How to Prepare Krishna Consciousness Meals

Prasadam, "the mercy of Lord Krishna," is spiritualized food, prepared for and offered to Krishna as an important part of Bhakti Yoga. Krishna devotees believe that prasadam takes on delicious fragrances and flavors. Bhakti Yoga, unlike other forms of Yoga, engages, rather than denies the senses. Prasadam is as if the nectar from Krishna's lips kisses the food, bestowing it with transcendental qualities.

Things You'll Need

• Krishna Consciousness Cookbook
• Devotion to Krishna
• Appropriate rituals for prasadam

Instructions

Preparing Krishna Consciousness Meals

1. 

   Engage your senses. Eat Prasadam as an important part of Bhakti Yoga practice, releasing you from karma.

2. 

   Shop for appropriate foods to offer to Krishna. Purchase only pure vegetarian food. Offer Krishna dairy products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. Caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic and all meats, fish and eggs are unacceptable.

3. 

   Prepare your own meals. Food that has been prepared by non-devotees is not acceptable. As one who lovingly offer her efforts to Krishna, your devotion plays a spiritual role in the preparation.

4. 

   Work in a clean kitchen. Only what is pure and what has been prepared in a clean environment can be offered to Krishna. Purity is the most important aspect of preparation of foods to be offered to Lord Krishna.

5. 

   Pray, "My dear Lord Krishna, please accept this food," and to chant prayers three times while ringing a bell. The prayers are to Srila Prabhupada, Lord Chaitanya and Lord Krishna. Specific prayers are in Additional Resources.

6. 

   Wait five minutes after devotional prayers. This allows Krishna to partake of the offerings. Transfer food to ordinary plates. Wash special plates and utensils. Enjoy transcendental food and drink while remembering your devotion to Lord Krishna. You and all with whom you share will benefit from the release of karma.

7. 

   Share prasadam with others. Invite others to your home for prasadam. Provide less fortunate people around the world with food offered to Krishna.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute Asafetida and hing for garlic and onions

• Do not taste the food while you prepare it. It must be offered to Krishna first.Place prepared foods on dishes that are reserved for offering to Krishna.

Resources

• How to Offer Foods to Krishna
• The Higher Taste Cookbook
• Prayers to Chant as Offering
• ISKON Prasadam Distribution Program
• Prasada: The Power of Sacred Food