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Another Question about food – A Practical Difficulty

Another Question about food – A Practical Difficulty

Updated on February 17, 2021 in General

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Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 21 0 on November 30, 2020

Namaskaaram to all Bhagavathas!

I have already created a thread named “Food”.

Please refer to this link:

Food

Another question I wanted to ask is, Our family and our neighbours usually exchange all those sweets and special foods particularly during Festival time. But, after I became a devotee, eventhough the same process continues to some extent, I personally feel hesitant to accept our neighbours’ food stuffs, as they are not offered to Bhagavan. Thus, I am the only person in the house to not accept food from our neighbours, because of the fact that it is not prasadam. Seeing this practice of mine, my mother advised me as follows:

“Now you are like this. It’s fine. But what will you do when you get older? Won’t people think differently about you?”

The difficulty I am facing in my mind is although we are giving our neighbours some prasadam and expecting them to honour it, still I am refusing to consume their food. The reason is obviously it’s not prasadam.

But how will they understand this? I am also not in a position to advice our neighbours to offer the food to Bhagavan. I think a lot of Vaishnavas face this difficulty…

What to do in such a situation?

அடியேன்.

<p>Namaskaaram to all Bhagavathas!</p>
<p>I have already created a thread named "Food".</p>
<p>Please refer to this link:</p>
<p>https://www.kinchit.org/dharma-sandeha/thread/food/</p>
<p>Another question I wanted to ask is, Our family and our neighbours usually  exchange all those sweets and special foods particularly during Festival time. But, after I became a devotee, eventhough the same process continues to some extent, I personally feel hesitant to accept our neighbours' food stuffs, as they are not offered to Bhagavan. Thus, I am the only person in the house to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">not accept food from our neighbours</span></strong>, because of the fact that it is not prasadam. Seeing this practice of mine, my mother  advised me as follows:</p>
<p>"Now you are like this. It's fine. But what will you do when you get older? Won't people think differently about you?" </p>
<p>The difficulty I am facing in my mind is although we are giving our neighbours some prasadam and expecting them to honour it, still I am refusing to consume their food. The reason is obviously it's not prasadam.</p>
<p>But how will they understand this? I am also not in a position to advice our neighbours to offer the food to Bhagavan. I think a lot of Vaishnavas face this difficulty...</p>
<p>What to do in such a situation?</p>
<p><span lang="en">அடியேன்.</span></p>

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Ramanuja- Parakalan dasan 8 0 on November 30, 2020

Namaskaram Swami

The same situation Adiyen too faced. One thing which could possibly be done is to refuse politely, if not then to accept it and offer the same to the stray animals instead of wasting and while doing so, do say Sri Krishna Arpanam Asthu.

Adiyen Dasan

SriVaishnava dasan 0 on November 30, 2020

Ramanuja dasan swamy,

In case of saying ‘Sri Krishna Arpanam Asthu’, instead of offering to stray animals, can it not be taken by ourselves?. In the case of religious festival, generally anyone offers the food to God depending upon the festival, may not be Perumal. Since it was offered, can it not considered prasadam?.

adiyen

Ramanuja- Parakalan dasan 0 on December 1, 2020

Namaskaram swamins
Jayaram swami, Krishna in Gita states, anything which is offered to demigods is considered as Rajas and Tamas and the one offered to him is only considered as satva.

SriVaishnava dasan 0 on December 1, 2020

Ramanuja dasan swamy,

Namaskaram.

In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna states, ‘the devotees of the demigods who worship them with faith is actuality worship Me alone”. In such case, I believe, the offerings to demigods will go to Lord Krishna. Then food offered should be satvik.

Kindly correct me if I am wrong.

adiyen

Ramanuja- Parakalan dasan 0 on December 1, 2020

Namaskaram Swami

In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna states, ‘the devotees of the demigods who worship them with faith actually worship Me alone”. In such a case, I believe, the offerings to demigods will go to Lord Krishna.

It is true that the offerings to demigods will go to Lord Krishna only however, indirectly as he is Antaryami to each and everyone and also since he has allotted certain posts to each demigods to carry on further with the prescribed duties, with that Prakriti sambandam gets attached ( Satva , Rajas and Tamas ) to each demigods and thus offering food to such would only add on more of Rajas and Tamas, as the food is offered in direct being. Though the strength to the demigods will only be provided by Krishna as they doesn’t possess anything of their own.

Secondly, to the individuals who have gained faith over demigods, is not more than a stepping stone to reach Sri Hari.

For the First part of the above post ref. 9th chapter 19th slokam and last line is 7th chapter, 20th, 21st and 22nd slokam.

Adiyen Dasan

<p>Namaskaram Swami</p><br />
<p>In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna states, ‘the devotees of the demigods who worship them with faith  actually worship Me alone”. In such a case, I believe, the offerings to demigods will go to Lord Krishna. </p><br />
<p>It is true that the offerings to demigods will go to Lord Krishna only however, indirectly as he is Antaryami to each and everyone and also since he has allotted  certain posts to each demigods to carry on further with the prescribed duties, with that Prakriti sambandam gets attached ( Satva , Rajas and Tamas ) to each demigods and thus offering food to such would only add on more of Rajas and Tamas, as the food is offered in direct being. Though the strength to the demigods will only be provided by Krishna as they doesn't possess anything of their own.</p><br />
<p> Secondly, to the individuals who have gained faith over demigods, is not more than a stepping stone to reach Sri Hari.</p><br />
<p>For the First part of the above post ref. 9th chapter 19th slokam and last line is 7th chapter, 20th, 21st and  22nd slokam.</p><br />
<p>Adiyen Dasan</p>

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SriVaishnava dasan 0 on December 2, 2020

Ramanuja dasan swamy,

Namaskaram.

Thank you for your response and the reference provided.

I am not too well versed with commentary of Gita. Earlier, I read / heard couple of times, tried to understand and got the essence.

I checked up Gita 19.9. It has not directly mentioned about gunas attached to demigods. I am giving the link:

https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/9/verse/19

BG 9.19: I radiate heat as the sun, and I withhold, as well as send forth rain. I am immortality as well as death personified, O Arjun. I am the spirit as well as matter.

I am not refuting your First part of the post. I am trying to get to know the reference. I would like to see the direct reference of your point in the sloka rather than interpretation. Do not mistake me.

adiyen

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Ramanuja- Parakalan dasan 0 on December 2, 2020

Namaskaram Swami

It has not directly mentioned about gunas attached to demigods, True. However, one can directly relate the gunas of demigods through, for eg There are 18 puranas 6 each, satvica, Rajasa and Tamasa and these puranas are set to come at the time when Brahma is at that particular state. Also when we consider Indra, a jeevan having done a lot of good deeds ( Punyas ) reaches/ attains the supreme post in swaraga Loka and the same is the situation for other demigods too and since the lokams exist in the leela vibhoothi of Bhagwan, it is for sure that the Prakritik sambandam will be attached along which the 3 gunas beiseges. ref 7th chapter 14 th slokam

Adiyen Dasan.

P.S Again the above link which devarir posted and the above post here, it details out for MAya which is his divine energy and from which it is difficult to overcome on our own, but to it this implicitly states of his Leela Vibhoothi only and the 3 gunas beisieging it and to the Adipathis ( Head of the posts allotted) of the respective lokams.

<p>Namaskaram Swami</p><br />
<p>It has not directly mentioned about gunas attached to demigods, True. However, one can directly relate the gunas of demigods through, for eg There are 18 puranas 6 each, satvica, Rajasa and Tamasa and these puranas are set to come at the time when Brahma is at that particular state. Also when we consider Indra, a jeevan having done a lot of good deeds ( Punyas ) reaches/ attains the supreme  post  in swaraga Loka and the same is the situation for other demigods too and since the lokams exist in  the leela vibhoothi of Bhagwan, it is for sure that the Prakritik sambandam will be attached along which the 3 gunas beiseges. ref 7th chapter 14 th slokam</p><br />
<p>Adiyen Dasan.</p><br />
<p>P.S Again the above link which devarir posted and the above post here, it details out for MAya which is his divine energy and from which it is difficult to overcome on our own, but to it this  implicitly states of his Leela Vibhoothi only and the 3 gunas beisieging it and to the Adipathis ( Head of the posts allotted) of the respective lokams.</p>

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SriVaishnava dasan 0 on December 2, 2020

Ramanuja dasan swamy,

Namaskaram.

BG 7.14 states:

“My divine energy Maya, consisting of the three modes of nature, is very difficult to overcome. But those who surrender unto me cross over it easily.”

i.e., Maya consists of three gunas.

Thank you.

adiyen

Ramanuja- Parakalan dasan 0 on December 2, 2020

Adiyen

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enpanifan 7 0 on December 1, 2020

Srimate Ramanujaye Namaha,

Shravan Swami, your question has been answered by Shri Velukkudi swami in enpani audio 1944 (number in enpani app).

Summary: we have to explain politely, and tolerate the response and over time it will change.

(But in the specific case you have listed above, you can always pack the sweets and give it to your other college friends as they are anyway taking non-prasadam and they also expect sweets from you).

Jayaram swamy, regarding your query, even though they offer the sweets in there pooja room, there are two concerns, one is most may not observe the achaaram required in preparation, secondly , some of them may buy from shop and do pooja and distribute.

Adiyen

SriVaishnava dasan 0 on December 1, 2020

enpanifan swamy,

The offer of sweets by the neighbor is for the family to whom it is offered. Handing over to third person is incorrect. In such case, better to politely express and refuse. It is to be noted that since it is accepted, the neighbor will continue to offer, thinking that it is being consumed. One should not give false impression. In this case, only one member of the family does not consume and others are consuming. It appears to be ok, but for the quantity. Then accept small quantity by telling quantity is more.

adiyen

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enpanifan 0 on December 2, 2020

Noted swamy.
Adiyen

Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 0 on December 3, 2020

Namskaram Jayaram Swami,

The question itself is based on the fact that the neighbors don’t offer it to the lord. So, we cannot accept whatever the neighbors give to us just like that.

For example, if they give fruits, pure milk, etc., most probably we can offer those things and then consume it. But in case of cooked food, the devotion to the Lord matters a lot.

This is all adiyen’s humble opinion. Please correct adiyen if said anything wrong.

அடியேன்

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SriVaishnava dasan 0 on December 3, 2020

Young Bhaktha,

Your query is already answered by Velukkudi Krishnan swamy. What do you expect from me as response?. He has replied the query in totality covering larger aspects.

Are you looking for a different answer?. I can give my personal opinion. My respects are there for shastras, poorvacharyars and Velukkudi Krishnan swamy. I would like to respect the love and affection of co-human also. I think about Him before / during any action. I believe in constant remembrance on Him. My reply is implicit.

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Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 0 on February 17, 2021

Namskaaram Jayaram Swami,

This is the reason our “personal opinion” doesn’t matter when it comes to sastras. Our senses are imperfect. This “affection for co-human” is totally material. Just a general question Swami: Would you also accept meat if that ‘co-human’ offers it to you??

SriVaishnava dasan 0 on February 17, 2021

The query posted is out of context w.r.to the original question. Will be forced to have second thought to reply for such posts.

Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 0 on February 17, 2021

Yes swami, better to end this discussion right away to avoid unnecessary arguments. The key point is to try to get prasādam at all situations in our life

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Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 2 0 on December 1, 2020

Namskaram,

I sincerely thank Sri Velukkudi Swami for answering adiyen’s question so nicely through Enpani 1944. Yes, as devareer mentioned we need to have the positive hope that things will change over time.

Also, as Enpanifan Swami told, I think it’s best to give those foodstuffs to someone else who is expecting food.
But adiyen wanted to mention a word of caution here regarding Ramanja dasan Swami’s reply. Swami, I don’t think Krishna would accept the sweet if we say Sri Krishna Arpanam Asthu. This is because the sweet vendors or any other person wouldn’t have cooked the food with devotion. Also like Enpanifan Swami mentioned, they won’t follow cleanliness like we do in our homes.

Also it’s better not to give to stray animals, as the giver of the sweets would be offended even more. So it’s best to follow Enpanifan Swami’s advice in this regard.

அடியேன்

enpanifan 0 on December 1, 2020

Srimate Ramanujaye Namaha,

Swami, “the change of heart with time” that will happen to them will depend on how we behave and relate to them in other situations.. if we continue to be kind, helpful and caring to them in other areas of interaction.. then they will understand you based on the relationship formed by such actions.

Adiyen

Shravanan of Swami's Upanyasams 0 on December 3, 2020

Namskaram Enpanifan Swami,

Yes, I agree what devareer has stated.

அடியேன்

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A_Acarya_dasa 0 0 on December 3, 2020

Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha

Adiyen also have faced this situation multiple times. If not, daily. I will share my experience so it might help any bhagavathas.

Some years ago, on teachers day, I had class. I didn’t knew that a Cake was arranged to sir and it was a surprise. I went to class, then came a surprise, they had one big cake to Sir and guess what, sir cut the cake and he instantly started personally giving to students. I hope you understand, they cut and hold cake and you should have a bite, like that. It was horrifying to me at least. I had no option to say “NO”. That Cake was pure vegetarian.

So, my turn came, I had a bite of cake, didn’t glup it. I went straight downstairs and puked it out. Without others knowing.

Another time, some years ago, one classmate was distributing some eatables and everyone was having it. I couldn’t eat it. I explained them, I don’t eat onion garlic, they said this doesn’t have onion garlic. Still I said no. they asked me, are you Brahmin? I said yes. It was a big discussion. I explained them Onion garlic are Tamo guna etc

Another time a Sri Vaishnava took me to Hotel with other classmates and I couldn’t say “NO”. Although I was extremely reluctant to go. I was ultimately forced to drink some milk in Hotel.

These happen many times. It’s extremely difficult to convince that. Many feel sad that you rejected their honest offering out of love and affection.

I would say, if possible avoid such situations. Or educate them why eating Non Krishna Prasadam is bad. Or accept it, but don’t eat, give that to birds, cows. Or in extreme condition, eat it by asking apologies or offering to Krishna

Do whatever, but don’t eat non Krishna or Vishnu Prasadam.

Adiyen

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Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha<br />
<br />
Adiyen also have faced this situation multiple times. If not, daily. I will share my experience so it might help any bhagavathas. <br />
<br />
Some years ago, on teachers day, I had class. I didn't knew that a Cake was arranged to sir and it was a surprise. I went to class, then came a surprise, they had one big cake to Sir and guess what, sir cut the cake and he instantly started personally giving to students. I hope you understand, they cut and hold cake and you should have a bite, like that. It was horrifying to me at least. I had no option to say "NO". That Cake was pure vegetarian. <br />
<br />
So, my turn came, I had a bite of cake, didn't glup it. I went straight downstairs and puked it out. Without others knowing. <br />
<br />
Another time, some years ago, one classmate was distributing some eatables and everyone was having it. I couldn't eat it. I explained them, I don't eat onion garlic, they said this doesn't have onion garlic. Still I said no. they asked me, are you Brahmin? I said yes. It was a big discussion. I explained them Onion garlic are Tamo guna etc <br />
<br />
Another time a Sri Vaishnava took me to Hotel with other classmates and I couldn't say "NO". Although I was extremely reluctant to go. I was ultimately forced to drink some milk in Hotel. <br />
<br />
These happen many times. It's extremely difficult to convince that. Many feel sad that you rejected their honest offering out of love and affection. <br />
<br />
I would say, if possible avoid such situations. Or educate them why eating Non Krishna Prasadam is bad. Or accept it, but don't eat, give that to birds, cows. Or in extreme condition, eat it by asking apologies or offering to Krishna <br />
<br />
Do whatever, but don't eat non Krishna or Vishnu Prasadam. <br />
<br />
Adiyen

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