Many devotees think that by eating prasadam, an animal will get a human body in its next life and if a human being eats prasadam he will become a devotee in his next life. In this lecture (S.B. 1.16.23) dated January 19 th 1974 in Hawai, Srila Prabhupada gives clear informations on this subject matter:
"Bali-mardana: I believe I've heard you said in other lectures that a person who takes prasadam, even a plant or a..., any kind of living entity who takes prasadam or hears the name, that it will come back at least to human form of life. Is that correct?" Prabhupada: No, if he's devotee, then he'll come. But this taking of prasadam, or hearing Hare Krsna mantra is advancement for becoming a devotee. But if he takes prasadam not as ordinary prasadam, foodstuff, he believes that "This is remnants of foodstuffs given to God," if he understands this philosophy, then guaranteed. If he takes the prasadam as ordinary food, "All right, these people are distributing, prasa... Let me take it. It is very tasteful," that will give him chance to accept prasadam next, next, next... In this way, one day he'll come to the point that "This prasadam is not ordinary foodstuff." Then he'll... There is guarantee. Because only the devotee can appreciate that "This prasadam is not ordinary foodstuff. It is Krsna's remnant of..." Therefore, he understands Krsna. That is said in the Bhagavad-gita, janma-karma ca me divyam yo janati tattvatah [Bg. 4.9]. In truth, when he understands, then his life is guaranteed. Why guaranteed? He goes back to home next life. Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti [Bg. 4.9]. If you simply can understand what is Krsna and what is your relationship with Krsna, that is sufficient to take you back to home, back to Godhead. That is sufficient. It is so nice."
In that same lecture Srila Prabhupada gives further informations about the benefit people receive by hearing the chanting of Hare Krishna on the street (Harinam), the benefit of the prasadam we give them or the donation they give.
"Devotee (1): Prabhupada, when we're chanting on the street and the people walk by and hear us chant or we give them prasadam or they give a small donation, to what extent is the benefit they receive? They can go on walking by and hearing us chant.Prabhupada: The benefit is... Just like the bank sometimes gives you a box, "Whatever little money you save, put it in this." And when it is filled up, it becomes a big amount. Similarly, these people, abodha-jata, rascals, if they little appreciate, "Oh, these people are nice," that is one asset. This is called ajnata-sukrti, accumulation of the result of pious activities. And when one is fully pious, at that time, he can understand what is God. So we are helping them, by and by, to advance in the matter of understanding God. This is our propaganda."
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I like that.