Tasting Kṛṣṇa's Prasādam as the Beginning of Devotional Service
In the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the path to spiritual perfection is described as both sublime and practical. The article explores the fundamental instruction that devotional service begins with the tongue. Rather than imposing dry renunciation, the process utilizes the natural functions of the tongue—speaking and tasting—to connect the soul with the Supreme Lord through the chanting of the Holy Names and the honoring of kṛṣṇa-prasādam.
The Tongue as the Entry Point
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the path of bhakti-yoga technically commences with the tongue, known in Sanskrit as jihvā. He explains that while other senses may be difficult to engage immediately, the tongue is the most accessible tool for initiating a service attitude toward the Unlimited.
- The beginning of service is chanting. Therefore it is said, jihvadau. Jihvadau means, jihva means tongue. Tongue. Your service begins by the tongue. How? By the tongue you can chant Hare Krsna, and by the tongue you can taste Krsna's prasadam.
- Krsna-bhakti begins with the tongue, for we can utilize the tongue to chant, and to taste krsna-prasada. In this way we can become a Krsna bhakta.
- Devotional service begins from jihva, tongue. This tongue means can be utilized in devotional service in two ways, namely by chanting the holy name of God and by tasting prasadam.
The Dual Function: Chanting and Tasting
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the tongue possesses two primary capabilities: vibration and tasting. By spiritualizing these functions—vibrating the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and tasting food offered to Kṛṣṇa—one transforms a physical organ into a medium for spiritual realization.
- The tongue has two functions - to vibrate and to taste. So if one repeatedly hears and vibrates the Hare Krsna mantra and tastes prasada, food offered to Krsna, by this very simple method one will realize Vasudeva, Krsna. Krsna will reveal Himself.
- Another function of the tongue is to taste and accept the Lord's prasada. We have to begin our service to the Unlimited with the tongue and become perfect in chanting, and accepting the Lord's prasada.
- God reveals to you by your service attitude. And that service attitude begins from your tongue, jihva. Jihva means tongue. How? You chant Hare Krsna and taste krsna-prasadam. Then you will realize. Two things. Very simple method.
Sense Control Through Prasādam
The tongue is identified as the most voracious and difficult sense to conquer, yet Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that it can be easily controlled through the positive engagement of tasting prasādam. This process satisfies the desire for enjoyment while simultaneously purifying the existence, allowing one to advance spiritually without artificial repression.
- Of all the senses, the tongue is the most voracious and difficult to control, but it can be controlled simply by chanting Hare Krsna and tasting Krsna prasadam, food offered to Krsna.
- If you cannot control your tongue, you cannot control your senses. Taste prasadam and become spiritually advanced. You can have this process at your home: offer vegetarian foods to Krsna, chant the Hare Krsna mantra and offer obeisances.
- Krsna is so kind that He gives us varieties of prasadam so you can taste them, you can satisfy your desire, at the same time you become spiritually advanced. This is a nice process.
Revelation of the Supreme
Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that God is not visible to ordinary vision but reveals Himself to those who adopt a service attitude. This revelation is triggered when the devotee sincerely engages the tongue in glorifying the Lord and honoring His remnants, thereby purifying the consciousness to perceive the absolute truth.
- For ordinary persons God is not visible; however, when one can understand the significance of His holy name and one engages himself in the devotional service, beginning with the tongue, by chanting and tasting prasada, then gradually God reveals Himself.
- When one engages his senses in the service of the Lord - specifically, when one engages the tongue in chanting the Hare Krsna mantra and tasting only Krsna prasada with a spirit of service - the Supreme Personality of Godhead is revealed.
Conclusion
The teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda establish that the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not an artificial imposition but a transformation of natural activities. By regulating the tongue through the intake of kṛṣṇa-prasādam and the vibration of the mahā-mantra, the aspirant conquers the urges of the material senses and opens the door to self-realization. This simple yet profound method proves that spiritual advancement begins not with difficult gymnastics or dry speculation, but with the joyful engagement of the tongue in the service of the Lord.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Tasting Krsna's Prasadam. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.