THE BITTER SWEET TRUTH

Mahanidhi Swami

In 1972, Srila Prabhupada wrote a very important letter concerning forbidden foods which ISKCON members CAN’T EAT! Of course, as always in Kali-yuga, there are many views, takes, personal anecdotes and “Prabhupada told me personally” quotes on this sweet and bitter topic.

Most senior ISKCON devotees grew up in their spiritual lives not eating this and not missing it. Who needs it—especially when you have Sri Krishna maha-prasada burfi, sandesh, rabri, rasagulla, gulabjamuns, rasa-malai, halavah, simply wonderfuls, lugloos, and date gur kheer.

Besides, it is definitely something that Srimati Radharani NEVER COOKS OR OFFERS to Her dearly beloved Sri Shyamasundaraji. Despite the flurry of opinions and personal anecdotes regarding this topic, the following letter serves as concrete evidence that this eatable SHOULD NOT BE EATEN BECAUSE IT IS AN INTOXICANT!!

What is this mysterious food which fills kids everywhere with supercharged passion?

In the official BBT Folio collection of all Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, we find the following letter wherein Srila Prabhupada says:

“My dear Surasrestha,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter. COCOA and CHOCOLATE ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN as they are intoxicants!” (SPLetter to Surasrestha, Los Angeles 14 June, 1972)

Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Sri Jagannatha maha-prasadam ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!