Sarah Brown
The consumption of mushrooms is a topic of debate among followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). While some devotees argue that mushrooms are prohibited due to their classification as tamasic food, grown on decaying matter, others claim that Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, did not explicitly prohibit mushroom consumption. Some devotees express concern about the fungal nature of mushrooms, associating them with ignorance and considering them unfit for sacred food offerings. However, others highlight the nutritional value of mushrooms and their consumption by Lord Chaitanya, as mentioned in one source. The decision to consume mushrooms appears to be left to individual discretion, with some devotees choosing to avoid them while others occasionally indulge. The discussion around mushrooms in ISKCON reflects the organization's openness and the varying interpretations of Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms allowed in ISKCON? | It is generally believed that Srila Prabhupada did not prohibit the consumption of mushrooms, but there is debate over whether they can be offered to deities. |
| Why are mushrooms controversial in ISKCON? | Mushrooms are considered a tamasic food, which grows on decaying matter and is therefore categorized as a product of ignorance. |
| Are there exceptions? | Some sources state that the Hong Kong temple serves mushrooms, and that Srila Prabhupada allowed the consumption of mushrooms found in the Jarikhanda Forest. |
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What You'll Learn
Consumption of mushrooms is allowed by ISKCON
There is some debate among followers of ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, about whether or not the consumption of mushrooms is allowed. Some sources state that Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, did not prohibit the consumption of mushrooms, while others claim that he did.
One argument in favour of mushroom consumption is that Srila Prabhupada allowed the consumption of certain foods, like yeast, that are not traditionally included in Vaishnava cookery. In addition, some argue that mushrooms are not decomposed or tasteless and can be consumed if they are grown in a clean place. Furthermore, it is stated that Srila Prabhupada allowed the consumption of mushrooms in France when devotees found a large number of exotic mushrooms on the property. He said, "Lord Chaitanya ate mushrooms when he was travelling in the Jarikhanda Forest, and we could as well."
On the other hand, some ISKCON members argue that mushrooms are a product of ignorance and are not suitable for offering to the Lord due to their fungal nature. They are classified as tamasic food, which is considered unfit for sacred food offerings. Additionally, some members believe that Srila Prabhupada's teachings do not include mushrooms, and therefore they should not be consumed.
Overall, while there is some disagreement among ISKCON members, the consumption of mushrooms is not explicitly prohibited by Srila Prabhupada. However, it is clear that the consumption of mushrooms is not common among ISKCON devotees, and some may choose to avoid them due to their classification as tamasic food. Those who do consume mushrooms may do so occasionally, and they may not be used in all temple kitchens.
It is worth noting that ISKCON members are generally required to refrain from consuming meat, fish, eggs, alcoholic products, fermented foods, onion, and garlic, in addition to the debated restriction on mushrooms.
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Mushrooms are not banned by Srila Prabhupada
While there is some debate on whether or not mushrooms are allowed within ISKCON, there is evidence to suggest that Srila Prabhupada did not explicitly ban them. Here are some reasons why mushrooms may not be prohibited by Srila Prabhupada:
Firstly, Srila Prabhupada is believed to have stated that it is permissible to offer and consume mushrooms. He allowed the consumption of mushrooms in France when devotees found a large number of exotic mushrooms known as 'cèpes' on their property. He said, "Lord Chaitanya ate mushrooms when he was travelling in the Jarikhanda Forest, and we could as well." This suggests that he did not consider mushrooms to be forbidden.
Secondly, some argue that mushrooms are not decomposed or tasteless, contrary to popular belief. They grow in very clean and sterile environments, and certain varieties even have a pleasant fragrance. This contradicts the idea that mushrooms are products of ignorance or filth.
Thirdly, Srila Prabhupada is known for easing the rules of Vaishnavism, particularly regarding eating habits. For example, he allowed women to stay in temples, whereas traditionally they were restricted to staying inside the house. This indicates his willingness to be flexible and adapt certain strict rules.
Additionally, Srila Prabhupada emphasised the importance of time, place, and circumstance. He stressed that everyone should chant Hare Krishna but also allowed for individual variations, such as allowing the father of one of his disciples to chant "Om" in the forest. This shows that he considered the specific context and did not enforce rules rigidly without taking circumstances into account.
Lastly, while mushrooms are generally not offered to deities in Vaishnava temples, this may be due to their fungal nature and categorisation as 'tamasic' food, rather than a direct prohibition by Srila Prabhupada. Some devotees do occasionally consume mushrooms, and there are even a few recipes within the tradition that include mushrooms.
In conclusion, while there may be differing interpretations, the evidence suggests that Srila Prabhupada did not explicitly ban mushrooms. The decision to consume or avoid mushrooms within ISKCON may depend on individual understanding, faith in Srila Prabhupada's teachings, and the specific circumstances.
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They are considered tamasic food
Mushrooms are considered tamasic food in ISKCON because they are a fungus that grows on decaying matter. In traditional ayurvedic cooking, mushrooms are not highly regarded because of this reason, and they are categorised as tamasic food. They are also avoided in strict anti-Candida or mould-free diets.
Some sources state that Srila Prabhupada did not prohibit mushrooms in a diet, but others state that offering them to deities is questionable. Some say that Srila Prabhupada's teachings are clear and that mushrooms are not to be eaten, while others say that he emphasised time, place, and circumstance, and that he allowed the father of one of his disciples to go to the forest and chant "Om".
There is a distinction between what is eaten and what is offered to deities. For example, mushrooms may be eaten, but they are not offered to the temple deities. In France, devotees found exotic mushrooms known as cèpes on the property, and Srila Prabhupada said that they could eat them, but they were not yet offering Radha Krishna Deities at that time.
Some say that mushrooms are not decomposed or tasteless, and that they grow in very clean places, so they should be allowed. However, others say that they are a product of ignorance and are unfit foods to prepare in sacred food offerings.
Overall, it seems that the consumption of mushrooms is a controversial topic within ISKCON, with some devotees avoiding them due to their classification as tamasic food, while others occasionally consume them.
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They are not offered to deities
The consumption of mushrooms is a debated topic within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). While some devotees argue that mushrooms are prohibited due to their classification as tamasic food, others claim that Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, deemed them acceptable. In this response, we will focus on the aspect of offering mushrooms to deities and explore the reasons why some ISKCON members choose not to do so.
Mushrooms are not commonly offered to deities in ISKCON temples. This is primarily due to their classification as tamasic food, which is considered unfit for sacred offerings. According to traditional ayurvedic cooking practices, mushrooms are not highly regarded because they typically grow on decaying matter. They are categorized as tamasic, or food touched by the lower modes of ignorance, which does not help elevate consciousness in the way that 'sattvic' foods do. As a result, mushrooms are generally avoided by those seeking to develop satvic qualities and elevate their spiritual development.
ISKCON devotees often look to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada for guidance on dietary practices. While he did not specifically prohibit the consumption of mushrooms, there is ambiguity regarding offering them to deities. Some devotees interpret his teachings as allowing for flexibility in dietary practices, especially in specific circumstances, such as the example of mushrooms being consumed by Lord Chaitanya in the Jarikhanda Forest. However, others emphasize that mushrooms are not traditionally prepared or offered in Vishnu, Krishna, or Rama (Vaishnavaite) temple kitchens due to their fungal nature.
The decision to refrain from offering mushrooms to deities is further influenced by the desire to adhere closely to Srila Prabhupada's teachings. Devotees express their intent not to deviate from his instructions, which emphasize time, place, and circumstance. While there may be exceptions or specific circumstances where mushrooms are consumed, the general practice within ISKCON is to avoid offering them to deities.
It is worth noting that some ISKCON members do occasionally consume mushrooms themselves, even if they are not offered to deities. This is a personal choice, and some devotees may choose to avoid mushrooms entirely due to their tamasic nature and potential health concerns associated with fungi. Ultimately, the decision to offer mushrooms to deities or consume them personally is left to the discretion of individual devotees within the broader guidelines provided by ISKCON and the interpretations of Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
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They are not cooked in ancient culinary bhakti-yoga tradition
The consumption of mushrooms is a debated topic within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). While some devotees argue that mushrooms are prohibited due to their classification as tamasic food, others claim that Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, deemed them acceptable.
In ancient culinary bhakti-yoga tradition, mushrooms are not cooked or offered as sacred food. They are considered unfit due to their fungal nature, which associates them with ignorance and darkness. This belief aligns with traditional Ayurvedic cooking, where mushrooms are not highly regarded because they typically grow on decaying matter. The growth of mushrooms on decaying matter or in factories contributes to their classification as tamasic food, which is considered impure and unfit for consumption by spiritual people.
However, some devotees argue that Srila Prabhupada did not prohibit mushrooms. They cite instances where Prabhupada allowed the consumption of mushrooms, such as at the Nouvelle Mayapur Chateau in France, where devotees found exotic mushrooms on the property and were told by Prabhupada that they could consume them. Additionally, some devotees argue that not all mushrooms grow in filthy places, and certain edible varieties require sterile conditions to grow.
The debate extends to the offering of mushrooms to deities. While some devotees assert that mushrooms are not offered to temple deities, others mention instances where mushrooms were used in recipes for devotees, such as cream of mushroom soup, mushroom pizza, and mushroom rice.
Ultimately, the decision to consume mushrooms or not is a personal choice for ISKCON devotees. While some choose to avoid them due to their association with tamasic food and fungal nature, others may occasionally consume them, especially if they are grown in clean and natural environments. The flexibility in interpretation highlights the diversity of beliefs and practices within ISKCON, allowing devotees to make informed decisions based on their understanding of Srila Prabhupada's teachings and their own spiritual beliefs.
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Frequently asked questions
Although Srila Prabhupada did not specifically prohibit the consumption of mushrooms, they are generally not offered to the deities in ISKCON temples due to their classification as 'tamasic' or 'mode of ignorance' food. Some devotees avoid them, but they are not banned.
Mushrooms are considered 'tamasic' or 'mode of ignorance' food because they are a type of fungus that grows in darkness and sterile environments, which is not considered clean or pure.
Yes, there have been instances where devotees have offered mushrooms to the deities, such as at the Nouvelle Mayapur Chateau in France, where devotees cooked cream of mushroom soup, mushroom pizza, and other dishes with mushrooms found on the property.
There is a debate among ISKCON devotees about whether mushrooms grown in clean places, such as family gardens or farmhouses, can be consumed or offered to the deities. Some argue that Srila Prabhupada allowed the consumption of mushrooms, while others believe that offering them to the deities is still questionable.
