I just formed a non profit corporation in the USA for fundraising to feed the hungry, in the form of Prasadam.
A Krishna Conscious devotee said he was not keen on being a part of food distribution because Prasadam must be distributed to all irrespective of whether they are rich or poor.
Secondly, if we are collecting money, saying that it will go to serve the hungry/poor, but however distribute to all, since we cannot discriminate giving Prasadam to only poor people, then would'nt it be unethical that we are telling them that the money will be used to distribute food to hungry but in reality distribute it to all, rich and poor?
My answer to him was this:
Yes we collect the money for the poor/hungry. However distribute the food Prasadam to all. It will not be unethical because, the rich or people who are not starving will also make donations naturally without being asked, so therefore, the rich/not so poor are in a way paying for the prasadam they are receiving and what ever money collected to feed the hungry will really go to the hungry/poor.
What do you think? What is correct?
Replies
The idea never took off, because, Krishna does want us to be anything but 100% Truthful :)
The first verse of Bhagavatam says Satyam Param Dhimahi...
Lord Krishna IS Satyam :)
Thank you for commenting. Haribol
QUESTIONS ASKED TO SRILA PRABHUPADA. PART 250. ON PRASADAM.
http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/krishnaconsciousness/forum/to...
QUESTIONS ASKED TO SRILA PRABHUPADA. PART 251. ON PRASADAM.
http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/krishnaconsciousness/forum/to...
QUESTIONS ASKED TO SRILA PRABHUPADA. PART 252. ON PRASADAM.
http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/krishnaconsciousness/forum/to...
Hare krisna shravan prabhu,
i don't know you heared this story or not , kichadi prasad distributed at iskcon vrindavan at 1975, when the temple was opend.the founder achary of iskcon ,His divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedant swami prabhupad, wanted every visitor of the temple to recive prasadam.
sril prabhupad encourged free prasad distribution since the begining of iskcon in 1966 at new york. U.S.A
In vrindavan prabhupad saw some young chidren fighting with dogs for scrapes of food at the place were thrwn out .
He shed tears thinking how hungry these children must be and told his disciples "temple means free prasadam distribution No one should go hungry with in ten miles from the temple start free food distribution for these people."
this is the best way . i think you will get ur answer
prasadam is somthing which can not be weighed in gold so go ahead feed the poor and rich.
we all need prasadam.money is not concern at time of prasadam
hari bol
Thank you for your comment Arun prabhu.
What do you think of the part where we are telling people that the funds will be used for feeding the poor and yet we distribute Prasadam to everyone?
just tell people funds are raised for "free food distribution" - no need to mention rich or poor ... so you'll be saved from speaking lies or "getting caught :)" in india orgs like annamrita feed prasadam to village school children as a mid day meal ... hope you're doing book distribution along with giving prasadam
Jai Shri Krishna..
1) I never heard of the rich never being hungry, so saying feeding the hungry whether it be Rich or poor cannot be unethical..It's soul food by the way..
2) Rich or Poor, Prasadama is something which cannot be weighed in gold, it's priceless. Unless due to Krishna's mercy, Prasadama can not be had by any means whether by money or donation etc.
So go ahead feed the poor and the "Rich". We all need Prasadama..