Why tea is not allowed in ISKCON?

Gautam Bikash Mech’s answer to Why does ISKCON prohibit chocolates? The reason is same. Tea and Coffee both are in “Rajjo Guna.” Many points have already been made, but firstly I must confess to having had a long association with ISKCON and have been involved in a number of their temple consecrations and ceremonies.

Why should we avoid tea and coffee?

“Tea/ coffee can stimulate the stomach acids so it is always advised to drink it after consuming some solids. For some people, coffee/ tea can cause heartburn sensation, vomiting and nausea. For a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gut disorder and acid reflux drinking tea/coffee can be harmful,” she adds.

Can ISKCON devotees eat chocolate?

Chocolates contain caffeine, which is an intoxicant; therefore it is not consumed by ISKCON followers. Tea, and coffee are also prohibited for the same reason.

Can we offer chocolate to Krishna?

Well, no it won’t be right. Devotees aren’t allowed to eat chocolates as they contains caffeine which is an intoxicant.

Can we offer biscuits to Lord Krishna?

Yes, if there is no alternative, but generally not directly to installed deities. However foods that are not considered ‘cooked’ like many sweets can be offered.

Can I eat chocolate on Ekadashi?

Can you eat chocolate on Ekadashi? If you are fasting, then you should not eat chocolates or any confectionery.

Can chocolate be offered to God?

According to temple authorities, people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, come to the shrine with cartons of chocolates, seeking the blessings of Lord Muruga. He said chocolates are given back to devotees as ‘prasadam’ like flowers and sandal paste after ‘pushpanjali’ or ‘archana’.

Why do Hare Krishnas not eat garlic?

Here’s my short answer: As a devotee of Krishna and a practicing Bhakti-yogi, I don’t eat garlic and onions because they cannot be offered to Krishna. Here’s my longer answer: You may know that onions and garlic are botanical members of the alliaceous family (alliums) – along with leeks, chives and shallots.

Does ISKCON prohibit chocolates?

ISKCON does not prohibit specifically chocolates. Your question might be a repercussion of some personal experience. According to relevant vedic literatures anything that gratifies the sense can become barriers to self realization and hence to our relationship with God.

Can I purify my studies by offering coffee and tea to Krishna?

Another important aspect is, you can never offer coffee and tea to Krishna and you can’t use coffee or tea in His service; So, you can purify your studies by applying it in the service of Krishna; But, coffee/ tea can never be offered to Krishna and hence, can never be purified. Coffee, tea and chocolates are also the intoxicants.

Why tea and coffee are not allowed in Bhakti yoga?

Tea, coffee, chocolate has caffeine…hence they are not consumed. Caffeine is basically a psychoactive drug. In simple words it is little brother of coccaine. The intoxicants cloud the mind, over-stimulate the senses, and make it impossible to follow the principles of bhakti-yoga. Out of 4 regulative principles, one is ‘No intoxication’.

Why do devotees avoid coffee tea chocolates?

There are reasons for why devotees avoid Coffee Tea Chocolates. All addictions are not of the same type. Some desires and addictions are allowed for people. Desire to take Krishna Prasadam, Desire to go back to Krishna, Desire to come up in Krishna Consciousness, etc., are always encouraged and blessed.