eating chocolate

[Guest guest]

In regard to the question of whether we can eat Chocolate. In 1993 the GBC

passed the following guideline:

 

1993

 

31. That, as it contains various stimulants like caffeine (contained in

coffee), theine (contained in black tea) and theobromine (contained in

cacao), chocolate should not be eaten by ISKCON devotees.

 

However recently in the new folio the following hitherto unknown letter was

published from Srila Prabhupada which makes this resolution unnecessary:

 

Letter to: Surasrestha, (new98)

--

Los Angeles

14 June, 1972

My dear Surasrestha,

 

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated May

25, 1972, and I have noted the contents. The article you have sent which

was published in the newsletter there is very nice. The interviewer asked

intelligent questions and you have given very nice answers also. It is

apparent that you have understood our philosophy nicely so you continue to

read our books regularly and preach vigorously, and help to distribute this

great transcendental knowledge to all the distressed souls of this Kali

yuga.

 

In answer to your questions, the red incarnation who appeared in the

Treta-yuga is Yajnapati. Lord Mohammed is accepted by us as Saktyavesa

Avatar, but we do not recognize the Bahai faith. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu

appears once in the day of Brahma or whenever He is required to come. So

far attending pujas at the houses of the Hindus there we can go and hold our

kirtana but we should not take prasadam there. We can accept raw materials

and take them to our temple but we should not accept any prasadam prepared

by them. However, if they insist then we can take fruits and milk and offer

them to Krishna. Cocoa and chocolate are not to be taken as they are

intoxicants.

 

I am leaving for London on July the 4th and am returning to New Vrndavana

for Janmastami celebration and at that time we can make further plans on my

coming to Trinadad. In the meantime, continue to distribute this great

message of Krsna Consciousness to all the people there and work hard to make

the whole country into devotees. Hoping this will meet you in good health.

 

Your ever well wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

 

Srimad Surasrestha das Brahmacary c/o ISKCON Trinadad

 

 

 

So Srila Prabhupada clearly said: "Cocoa and chocolate are not to be taken

as they are intoxicants." That should answer that question.

 

I hope that this finds you in good health.

 

Your ever well wisher,

 

Jayapataka Swami