Receiving guests is an important part of home deity worship. Not only are we able to distribute the prasadam offered to the deity, but also we can become absorbed in pleasing the Supersoul deity dwelling within every visitor's heart. Here's a few tips to get started.
A CLEAN HOUSE IS EASY TO CLEAN
First of all, by daily systematic cleaning and upkeep, one's house can easily become company ready without too much extra endeavor. That way it is easier to concentrate on the meal preparation and the guests' comfort when they arrive rather than spending most of the day in one long, mad, exhaustive cleaning spree to make an otherwise neglected house decent looking.
MEETING AND GREETING
Standing up when a guest or superior arrives is important for giving a warm welcome. If it is simply a neighbor dropping by without warning, they should be shown the same courtesy. Instead of leaving them standing at the door- it's polite to ask if they wish to come inside. As much as time allows, offer them a seat, a drink, a snack, kind words and if needed a listening ear.
OFFERING WATER AND PRASADAM
It is suggested that instead of asking a guest if they want something to eat or drink, offer it to them directly. That's because -if asked- many people are too polite to accept anything, not wishing to impose, but if the prasadam is held right there in front of them, they may be more inclined to accept.
Also, feeding a guest is not the time to try out a new recipe! Use your favorites that have been successfully tested and are well-liked.
It's a good idea to inquire about a longer term guest's dietary preferences or needs.
QUICK PREPS FOR GUESTS
These include hot or iced herbal teas, fresh fruits; lemonade, popcorn, chidwa...Keeping a list of ideas that are easy to make and a well stocked kitchen makes spontaneous preparations easy.
COOL WATER
A quick way to cool water on a hot day- pour it over ice cubes while pouring it into a cup.
OVER NIGHTERS
If there is no guest room, one may sleep on the floor if necessary to accommodate. Japanese style folding mattresses are especially useful for this purpose. They're easy to store in the meantime.
Whether a guest room or whatever room can be made available, the most important things would be cleanliness, good ventilation, quiet, a comfortable bed for sleeping on and easy access to a bathroom. Little extras, such as a shelf full of books, pen and paper, guest towels and an extra stock of toiletries can all add to a guest's comfort (Here's a helpful article of 12 items to have a guest room available).
EXCHANGING FAREWELLS
At least one of the hosts should follow departing visitors to the door. It's also nice to open the door for your guest when they leave and exchange farewells.
LEARNING MORE
With practice, receiving and honoring guests gets easier, especially as one's service mood increases. While out visiting others, it's a good idea to observe how they receive their guests. Sastra also gives information.
THE EXAMPLE OF KING CITRAKETU
"Once upon a time, when the powerful sage named Angirä was traveling all over the universe without engagement, by his sweet will he came to the palace of King Citraketu.
"Citraketu immediately stood up from his throne and offered him worship. He offered drinking water and eatables and in this way performed his duty as a host to a great guest. When the rsi was seated very comfortably, the King, restraining his mind and senses, sat on the ground at the side of the rsi's feet.
"O King Pariksit, when Citraketu, bent low in humility, was seated at the lotus feet of the great sage, the sage congratulated him for his humility and hospitality." -SB 6.14.14-16
EVEN AN ENEMY
There are many stories in our Vedic scripture that point out the importance of being kind to whoever comes to one's home, even if that person is one's enemy, they should be treated in such a way that there are no ill feelings whatsoever. Everyone must be respected, otherwise there may be grave consequences. The Bhagavatam warns:
"A householder who receives guests or visitors with cruel glances, as if to burn them to ashes, is put into the hell called Paryävartana, where he is gazed at by hard-eyed vultures, herons, crows and similar birds, which suddenly swoop down and pluck out his eyes with great force." -sb 5.26.35
THE GUEST AS GOD
The Lord appears before us in many forms. One of which is the guest. We should always remember that within the temple of every living being is the Supersoul witnessing all our activities. With this in mind we may act for His pleasure and expand our hearts for service.
A CLEAN HOUSE IS EASY TO CLEAN
First of all, by daily systematic cleaning and upkeep, one's house can easily become company ready without too much extra endeavor. That way it is easier to concentrate on the meal preparation and the guests' comfort when they arrive rather than spending most of the day in one long, mad, exhaustive cleaning spree to make an otherwise neglected house decent looking.
MEETING AND GREETING
Standing up when a guest or superior arrives is important for giving a warm welcome. If it is simply a neighbor dropping by without warning, they should be shown the same courtesy. Instead of leaving them standing at the door- it's polite to ask if they wish to come inside. As much as time allows, offer them a seat, a drink, a snack, kind words and if needed a listening ear.
OFFERING WATER AND PRASADAM
It is suggested that instead of asking a guest if they want something to eat or drink, offer it to them directly. That's because -if asked- many people are too polite to accept anything, not wishing to impose, but if the prasadam is held right there in front of them, they may be more inclined to accept.
Also, feeding a guest is not the time to try out a new recipe! Use your favorites that have been successfully tested and are well-liked.
It's a good idea to inquire about a longer term guest's dietary preferences or needs.
QUICK PREPS FOR GUESTS
These include hot or iced herbal teas, fresh fruits; lemonade, popcorn, chidwa...Keeping a list of ideas that are easy to make and a well stocked kitchen makes spontaneous preparations easy.
COOL WATER
A quick way to cool water on a hot day- pour it over ice cubes while pouring it into a cup.
OVER NIGHTERS
If there is no guest room, one may sleep on the floor if necessary to accommodate. Japanese style folding mattresses are especially useful for this purpose. They're easy to store in the meantime.
Whether a guest room or whatever room can be made available, the most important things would be cleanliness, good ventilation, quiet, a comfortable bed for sleeping on and easy access to a bathroom. Little extras, such as a shelf full of books, pen and paper, guest towels and an extra stock of toiletries can all add to a guest's comfort (Here's a helpful article of 12 items to have a guest room available).
EXCHANGING FAREWELLS
At least one of the hosts should follow departing visitors to the door. It's also nice to open the door for your guest when they leave and exchange farewells.
LEARNING MORE
With practice, receiving and honoring guests gets easier, especially as one's service mood increases. While out visiting others, it's a good idea to observe how they receive their guests. Sastra also gives information.
THE EXAMPLE OF KING CITRAKETU
"Once upon a time, when the powerful sage named Angirä was traveling all over the universe without engagement, by his sweet will he came to the palace of King Citraketu.
"Citraketu immediately stood up from his throne and offered him worship. He offered drinking water and eatables and in this way performed his duty as a host to a great guest. When the rsi was seated very comfortably, the King, restraining his mind and senses, sat on the ground at the side of the rsi's feet.
"O King Pariksit, when Citraketu, bent low in humility, was seated at the lotus feet of the great sage, the sage congratulated him for his humility and hospitality." -SB 6.14.14-16
EVEN AN ENEMY
There are many stories in our Vedic scripture that point out the importance of being kind to whoever comes to one's home, even if that person is one's enemy, they should be treated in such a way that there are no ill feelings whatsoever. Everyone must be respected, otherwise there may be grave consequences. The Bhagavatam warns:
"A householder who receives guests or visitors with cruel glances, as if to burn them to ashes, is put into the hell called Paryävartana, where he is gazed at by hard-eyed vultures, herons, crows and similar birds, which suddenly swoop down and pluck out his eyes with great force." -sb 5.26.35
THE GUEST AS GOD
The Lord appears before us in many forms. One of which is the guest. We should always remember that within the temple of every living being is the Supersoul witnessing all our activities. With this in mind we may act for His pleasure and expand our hearts for service.
