vaishnava live? Lord Caitanya’s advice!
From the readings related to the Lord Caitanya Maha Prabhu, we can observe that He would talk less and remain always in the ecstasy of Krishna.
Wherever he speaks, the words are the Nectar with clear cut meaning.
(Why Sri Caitanya said that Sankirtana Is the Topmost Devotional Practice? READ HERE!)
Once when Sri Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami wanted to hear from Maha Prabhu, He gave very few important instructions and then directed him to Svarupa Damodara Das to get guidance.
Let us read that part from Sri Caitanya Caritamruta:
This was the instruction of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to Raghunatha dasa Gosvami:
Smiling, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu told Raghunatha dasa, “I have already appointed Svarupa Damodara Gosvami as your instructor. (CC Antya 6.233)
“You may learn from him what your duty is and how to discharge it. I do not know as much as he.” (CC Antya 6.234)
(SOME MIRACLES OF SRI CAITANYA MAHA PRABHU! READ HERE!)
““Nevertheless, if you want to take instructions from Me with faith and love, you may ascertain your duties from the following words.” (CC Antya 6.235)
“Do not talk like people in general or hear what they say. You should not eat very palatable food, nor should you dress very nicely.” (CC Antya 6.236)
“Do not expect honor, but offer all respect to others. Always chant the holy name of Lord Krsna, and within your mind render service to Radha and Krsna in Vrndavana.” (CC Antya 6.237)
“I have briefly given you My instructions. Now you will get all details about them from Svarūpa Dāmodara.” (CC Antya 6.238)
(How to chant all the 24 hours a day as said by Sri Caitanya? READ HERE!)
“One who thinks himself lower than grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.” (CC Antya 6.239)
Having heard this, Raghunātha dāsa offered prayers at the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and the Lord, out of great mercy, embraced him. (CC Antya 6.240)
These are the golden words of Sri Caitanya about How should a Vaishnava live.
(History of Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, Author of Sri Caitanya Caritamruta! READ HERE!)