Questions on Caitanya Caritamrita

Question:  I read in a purport to Caitanya Caritamrita (Madhya 24) that the guru must be situated on the topmost platform of devotional service. If this is so, what happens when someone on a lower class accepts disciples?

Answer:

Both guru and disciple remain in ignorance, if they are not sincere. If they are sincere, the disciple can progress to the level of the guru’s devotion.

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Question:  The purport to CC Antya 3.80 says, “There are many unmanifested living entities covered by the mode of ignorance who will gradually come to the mode of passion.” From where are this unmanifested living entities coming?

Answer:  From Mahavishnu.

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Question: In CC Antya 8.9 it is mentioned that according to smrti-sastra, a sannyasi does not offer obeisances or blessings to anyone. If this is so, why do sannyasis sometimes offer obeisance to other devotees and give blessings? Is it wrong to do this?

Answer: That injunction is for Advaita-vada sannyasis, not for Vaishnavas.

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Question: CC Antya 9.8. says that the inhabitants of the higher planetary systems and the inhabitants of the lower planetary systems, including the demons, all visited Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the dress of humans. How is possible that demons and beings from lower planetary systems visited the Lord?

Answer: Demon is a class by birth. They may be devotees by action. Prahlad is also a demon (asura). See Gita 10.30.

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 Question: It is said that when Junior Haridasa committed suicide, he got a spiritual body. Nevertheless, in CC Antya 4-60 the Lord says to Sanatana Gosvami that measures like suicide are causes for sin. A devotee never achieves the shelter of Krsna´s lotus feet by such actions. Can you explain this apparent contradiction?

Answer: One can give up one’s life as a prayascitta, atonement prescribed for a forbidden act. That is what Junior Haridasa did and Mahaprabhu approved it. For Sanatana there was no such reason.