Many cultures today have a tradition for offering prayers while preparing a meal. A transformation takes place when seemingly ordinary ingredients are combined, prepared nicely, and then offered with love. The result is known as “prasadam” (Sanskrit) which means “The Lord’s mercy”.
God is very happy to receive offerings like this. It is said that the consciousness of the cook enters the food while s/he is cooking. References to the benefits of conscious food preparation are found in a variety of scriptures - both Eastern & Western - going back thousands of years.
I ran into a clear example of this at Govinda’s Cafe in west LA this afternoon. This small vegetarian cafe close to Culver City offers specialty dishes on Sunday (all maha Deity prasadam).
Today’s stellar dish: a cauliflower & squash curry in yogurt sauce with cumin, curry leaves, a touch of salt & turmeric. Words fail to even begin describing the aura & flavor of this curry. Let’s just say it was outstanding and mood of the chef was ‘spot on’…his heart was definitely in the right place. This dish seemed like it landed from another planet. Such is the power and benediction of sanctified cooking.
Anyone can do this. This is not rocket science. It is a science, but simple to do. The most important ingredient of all: the desire to do so. Benefits? better health, clearer skin, less burden onto the planet, a nice connection with the Lord … the list is long. Also: this approach to cooking does not COST ANY MORE than what most are spending on meal preparation now. Often your cost is less. The taste? You cannot even imagine the different things you can make and prepare consciously. Literally thousands upon thousands.
Now we return to this simple unassuming bowl of yellow curried vegetables. Dive in ….
Source : http://www.dandavats.com/?p=30675
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