10.1

sri-caitanya-padambhoja-

madhupebhyo namo namah

kathancid asrayad yesam

svapi tad-gandha-bhag bhavet

SYNONYMS

sri-caitanya—Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu; pada-ambhoja—the lotus feet; madhu—honey; pebhyah—unto those who drink; namah—respectful obeisances; namah—respectful obeisances; kathancit—a little of it; asrayat—taking shelter of; yesam—of whom; sva—dog; api—also; tat-gandha—the aroma of the lotus flower; bhak—shareholder; bhavet—may become.

Let me repeatedly offer my respectful obeisances unto the beelike devotees who always taste the honey of the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

If even a doggish nondevotee somehow takes shelter of such devotees, he enjoys the aroma of the lotus flower.

PURPORT

The example of a dog is very significant in this connection.

A dog naturally does not become a devotee at any time, but still it is sometimes found that a dog of a devotee gradually becomes a devotee also.

We have actually seen that a dog has no respect even for the tulasi plant.

Indeed, a dog is especially inclined to pass urine on the tulasi plant.

Therefore the dog is the number one nondevotee.

But Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtana movement is so strong that even a doglike nondevotee can gradually become a devotee by the association of a devotee of Lord Caitanya.

Srila Sivananda Sena, a great householder devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, attracted a dog on the street while going to Jagannatha Puri.

The dog began to follow him and ultimately went to see Caitanya Mahaprabhu and was liberated.

Similarly, cats and dogs in the household of Srivasa Thakura were also liberated.

Cats and dogs and other animals are not expected to become devotees, but in the association of a pure devotee they are also delivered.