prasada | प्रसाद
Prasada (Devanagari: प्रसाद; ISO 15919: prasāda) refers to Sacred Remnants or Divine Mercy.
Definition Literally translating to "grace" or "mercy," in practice, Prasada refers to any object that has been offered to and used by God or the Guru. Once these items are enjoyed by the Divine, they are distributed to devotees as a tangible form of grace.
Scope While commonly associated with food, Prasada includes any object:
- Food: Remnants of meals offered to the deity.
- Vastra (Clothes): Garments or jewelry worn by the deity.
- Nirmalya: Flowers or garlands that have adorned the deity.
The Power of Prasad: Uddhava's Declaration The spiritual potency of Prasada is illustrated by Uddhava, the intimate friend and cousin of Shri Krishna. He declared that he would conquer the invincible illusory energy (Maya Shakti) simply by honoring the remnants of the Lord. By eating the food tasted by Krishna and wearing the garlands and clothes used by Him, a devotee purifies their heart and easily transcends material bondage.
Further Reading and Reference
- Alternate Spelling: prasad
- Related Concepts: Maya
- Reference: Sadha Sadhya - The Way to God's Love, March 2023