Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan

PRASAD or PRASADAM
By Sunil Gossai
Any gift or food that is distributed to devotees or worshippers after it has been offered ceremonially to God or a Saintly
person is known as Prasad. Prasad is considered the Lord’s gift to His devotees and its receipt is regarded a blessing.
Whatever the Lord gives to us can be considered as Prasadam. He has given us so much Prasad!
But what are the Lord’s gifts? Anything we as creatures cannot directly create ourselves must be considered gifts of
the Creator. Thus we can view our bodies and all varieties of creatures as well the world itself as gifts arising from
the Creators graciousness. And, although we may decide what actions to take, under certain circumstances, the consequences
of those actions are not ours to command. Whatever comes of these actions comes from the controller and
the welder of the laws that governs life - The Creator Himself. So it is the Lord who distributes the deserved results
of all thoughts, words and deeds.
When devotees come to recognise the entire world of inner and outer experiences as only the Lord’s gifts, then such
a vision brings a secure tranquillity. This peace of mind is another form of Prasad. With such peace of mind and contentment
with everything, the devotee finds upliftment, good humour, brightness and inspiration in living. The very
attitude of an all-accepting mind is a blessing itself. It is the Lord’s grace shining through the receptive mind.
When we offer worshipful service to the Lord in all our activities, and recognise everything around us as His gifts, He
blesses us with clear inspiration and deep tranquillity - His Prasadam.
Finally we would like to humbly request everyone to please take your Prasadam home on all occasions and share it
with neighbours and friends or even work mates. Of the many places we have had the opportunity of visiting; we have
experienced devotees leaving their Prasad behind. How could this ever be tolerated in our society? What ever has been
offered to and granted by God, let us accept it with faith! Hold on to it tightly! It is also not only disheartening for
the devotee who made the Prasadam, to witness such a degrading act, but it is also a rejection of God’s grace and
love for us.
Let us remember, God has given us so much, there is little with which to repay him with except with our love and
gratitude.
Do not leave behind what the Lord has given you
Summer Camp 2006, Bhakti Vedanta Manor
40 1982-2007 SILVER JUBILEE