July 06, 2026
To repeat what we have heard is an act of surrender, and surrender is a sign of humility. But this is just one aspect of humility. According to the trnad api sunicena verse, there are four behavioral symptoms. If we just exhibit one, our humility is not complete—it is partial.
The Symptoms of Genuine Humility
If we put a lot of emphasis on simply repeating, but at the same time, we are less developed in giving respect to all (manadena), then we are not truly humble. Genuine humility is a multifaceted development.
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu attracted the mayavadis in Varanasi by exhibiting both amanina (demanding no respect for Himself) and manadena (giving respect to others) by sitting near the foot-washing basins, behaving as if He belonged to an inferior sannyasa order. Respectful behavior is essential to winning the hearts of others.
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu attracted the mayavadis in Varanasi by exhibiting both amanina (demanding no respect for Himself) and manadena (giving respect to others) by sitting near the foot-washing basins, behaving as if He belonged to an inferior sannyasa order. Respectful behavior is essential to winning the hearts of others.
friendship in Preaching
If devotees have competitive sankirtana quotas to meet, people can sometimes become just a means to that end. Friendliness forms a vital part of our manadena in preaching terms. When respectful friendship is added to repeating what the guru says, our preaching becomes truly selfless and attractive.