Sandesh

INGREDIENTS
freshly made paneer, cooled and grated
powdered natural sugar (almost half the amount as paneer portion, some prefer it less sweet, using only 1/3 the amount of paneer in proportion)
a few ground cardamom seeds

DIRECTIONS:
1. Knead the grated paneer until very smooth.

2. Add the sugar to 2/3 of the paneer, leaving the other 1/3 aside.
3. Add the cardamom and mix everything well.
4. Put all in a heavy bottomed frying pan and cook on very low heat about 10 minutes, pulling the curds very thing along the bottom with a spatula.

Cook until it becomes somewhat dry and less sticky.
5. Cool the sandesh and knead together with the remaining third of uncooked curd. Roll into balls and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

 Sandesh can also be pressed into fancy molds.Chopped pistachios make a nice garnish.

For dryer sandesh, do not divide it in the beginning. Just cook the entire amount of paneer with the sugar. Knead well and smoothly after cooling.

Types of milk will also vary the texture. Using whole milk straight from a cow is more challenging than store bought homogenized milk. Some recommend skimming the cream first.

Kheer

Another name for sweetened condensed milk.

INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 liters of milk
1 cup mishri or sugar
1 teaspoon cardamon powder

PREPARATION:
1. Mix all ingredients together and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer and leave it to cook down, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook until a desired thickness. The thinner the kheer the more drinkable. Also push it through a strainer or blend so there are no lumps when serving. Children like to eat the milk skin and so on left after straining, so there is no waste.

VARIATION: A popular variation of kheer (aka "sweet rice") is to add rice (preferably Jasmine) to the cooking. Cook until thick and the rice floats to the top. At least 20 minutes after coming to a rolling boil.

Home Deity Worship

Deity worship, even in the simplest form, puts Krishna in the center of one’s home and existence; all activities revolve around the Lord by working for Him, cooking for Him, singing for Him, etc. In this way there is a natural, continuous thought which keeps devotees in constant transcendental connection via His devotional service. It is what may be called "hands on" yoga.

"If one worships the Deity in the temple, one’s mind will naturally be absorbed in thought of the Lord and His form. There is no distinction between the form of the Lord and the Lord Himself. Therefore bhakti-yoga is the most easy system of yoga. Yogis try to concentrate their minds upon the form of the Supersoul, Vishnu, within the heart, But this same objective is easily achieved when one’s mind is absorbed in the Deity worshiped in the temple (and you gradually realize you have your very own deity in your heart). In every temple there is a transcendental form of the Lord, and one may easily think of this form. By seeing the Lord during ärati, by offering bhoga and by constantly thinking of the form of the Deity, one becomes a first-class yogi." SB 6.2.41 purport

"The worshipable Deity in the temple of Vishnu is identical with Lord Vishnu by the inconceivable potency of the Lord. Therefore, a neophyte’s concentration or meditation upon the limbs of Vishnu in the temple, as contemplated in the revealed scriptures, is an easy opportunity for meditation for persons who are unable to sit down tightly at one place.--SB 2.9.19 purport

A NECESSITY FOR HOUSEHOLDERS
"Regarding worship of the form of the Lord, or Deity, Rüpa Gosvämi has written the following verse: 'My dear friend, if you still have any desire to enjoy the company of your friends within this material world, then don't look upon the form of Krishna, who is standing on the bank of Kesi-ghäta... He is known as Govinda, and His eyes are very enchanting. He is playing upon His flute, and on His head there is a peacock feather. And His whole body is illuminated by the moonlight in the sky.'

"The purport of this verse is that if someone becomes attached to the sri-mürti, or Deity of Krishna, by worshiping at home, then he will forget his relationships of so-called friendship, love and society. Thus it is the duty of every householder to install Deities of the Lord at home and to begin the process of worshiping along with all of his family members. This will save everyone from such unwanted activities as going to clubs, cinemas and dancing parties, and smoking, drinking, etc. All such nonsense will be forgotten if one stresses the worship of the Deities at home." -NOD13

"In one's home or in a temple, the Deity is considered the proprietor of everything, and everyone is considered the Deity's eternal servant." -SB 4.22.51p

"Rädhä-Mädhava is sitting on the throne. He is the enjoyer, and we are trying to serve Him so that He may very nicely enjoy... Bhoktäram yajna-tapasäm sarva-loka-mahesvaram [Bg. 5.29]. And if we understand this point, that Krishna is the center, He is the enjoyer, and we are meant for serving Him for His enjoyment, that is Krishna family." -lecture, CC Adi lila 1.16, Mayapur, 4/9/75

"Engagement in such worship of the Deity, under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master, will greatly help the householders to purify their very existence and make rapid progress in spiritual knowledge. Simple theoretical book knowledge is not sufficient for a neophyte devotee. Book knowledge is theoretical, whereas the arcana process is practical. Spiritual knowledge must be developed by a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, and that is the guaranteed way for attainment of spiritual perfection...

"Only attention engaged in the service of the Lord, especially in dressing and decorating the temple, accompanied by musical kirtana and spiritual instructions from scriptures, can save the common man from the hellish cinema attractions and rubbish sex-songs broadcast everywhere by radios." --SB2.3.22p

“In Bhagavad gita, the Lord asks everyone to give up all other occupational duties and absolutely engage in arcana activity....There is no auspicious activity except arcana.” --SB 3.9.17 purport

FOUR THINGS
"The best process for making the home pleasant is Krishna consciousness. If one is in full Krishna consciousness, he can make his home very happy, because this process of Krishna consciousness is very easy. One need only chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare, accept the remnants of foodstuffs offered to Krishna, have some discussion on books like Bhagavad-gitä and Srimad-Bhägavatam, and engage oneself in Deity worship. These four things will make one happy. One should train the members of his family in this way. The family members can sit down morning and evening and chant together Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare. If one can mold his family life in this way to develop Krishna consciousness, following these four principles, then there is no need to change from family life to renounced life." --Bg 13.8-12p

"Lord Caitanya Mahäprabhu requested them all to return home and begin chanting the holy name congregationally. He also requested them to worship Krishna, chant His holy name and discuss His holy pastimes." -Madhya 3.190
PURPORT
"It is not that everyone has to take sannyäsa like Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu. Everyone can execute the cult of Krishna consciousness at home, as ordered by the Lord. Everyone can congregationally chant the holy name of Krishna, the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra. One can also discuss the subject matter of the Bhagavad-gitä and Srimad-Bhägavatam and install Deities of Rädhä-Krishna or Gaura-Nitäi or both and worship them very carefully in one’s own home. It is not that we have to open different centers all over the world. Whoever cares for the Krishna consciousness movement can install Deities at home and, under superior guidance, worship the Deity regularly, chanting the mahä-mantra and discussing the Bhagavad-gitä and Srimad-Bhägavatam. We are actually teaching in our classes how to go about this. One who feels that he is not yet ready to live in a temple or undergo strict regulative principles in the temple—especially householders who live with a wife and children—can start a center at home by installing the Deity, worshiping the Lord morning and evening, chanting Hare Krishna and discussing the Bhagavad-gitä and Srimad-Bhägavatam. Anyone can do this at home without difficulty, and Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu requested all the devotees present there to do so." -Madhya 3.190p

THE HOME ALTAR
The home altar is Krishna's personal residence. It should be always clean and nicely maintained, therefore, and kept in a prominent place for worship. Some homes are built to include a small altar room, otherwise a shelf or book case will do in case a handcrafted (last in the following group) or purchased altar is unavailable. Here's a few simple examples:

Gradually one may include other items in their worship such as water cups for each picture or deity, candles and candle holders, a special plate reserved strictly for the Lord's food offerings, small asanas for the Lord and His associates to sit, a bell, incense and an incense holder, a curtain for privacy when the Lord eats or rests, and fresh garlands or scented flowers when they are available.

The main difference between temple and home worship is that home worship may not be as strict as what is required in the temple program. This is natural, although a sincere devotee will always think of ways he can make the Lord's stay in his home more comfortable and favorable for the Lord's service. Here's an inspiring article in this regard. The Lord should always be very gently and carefully looked after, and the rules and regulations are for good reasons, not to be overlooked as far as possible.  They help us to see the deity as none other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself! That is why it's important to inquire and receive guidance from experienced devotees in the matter of worship, instead of relying on our own mental concoction. That is, the more we avoid offenses, the more we can see the Lord and His appearance in unlimited forms all around us. Then gradually we'll awaken our loving relationship with Him, by which avoiding the offenses will not be done out of fear, but out of great affection.

BECOMING ANXIOUS FOR KRSNA
The more one becomes involved in deity worship, natural feelings for the deity will awaken. "Is Krishna eating sufficiently?", "Is He feeling hot?", "Cold?","Is He being taken care of nicely?"and so on.

Devotee: So, if we’re performing the deity worship and we get in anxiety how to make it nice...”
Srila Prabhupada: Yes, that is Krsna anxiety. If you become anxious how to worship the deity, how to dress Krsna nicely, how to do, if you remain, that will develop your anxiety for Krsna. This deity worship is essential.- morning walk, 4/26/76, Melbourne

THE MOOD OF COOPERATION
This anxiety will cause one to think ahead, too. For example, after taking the last cup of mung beans out of the can in the deity kitchen, you'll want to refill it for the next person, so that they are not inconvenienced in their cooking of an offering, which in turn means not keeping the Lord waiting.

 “My dear Lord, You are not a statue; You are directly the son of Mahārāja Nanda." -CC Madhya 5.19

Actually, deity worship should be seen not as direct worship of the Lord, but as assisting the spiritual master as a servant of the servants of Srimati Radharani in the Lord’s service. She is the Supreme Guru in the matters of how to serve Krsna pleasingly. A mood of cooperating with and serving devotees develops,  so that Krishna's service goes on unimpeded.

MOST ESSENTIAL
"Above all, the offering should be made with an attitude of love. Krishna has no need of food, since He already possesses everything that be, yet He will accept the offering of one who desires to please Him in that way. The important element, in preparation, in serving and in offering, is to act with love for Krishna." -Bg 9.26 purport

In the beginning, we may follow the rules and regulations of worship to get relief from our suffering or some material benefit, but eventually we'll want to do our designated activities simply to please Krishna. In other words the question arises, "How much love do I have when I act? Am I doing it because I want God to bless my son, for example, so that he does well on his math exam today?" or "Am I listening to Srimad Bhagavatam so I can figure out how I can be happy? Or and I doing these things because I know doing so gives the Lord happiness?" It's when all that is left in the heart as the reason for being there...is love.

CONCENTRATION OF MIND
This is how deity worship helps us. Especially if one is fortunate to have the time to perform it more in depth, the rituals on the altar help us to pay attention and become aware if we are spacing out. The same mouthwash or flower petals, for example, may be offered to the Lord each day, but some days we do it correctly and other days we make mistakes, sometimes more than a few, because the mind is disturbed and thoughts far away. Becoming aware of this helps bring the mind back to the present with Krishna. Instead of thinking about being somewhere else or waiting to do something else as soon as possible, there is surrender to the moment out of affection for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Artik is offered fully conscious and happily, not expecting anything in return or eager to get on to other things. Deity worship wonderfully forces the mind to be fully in the present, so not to make mistakes. This overflows to all services, bringing the restless mind under control by focusing on how to do any service, at any moment, nicely for Krishna's pleasure rather than thoughtlessly and absentmindedly or mechanically carrying a service out, trying to get it over with or not doing it at all..

And this Krishna consciousness extends to everything and everyone. Instead of throwing that utensil that needs washing into the kitchen sink, it will get set down gently, remembering its connection to Krishna. Also, after offering the incense to Krishna during artik, each guest will next be worshiped for there is a deity of the Lord within every heart. And because one learns to be careful not to swear, etc. in front of the deity, that same courtesy will be extended in dealing with everyone else.

WORSHIPING GAURA NITAI
"(One) can worship Gaura-Nitai in his home. The most important element for their worship is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra. They can have at least one arati and whatever foodstuffs are prepared can be offered. " -letter 2/15/75, Mexico City

"Gaura Nitai can be established anywhere, and it is simple to worship Them, simply chant before Their Lordships. He doesn't mind that you have not decorated very nicely, but if you chant and dance He is very pleased." - letter 4/21/76, Melbourne

"So far your deity-worship of Lord Jagannatha, don't bother with it for the time being, that is my opinion. Householders can have small altars, and Guru-Gauranga and Jagannatha may be worshiped, but you should not spend a lot of time in this way to try to make the worship "first-class" as you say. You cannot make it first-class. That requires much time and money and men, so better to leave the worshiping of deities very nicely to the temples, and you may go there and worship. A small Guru-Gauranga altar, offer incense and flowers in morning, offer all home-prepared foodstuffs there—that's enough for the time being. Better to spend time chanting and following the other regulative principles and preaching and selling books." - letter 2/22/72, Calcutta

"As for grhastha worshiping Gaura Nitai deities that is only for those who live far away from the temple and cannot attend. Otherwise such worship is redundant: there is already deity worship going on in the temple and they should attend the aratriks, not install their own deities. The householding community in Los Angeles or any of our temples is not meant to be independent from the temple program." -letter 5/1/74, Bombay

RADHA KRISHNA WORSHIP
"Worship of Radha-Krishna Deities is the ultimate pinnacle of Deity worship, and it must be done with the utmost caution and attention to every detail of giving opulent service. I am not recommending more temples to install Radha-Krishna Deities until I have become more convinced that they can properly manage. At least five to ten persons must be engaged full time to worship Radha-Krishna properly, and for any small temple especially that is a detrimental factor to maintaining the highest standard in other temple activities besides, because there are not enough men." - letter7/3/72, NY

THE SIMPLEST METHOD
"In this age, in this age, Kali-yuga, there is incarnation of God. What is that, incarnation of God? Now He's tvisa-akrsnam, His bodily complexion is not black. Krishna is blackish, but He is Krishna, that Lord Caitanya...And what is His business? Now, Krishna-varnam. He's always chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Räma... You see the picture. He's associated with four others. And in this picture also you see, associated. So you put this picture or form before you and just go on chanting and dancing. This is worship. Just go on chanting and dancing. This is worship. That we are doing every day. No more, no more going to anywhere. You just keep Lord Caitanya before you and go on chanting and dancing. Your all worship finished. It is very simple. Very simple. We are simply just demonstrating everything. You can do it. You can have a picture like this and you can chant with the tune. If you like, you can play the record and chant. That is very nice... So if you make this process, then you become fully in Krishna consciousness wherever you live and whatever you are, and your life is perfect. And there is nothing objectionable. This picture, anyone can have.

"This picture or small picture, whatever you can. Like this way, Caitanya Mahäprabhu's picture, and offer Him little fruits and little flower and little incense, and chant and dance. Never mind what you are, what is your condition. Everything will come later on. Yena tena prakarena manah krsne nivesayet. Somehow or other you engage your mind in this process. Then everything will come automatically. You'll know. You'll know what to do. And there is spiritual master guidance. This is the beginning of Krishna consciousness." SB 7.7.219-31 lecture, 3/15/67, San Francisco

FAMILY MEMBERS ASSIST
Ideally, one's husband should be prepared to take the most responsibility for any worship that goes on, since often a wife is contaminated by her monthly period or the care of small children, babies in diapers, from housekeeping, etc. He should be in charge, therefore, leading the family worship, setting the right example for the children, and inviting guests to honor the prasadam, as in the perfect example set by Srila Prabhupada's father.

"That is found in, still in Hindu family: the man is worshiping the Deity and the woman is helping about the paraphernalia Deity worship, helping the husband so that he can immediately come into the Deity room and begin worshiping comfortably."- philosophy discussions, Srila Prabhupada on Auguste Comte

"If one is unable to maintain a temple at home, he should go to another’s temple where all the above performances are regularly executed. Visiting the temple of a devotee and looking at the profusely decorated forms of the Lord well dressed in a well-decorated, sanctified temple naturally infuse the mundane mind with spiritual inspiration." SB 2.3.23P

"Any householder devotee circumstantially unable to worship the Deity must at least see the Deity worship, and in this way he may achieve success also. The special purpose of Deity worship is to keep oneself always pure and clean. Grhastha devotees should be actual examples of cleanliness." --SB 7.5.23-24p

CREATING THE ATMOSPHERE OF VAIKUNTHA
Deity worship and others processes of devotional service are closely connected. When the curtain opens for the Lord's darshan, for example, His devotees naturally begin to sing His glories, offer prayers and so on. The atmosphere created brings the home to a higher level.  "'My dear Närada, actually I do not reside in My abode, Vaikuntha, nor do I reside within the hearts of the yogis, but I reside in that place where My pure devotees chant My holy name and discuss My form, pastimes and qualities.' Because of the presence of the Lord in the form of the transcendental vibration, the Vaikuntha atmosphere is evoked. This atmosphere is without fear and anxiety. One living entity does not fear another. By hearing the holy names and glories of the Lord, a person executes pious activities...(SB 1.2.17). Thus his material hankerings immediately stop." - SB 4.30.35p

"Whenever pure topics of the transcendental world are discussed, the members of the audience forget all kinds of material hankerings, at least for the time being. Not only that, but they are no longer envious of one another, nor do they suffer from anxiety or fear." -SB 4.30.35

“Even from a material point of view, everyone should take to chanting the Hare Krishna mantra to be saved from all kinds of danger. This world is full of danger (padam padam yad vipadäm). Therefore we should be encouraged to chant the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra so that in our family, society, neighborhood and nation, everything will be smooth and free from danger. SB 10.6.3

THE EXAMPLE OF SYAMBHUVA MANU
"It is understood that Emperor Sväyambhuva Manu enjoyed his household life by following these principles. It is stated here that early in the morning there were musicians who used to sing with musical instruments about the glories of the Lord, and the Emperor, with his family, personally used to hear about the pastimes of the Supreme Person. This custom is still prevalent in India in some of the royal families and temples. Professional musicians sing with sahnäis, and the sleeping members of the house gradually get up from their beds in a pleasing atmosphere. During bedtime also the singers sing songs in relationship with the pastimes of the Lord, with sahnäi accompaniment, and the householders gradually fall asleep remembering the glories of the Lord. In every house, in addition to the singing program, there is an arrangement for Bhägavatam lectures in the evening; family members sit down, hold Hare Krishna kirtana, hear narrations from Srimad-Bhägavatam and Bhagavad-gitä and enjoy music before going to bed. The atmosphere created by this sankirtana movement lives in their hearts, and while sleeping they also dream of the singing and glorification of the Lord. In such a way, perfection of Krsna consciousness can be attained. This practice is very old, as learned from this verse of Srimad-Bhägavatam; millions of years ago, Sväyambhuva Manu used to avail himself of this opportunity to live householder life in the peace and prosperity of a Krsna consciousness atmosphere..." SB 3.22.33p

MORE BENEFITS
"Preparing nice, simple vegetable dishes, offering them before the picture or Deity of Lord Krishna and bowing down and praying for Him to accept such a humble offering enables one to advance steadily in life, to purify the body, and to create fine brain tissues which will lead to clear thinking." -Bg 9.26 purport

“The neophyte devotees’ ringing the bell even once during worship of the Deity of the Supreme Lord is a million times more valuable, spiritually and otherwise, than the charitable furtive workers’ building many hospitals, feeding thousands of the poor, or building homes, or even the empirical philosopher’s Vedic studies, meditation, austerities, and penances" --Srila Bhaktisiddanta

“From the body of any person who claps and dances before the Deity, showing manifestations of ecstasy, all the birds of sinful activities fly away upward.” Just as by clapping the hands one can cause many birds to fly away, similarly the birds of all sinful activities which are sitting on the body can be made to fly away simply by dancing and clapping before the Deity of Krishna.” NOD 9

"Advanced devotees can gain direct inspiration from the temple deity. Thus a devotee always takes shelter of a recognized temple in order to advance in transcendental knowledge." See SB 3.4.30

ABOUT NRSINGHA WORSHIP (from www.gosai.com):
QUESTION: I have seen on your website that you have installed and worship Deities of Lord Narasimha in your ashram. When Gaudiya Vaisnavas are devotees of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna why do you worship Lord Narasimha?

ANSWER: The goal of a Gaudiya Vaisnava is to develop pure love for Sri Sri Radha-Krsna and all aspects of our practices lead to that end and to that end alone. Therefore, we worship Lord Narasimha who has the capacity to purify a heart filled with lust, to destroy the desire for fame and cunning behavior, to purify us from duplicitous dealings, to bestow fearlessness upon our weary souls and who's lotus feet bestow love for Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

Home Altar Standards

It's a good idea to think about what they are.
1. Decide the minimum standard for your home altar maintenance and deity worship

2. Even better, write it down. That helps it become more of an unbreakable declaration. In other words, don't post anything you can't handle regularly. Therefore, it's best to start very simply and maintain that.

3.  Beyond that can be extras according to availability, desire, etc. For example, finally having access to a fresh flower garden or tulasi leaves.

Here's a sample of a basic standard for a home altar with pictures of the Lord and His associates:

EACH MORNING:
Carefully wipe each picture dust free (or as needed).

EACH DAY:
Wipe the altar before and after removing each bhoga offering;
Offer bhoga at least once a day

EVERY EKADASI:
Polish deity cups

HOME ALTAR CHALLENGES
One can gradually add things to the initial standard, but only what is sure to be maintained. Here are a few examples for how standards may be raised (or at least dreamed about!):

• Learning to consecrate water (samana arghya) and sip acamana properly. Learning the full set of acamana mantras.
• Awakening the Lord and putting Him to rest each morning and evening.
• Offering another cup of fresh water before putting the deity to rest.
• Memorizing the mula mantras for each deity being served.
• Putting up altar curtains to close when the Lord eats or rests.
• Offering arati at least once a day. Full artik includes offerings of incense, ghee wicks, water, a cloth, flowers, chamara whisk and (during the warm seasons), a peacock fan. Dhupa or a shortened artik consists of incense, flowers and the chamara whisk,
• Wearing fresh clothing for every offering cooked or arati performed, etc. This means clothing that has not been eaten in, slept in, worn while using the restroom or sitting on any bedding or other impure place. This means learning how to hand wash and dry lightly worn garments efficiently or else having a lot of extra clothing.
• Not worshiping Lord without a seat, aka an asana.
• Learning to drink brahmana style when dressed in suchi clothes and drinking a beverage.
• Cooking and serving everything freshly cooked with the freshest ingredients possible. Nothing canned or frozen or pre-prepared in a factory with preservatives and additives. Preparing everything from scratch to ensure high standard of purity for Krishna's pleasure.
• Kitchen cleanliness before, during and immediately after cooking and eating.
• Using two sinks, two dish racks and two separate sponges- one suchi (for Krishna's offerings) and the other muchi (for personal use). And keeping deity items out of the muchi sink.
• Washing kitchen towels separately from personal laundry.
• Not eating in the kitchen.
• Transferring the cooked offerings from the Lord’s pots into separate serving containers, pitchers, etc. instead of serving from the cooking pots.
• Serving everyone assembled for prasadam first, then honoring prasadam yourself, only after everyone is fully satisfied.
• Wiping the eating place immediately after eating, including the floor.
• Keeping no leftovers in the refrigerator and distributing them.
• Keeping the kitchen very clean on a daily basis and neatly organized. Thoroughly deep cleaning the entire kitchen at least once a week.
• Supplying the Lord fresh water at every meal.
• Supplying fresh tulasi leaves daily for puja and offerings.
• Growing and keeping Tulasi Maharani plant at home. 
• Polishing the deity cups daily or on Ekadasis.
• Not blowing on anything clean such as a candle. Snuff it out instead.
• Learning prayers for forgiveness at the conclusion of worship. And learning the wor-for-word meaning of the prayers and mantras used.
• Having an entire room set aside as the puja room in the house for where the altar is set up and for daily worship, and with a bell at the entrance.

HOME ALTAR WISH LIST (or again, simply to dream about):
More items to add to worship, if and whenever possible (or to bring as gifts to one's local temple):

• bowls, spoons and  tray for deity bathing
• towels for after deity bathing
• rosewater
• saffron
• sandlewood and a grinding stone to grind into pulp
• (preferably edible rather than synthetic) camphor
• incense
• ghee wicks
• choice, scented flowers, a whole garden of them!
• flower garlands and learning various garland making techniques
• plate covers for covering food offerings from the eyes of others before the offering,
• seating for the deities while They are eating (asanas)
• roasted fennel seeds for Lord to chew after His meal. And a small side offering of salt, pepper, slices of lemon with noon bhoga offering, and a daily sweet...
• materials for clothing construction and embellishments
• jewelry
• crowns and or turbans
• deity shoes
• a mirror for morning darshan
• deity beds and bedding and night outfits!
• Altar decor including flower arrangements, decorative back drops; images of cows, peacocks, elephants. Learning decorative rangoli. Lighting lamps for Kartik (diyas) and Diwali seasonal decor.

Deity worship material Arcana Paddhati, is available for more information. Also take note of and ask experienced devotees about their home altars during visits to their homes. ISKCON deity worhip ki jaya!

Mango Chutney

Personal favorite:
 INGREDIENTS:

1 T ghee 

1 T ginger root, grated

1/4 t mustard seeds 

1/4 t cumin seeds

1/4 t kalonji seeds

1/4 t fennel seeds

1/4 t fenugreek seeds 

2 ripe mangoes, washed, peeled and coarsely chopped

Pinch of salt (opt)

Pinch of black pepper (opt) AND OR

Cayenne pepper (opt), as desired 

Sugar, as desired or at least 3 T

PREPARATION:

1. Chaunce in the ghee the ginger until a little brown
2. Add the next five spices (AKA panch purang)
3. When the mustard seeds stop popping, add the mango and give a little stir to coat with seasoning.
4. Add the remaining seasoning as desired. 
5. Add enough water to cover and cook the mango until thoroughly heated.
6. Mash and the add sugar and finish cooking when thickened as desired

Another from long ago:

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium sized, ripe mangoes
1-2 T ghee
2 t fresh ginger, grated
1/2 t cumin seeds
1/2 t mustard seeds
1/2 t coriander powder
1/4- 1/2 t black pepper, as desired (or use dried red chili)
1/2 t turmeric
1/4 cinnamon
1/4 c water
1/4 c sugar

PREPARATION:
1. Slice and peel the mangoes, coarsely cut into chunks.
2. Chaunce in ghee the ginger, cumin and mustard seeds. After the mustard seeds pop, add remaining spices and mango in quick succession.  Stir well until the mango is coated with the ghee and spices.
3. Add the water and sugar, cover and cook on medium heat until the mango is tender (about ten minutes). Mash. Uncover and continue to cook until nicely thickened (a few minutes more). Now its ready to offer.

Goat Fight

In Kali yuga, fighting and quarrel is a fact of life. Early on, Maharaja Yudhistira noticed "All ordinary transactions and dealings became polluted with cheating, even between friends. And in familial affairs, there was always misunderstanding between fathers, mothers and sons, between well-wishers, and between brothers. Even between husband and wife there was always strain and quarrel." SB 1.14.4 In the western world, when husband and wife fight, however, very quickly there may immediately be the suggestion and support for divorce.

In Vedic culture, on the other hand, this fight between husband and wife is considered normal and therefore not a big deal. Prabhupada quoted Canakya Pandita in this regard: "Bambhärambhe laghu-kriyä. Aja-yuddhe, fighting between two goats... Now, they are very serious about fighting, and somebody comes, (claps) does like this, (claps), and they go away. The fighting stops. You see? So bambhärambhe, the attempt is very great, but the effect is little...

"So, of course, in India the quarrel between husband and wife, nobody cares. Nobody takes very seriously. The husband may complain, the wife may complain. Everyone says, 'Yes, yes. That's all right. It will be all right.' They never go to court for divorce. You see? But it is... There is no seriousness. And actually it is fact. I have seen a serious. They are divorced, but still, the husband is anxious for the wife, and the wife is anxious for the husband. The divorce is artificial. The husband and wife, the combination, that cannot be cut off. So one should tolerate these things. If there is some misunderstanding, they should not go to the court for divorce. They should tolerate. These are some of the rules for spiritual advancement." Bg 6.32-40 lecture, 9/14/66, NY

"There was no question of divorce. There was no question of divorce, even they do not like each other, even they fight. Fight there must be, whenever there are two men or women. That is individuality. Therefore Canakya Pandita says... Whenever there is fight between husband and wife, it should be neglected. The formula of Cänakya Pandita is given like this: Aja-yuddhe. When the goats are fighting, as it is very insignificant... If you understand that in the door two goats are fighting, you don't care for it. You see, a goat fight....In the morning if there is thundering sound in the cloud, you should know it will not rain. It will never rain. That thundering may be very loud, but there will be no rain. That means you can neglect. As you can neglect the fight between two goats...as you do not take very seriously the thundering sound of the cloud in the morning, similarly, dämpatye kälahe caiva, similarly, whenever there is fight between husband and wife, you should take like that. Don't take it seriously." -SB 12.2.1 lecture,3/18/68, SF

Of course, with the degradation of the people, such as taking intoxication or keeping bad association, fights can get out of hand, but we are talking about devotees here only, those who are on the path of progressive life.

Prabhupada also advised a disciple: "We should learn to forget and forgive minor incidents because whenever there are two men in a place, there is always some misunderstanding. Such misunderstanding happens even between husband and wife—what to speak of others. But we have to adjust things on the basis of Krishna Consciousness." --letter, 1/11/68, LA

Also: "Another difficulty is that in modern civilization everyone is independent spirited. The girls are no longer very much humble and submissive to their husbands. So you must be prepared to tolerate such whims of your future wife. According to our Vedic civilization, disagreements between husband and wife is not taken very seriously. But the modern age allows divorce even, either by the husband or by the wife. These things are not good. But after marrying, certainly there will be some disagreement or misunderstanding between husband and wife." --letter, 11/26/69, London

In my experience, too, no matter how disturbing at the time the fight may be, it can be forgotten and the other person can be forgiven. It makes me appreciate the saying:

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

That's because, with a little patience, no matter how distant a couple may feel at times, feelings of affection can return. That's how the material energy works- happiness and distress come and go (Bg 2.14), and faithfulness is the path towards understanding what real love is all about. Love doesn't quit.

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

WHERE LAKSMI LIVES
In closing, Srila Prabhupada describes how a husband and wife may work together for a simple, prosperous, peaceful life:

" So in the morning, the husband and wife would go to take bath in the Ganges. They would very nicely take bath, and while coming they will purchase some ingredients and then come home. The husband will perform püjä, etc., and the wife will prepare many nice preparations-badä, pakora... this, that. Then he'll take his meals, rest awhile, and in the evening he will sit down...about four or five o'clock. All the preparations his wife had made whole day, and the small shop. And the university students will come up to night, ten o'clock, he'll finish. Nothing will remain. Everything will be... And he'll make at least ten rupees profit, minimum. In those days, 1925, in those days ten rupees means nowadays at least fifty rupees. So, and living very happy. Living humbly as a brähmana, he was having his püjä, going to the Ganges, taking bath, husband and wife, in the morning, and the wife's business is to prepare and his business was to sell. So they'll make at least ten, fifteen rupees profit daily, very prosperous. Living peacefully, husband and wife. There are many such families...

"If wife is very good, then his home is very nice. They cannot be unhappy at any circumstances.... Cänakya Pandita (said): When there is full agreement between husband and wife, cooperation, then the goddess of fortune comes there without application. You haven't got to ask goddess of fortune, "Please come and help me." She'll come automatically. This is Canakya Pandita's instruction....

"There are so many things in India culture for becoming happy and advancing towards the goal of life. Now I am appreciating for more and more, seeing the whole world, what is India's culture. Formerly I was thinking, 'It is custom. To become faithful wife, this is custom.' But when I come outside I see what is wife and what is faithful wife. In India, still, in the village, even there is fight between husband, wife, the wife is faithful. Still. Completely dependent on husband. The husband also, in spite of fighting, is always careful that the wife does not get any inconvenience. It was the culture, now it is breaking...In material world, for peaceful life, there must be peaceful condition between the husband and wife. Everyone requires wife, everyone requires husband. Sex is necessary, so make the condition of sex very peaceful... It is necessary. As eating is necessary, sleeping is necessary, for ordinary man, so sex is also necessary. So make a condition so that nothing will be disturbed, and in undisturbed condition of mind execute spiritual advancement. This is Indian civilization. Aim is spiritual advancement."--8/2/76 New Mayapur farm, France

(photo courtesy of freeimage4u.com)

Collected Prayers

Prabhupada wrote: "According to great learned scholars, the whole Bhagavad-gitä contains many authorized prayers, especially in the Eleventh Chapter, where Arjuna prays to the universal form of the Lord. Similarly, in the Gautamiya-tantra all the verses are called prayers. Again, in Srimad-Bhägavatam there are hundreds of prayers to the Lord. So a devotee should select some of these prayers for his recitation." NOD9

One may wish to collect their favorites. Here's a sampling of my own:

"O Lord of Madhu, as the Ganges forever flows to the sea without hindrance, let my attraction be constantly drawn unto You without being diverted to anyone else." SB 1.8.42

“My Lord, I know that young girls have natural affection for young boys, and that young boys have natural affection for young girls. I am praying at Your lotus feet that my mind may become attracted unto You in the same spontaneous way.” NOD 9

“O my Lord, I do not have any love for You, nor am I qualified for discharging devotional service by chanting and hearing. Nor do I possess the mystic power of a Vaisnva, knowledge or pious activities. Nor do I belong to a very high-caste family. On the whole, I do not possess anything. Still, O beloved of the gopis, because You bestow Your mercy on the most fallen, I have an unbreakable hope that is constantly in my heart. That hope is always giving me pain." Madya 23.29

“O Lord of the poor, do what you like with me, give me either mercy or punishment, but in this world I have none to look to except Your Lordship. The cätaka bird always prays for the cloud, regardless of whether it showers rains or throws a thunderbolt.”--Srila Rupa Goswami

“O Lord, no one is more merciful than You, and no one is more pathetic than I. I am very low and fallen. O Lord Yadunath, please reflect on my case and do to me whatever is appropriate.

“I have no goal in life, and I have committed countless sins. O Lord Hari, O Murari, You are my shelter. O Madhusudana, O Vasudeva, O Vishnu, all glories to You. O Jagadisa, please protect me, please protect me.

“We are not poets. We are not logicians. We are not philosophers who have crossed to the farther shores of Vedanta. We are not eloquent debaters. We are the servants of a rascal cowherd boy.” --Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya

"Gurudeva, give to this servant just one drop of mercy. I am lower than a blade of grass. Give me all help. Give me strength. Let me be as you are, without desires or aspirations. I offer you all respects, for thus I may have the energy to know you correctly. Then, by chanting the holy name in great ecstasy, all my offenses will cease.

"When will such mercy fall to this one who is weak and devoid of intelligence? Allow me to be with you.

"If you examine me, you will find no qualities. Your mercy is all that I am made of. If you are not merciful unto me, I can only weep, and I will not be able to maintain my life.---Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna he
Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna he
Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna raksha mäm
Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna pähi mäm
räma räghava räma räghava räma räghava raksha mäm
Krishna Keshava Krishna Keshava Krishna Keshava pähi mäm
“O Lord Räma, descendant of King Raghu, please protect Me. O Krishna, O Keshava, killer of the Kesi demon, please maintain Me.”--Madya 7.96

"O Lord, we pray that You let us be born in any hellish condition of life, just as long as our hearts and minds are always engaged in the service of Your lotus feet, our words are made beautiful [by speaking of Your activities] just as tulasi leaves are beautified when offered unto Your lotus feet, and as long as our ears are always filled with the chanting of Your transcendental qualities."--SB 3.15.49

“If You like that I shall again take birth, it doesn’t matter. My only request is that if I have to take my birth, please kindly give me the chance of taking my birth in a devotee’s house. I don’t mind if I am born as an insect, but I must be in the house of a devotee. I do not like non-devotee life. Even if I am born a Lord Brahma I want to remain with the devotees. I want such devotee who doesn’t care for material happiness or spiritual liberation I simply desire to be associated with such pure devotees. Now, henceforward You are my father, Your are my brother, You are my daughter, You are my son, You are m Lord, You are my spiritual master, You are my husband, everything You are. My Lord, Kana-Krsna, You are the lover of Radharani, but You are my life and soul, kindly give me protection!"--Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Keeping me blindfolded
In this arena of the mundane world,
O Hari! You ask me to catch You.
Hurling a blow on me, You tell with a smile
“Well here is My touch,
That you have been asking for.”

I have reached for You, in futile efforts,
Just to be harassed.
You have always stayed close to me
While maintaining a distance.
Despite being so near and dear to me
You have always remained a stranger.

My days are waning,
When will You stop Your game?
You indulge in cruel sports and it frightens me.
I am incapable of catching You.
I admit my defeat.
Now undo my blindfold
And unfold Yourself to me,
O Diffuser of Distress.
--author unknown, translated from Bengali

The Measles

What starts out as fever and diarrhea for a week may go unrecognized as measles until the rash develops.


In the case described here, the rash lasted only 2 1/2 days, mostly covering the trunk, arms and face of the patient. The patient's eyes were pretty red also. So one of the first things was to put him in a darkened room with adequate ventilation. He mostly wanted to rest, and definitely had no appetite. It is advised, therefore, to give frequent doses of lemon juice in water to stimulate the appetite. Lemonade with mishri is very cooling along with coconut water. Continue with lots of fluids and lots of rest the first day or so along with juicy fruits such as watermelon and papaya and a little honey to ward off any weakness. Slowly add other foods while the patient is convalescing such as watery rice or mung soup or a combination of both plus softly cooked carrots or watery oatmeal.


At some point toward the end of the rash and fever an ear infection may develop. Warm oil in the ear and especially a dose of bitter herbs (Sudarshan Ghanvati) one tablet both morning and evening, along with Lord Krishna's grace, can help the infection quickly subside with no need for medical intervention.

SPECIAL NEEM BATH
There may or may not be much itching, but fresh neem leaves,


steeped in hot water first like a strong tea and then added that to the bath water is soothing.

Loving the Lord

Loving the Lord
In bhakti yoga there are nine loving ways to remain continuously  connected with the Lord.

1. Associate with Lord Krishna by hearing about Him every day from authorized sources. Learn about Him, what He likes and dislikes, and how to please Him.

2. Call upon Him every day by chanting His holy names with love and devotion. Tell others about Him. Bring Him up in every conversation. Speak about His transcendental service, instructions and pastimes.

3. Remember Him day and night, His holy name, form, qualities, pastimes, devotees, paraphernalia... Remember special realizations of His presence and protection. Even better, write them down. Surround yourself with people and things that remind you of Him. Keep pictures of Him where you'll see them. Celebrate the days that are dear to Him. Wear the Vaisnava clothing and tilak that He likes and wears. Eat only what has been offered to Him for eating first.

4. Like iron drawn to a powerful magnet, visit your local Radha Krishna murtis and Their associates every day. Drink the holy water that has washed Their lotus feet. Carefully assist and take shelter of Their pure servants. Visit the holy places marked by Their lotus feet. Worship and serve Tulsi devi who adorns Krishna's lotus feet.

5. Whatever you do, do it for Krishna with love. Prepare special little things for His comfort such as offerings of food, water, incense, and so on. Give gifts and offerings of food to Him that you know He will enjoy. Pay attention to details. Keep yourself and everything used in His service very pure and orderly.

6. Bow down to His lotus feet, surrendering your heart and soul. Talk to Him in prayer every chance you get. Whenever in doubt, ask Him what to do. Listen carefully to the things He says to you as Supersoul, in dreams, in the sastras, as well as through the sadhu and trusted sources. With great feeling, sing to Him loving prayers each morning and evening.

7. Be available, always prepared to render Him service. Give your full attention. Think of how to serve Him better each new day. Look for His presence everywhere and in every heart.

8. Treasure the things He gives to you - whether it be prasadam, a scripture verse or some gift or necessity He has sent through another person- treasure it! Depend on His provision, protection and direction.

9. Offer to Him your mind, body, words, family and household affairs, heart and soul- everything you possess- for His service. Affirm your unconditional loyalty to Him. Acknowledge Him in all your ways.

“You are Krsna's. You become Krsna's servant.”

-- A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, SB lecture 3.25.43 Bombay 12/11/74

The Laughter of Rupa Goswami

Taken from Sri Bhakti Ratnakara, fifth wave, by Srila Narahari Chakravarti, here's more help for guarding against the first offense:

bhakta-sthane sabadhana habe sarva-mate
yena kona akausala nahe tan’ra cite

Always be careful in your dealings with devotees and never create any ill feelings in their hearts.

akausala ha-ile saba haya antaraya
prasanga paiya kichu kahiye ethaya

Creating ill feelings with the devotees will create impediments on one’s path. I will relate a story to reveal this truth.

One day in Vrindavan Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada sat rapt in meditation, feeling great bliss in his heart.

While he was sitting in his samadhi he observed a wonderful pastime. The gopis were decorating Srimati Radharani while Krishna stood behind Her watching. Krishna revealed His presence to the sakhis, bringing an increasing festival of joy to their hearts, but Radharani was unaware that He was there. In many wonderful ways the gopis braided and decorated Radha’s hair. Then they placed a mirror before Her. As She gazed at the beauty of Her own face, Radharani also saw Sri Krishna’s moonlike face in the mirror. Radha became very shy and quickly covered Herself with Her cloth. The gopis happily laughed at this, and Srila Rupa Goswami also joined in their laughter.

Just at that moment a Vaisnava arrived who was very eager to see Rupa Goswami. Seeing Rupa laughing, the Vaisnava did not say anything, but feeling very sorrowful in his heart he went to see Srila Sanatan Goswami. [According to the tradition in Vrindavan, this Vaisnava was a famous devotee named Krishnadas. It is said that Krishnadas was lame and unable to walk and that when Rupa Goswami laughed, Krishnadas thought that he was laughing at his disability.]

The Vaisnava told Sanatan, “I went to see Sri Rupa, but when he saw me he suddenly burst into laughter. My heart filled with sorrow! I don’t know why he acted in that way. I didn’t say anything, but came to ask you about it.” Sri Sanatan then explained the true reason for Rupa Goswami’s laughter. Hearing this, the Vaisnava became repentant at heart. Lamenting greatly, the Vaisnava said, “Why did I approach him at that moment? Not understanding his heart, I have offended him.” The Vaisnava became very agitated. Sanatan Goswami pacified him and made him peaceful again.

Meanwhile, when the Vaisnava had felt offended, Srila Rupa Goswami suddenly lost his vision of the Lord’s pastimes. He became very disturbed and looked everywhere. Considering the situation carefully, he concluded that someone must have come to see him while he was absorbed in seeing Krishna’s pastimes. “I did not honor the person that came, and thereby I committed an offense.” Thinking in this way, Rupa also went to Sanatan Goswami’s place.

When he saw Prabhupada Srila Rupa Goswami coming, that Vaisnava approached him. Falling on the ground, he offered his respects. With great humility he told Rupa, “O great soul, I have committed an offense to you. Please forgive me. Previously when I went to see you I did not understand that you were rapt in meditation.” Standing before Srila Rupa Goswami, the Vaisnava prayed, “Please be kind and forgive me for my offense. If you are merciful to me, only then can my heart become peaceful.”

When he heard these words, Srila Rupa Goswami became very agitated at heart. Falling to the ground, he offered respectful obeisances to that Vaisnava. Folding his hands, he said, “I have no power to say how great was the offense that I committed to you. Please kindly forgive me.”

Both devotees were very humble and both were filled with bhakti-rasa. Forgiving each other, they both became peaceful. The two of them then went to Srila Sanatan Goswami. For a long time they all plunged into relishing nectarean topics of Lord Krishna. When everyone heard about this incident they all became filled with wonder.

Concluding this story, Srila Narahari Chakravarti cautions everyone:

ohe bhai vaisnavete sabadhana habe
pranapana kari’ aparadha ksamaibe

O my brothers, please be very careful in dealing with the Vaisnavas. Beg their forgiveness for any offense with your heart and soul.

vaisnavera dosa-drste habe sabadhana
nirantara karibe vaisnavera guna-gana

Be careful not to see a vaisnava’s faults, and always sing their glories.

purva purva bhagavata-gana ei kaya
vaisnavera kriya-mudra vijne na bujhaya

All of the previous great devotees have said, “No one can understand the behavior of a Vaisnava.”

sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu priya-bhakta-dvare
anyere dilena siksa ei ta’ prakare

Although Srila Rupa Goswami is a highly elevated devotee very dear to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Lord used him to teach all of us of the dangers of Vaisnava aparadha.

bhakta-pada-padma dhari’ mastaka-upara
bhakti-rasa-sayare dubaha nirantara

Hold the devotees’ lotus feet to your head and always dive in the nectar of pure devotional service.

— Translated from the Gaudiya Mission edition. Bagbazar, Calcutta. 1987.

Healthy Foods

More menu planning help. Of course, the Internet has gads more information on healthy foods and their nutrients. This is just for starters:

IRON RICH FOODS
broccoli, beet, mustard, green peas, parsley
mung, chickpeas, pinto beans, dried split peas
whole wheat bread
avocado, watermelon, winter squash, baked potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, tomato juice, Brussels sprouts, carrots, string beans
corn on the cob, cauliflower
peanut butter,
tamarind
dried apricots, raisins, prunes, figs
food cooked in iron cookware
lemon juice squeezed on meal aids the body's absorption of iron

FOODS CONTAINING VITAMIN A:
Vitamin A is restorative during illness.
It is stored in the body so be wary of supplements containing excessive amounts.
Vitamin A is generally found in foods with an orange color or yellow color.
butter and ghee
oranges, cantaloupe, mango, papaya, apricots
carrots, red pepper,

FOODS CONTAINING B VITAMINS
There are many B vitamins such as thiamine and niacin, found in a wide range of foods like whole grain breads and cereals, legumes and milk.

VITAMIN C
Is good as a preventive from illness. It is not stored in body so it needs to be replenished frequently.
Good sources include:
citrus fruits - oranges, pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon...
strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe
broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, potato, bell pepper, tomatoes
chili peppers

VITAMIN D
The main, meat-free source is sunshine, at least ten minutes daily.

VITAMIN E
sunflower seeds, almonds
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip, beet, collard, and dandelion greens
pumpkin, sweet potato, mango, papaya
asparagus, broccoli
olives

PROTEIN
Urad dahl (very rich in protein. Prabhupada once said that if a devotee does not eat urad, he must be secretly eating fish),
Chickpeas (rich in protein and provide nearly double the amount of iron and more vitamin C than most legumes)
Milk and milk products
Nuts and seeds
Corn, eggplant, green beans

CALCIUM
milk products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, carob

POTASSIUM
bananas, prunes
sweet potato, beet greens,
white beans, lima beans
yogurt

Every diet also needs some fat and some sugar and salt, in moderation.

Menu Planning

Six helps for menu planning:

THE 1-2-3-4-5 MENU PLAN - (taken from the "Vegetarian Times")
Ideally, daily menus should include:

• 1 serving of nuts and seeds
• 2 servings beans, legumes, dahls,
• 3 servings milk or milk products
• 4 servings of fruits and vegetables
• 5 servings of breads and cereals

"It is rare for dahl not to be present in one form or another in Vedic meals. At least two servings - chickpea, dahls, and so on- are essential, especially for children, pregnant and nursing mothers. It can be served in a variety of ways for breakfast and lunch along with three serving of milk or milk products."

THE VEGETARIAN BASIC FOUR FOOD GROUPS
At least one serving from each food group creates a balanced meal:

• 1. Breads and Cereals
• 2. Milk and Milk Products
• 3. Nuts and Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, dahls...)
• 4. Fruits and Vegetables

THE SIX TASTES according to the Ayurveda
Good health, according to Ayurveda is based on balancing the body with six tastes (having to do with body chemistry, etc). A complete meal should try to include all six. An Internet search will reveal the prominent tastes of various foods and condiments to choose from (often there is more than one. For example, cinnamon is both sweet and pungent) as well as more information. It is a great science!
The six tastes are:

• Hot or pungent taste - e.g. chilies, mustard seeds, black pepper, hing...
• Sweet taste- e.g. breads, cereals, rice, sugar, sweet spices...
• Astringent taste (produces a dryness on the tongue) - e.g. spinach, butter, apple, lettuce, pomegranate, plantain...
• Sour taste - e.g. citrus fruit, yogurt, sour cream...
• Salty taste- e.g. salty tasting vegetables, sea vegetable, as well as salt itself
• Bitter taste- e.g. bittermelon (karela), turmeric, neem, fenugreek, Italian seasoning, dandelion, kale...

The quickest way to add a sour taste is to serve a slice of lemon on the plate. A quick way to add heat is to serve minced fresh ginger or fresh chili (preferable sauteed in a little ghee). Various chutneys are ideal to serve in a meal because they combine many tastes in one serving. For example, green apple chutney can be a combination of sour, sweet, astringent and pungent tastes.

Generally, a person is advised to choose foods, spices, herbs and lifestyle according to his constitution- predominantly vata, pitta or kapha or a combination of these. Other times, when one has developed some sort of ailment, one should choose according to what needs to be brought back into balance. For example, if you have a vata type headache, you'd want to bring vata back into balance via hot soups and herbal teas and honey, hot bath and rest, etc,"Within the broad principle of including all six tastes, you can customize your food choices to the doshas you are trying to balance at a given time. If you are trying to keep Pitta dosha in balance, for instance, you would choose more foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent and fewer foods that are salty, pungent or sour. To keep Vata balanced, choose more from salty, sour or sweet foods and fewer bitter, pungent or astringent foods. To keep Kapha in balance, eat more bitter, pungent or astringent foods and fewer salty, sour or sweet foods." (see http://www.ayurbalance.com/explore_articlesixtastes.htm).

The test of a good doctor, by the way, is that he'll advise what foods to avoid, and which foods are helpful to regain balance in the system. And this knowledge of the six tastes in useful in home nursing. It can get a little tricky though. For example, refined sugar is said to heat the blood whereas sugar in a cruder state called mishri or rock sugar is cooling.  Also Ayurveda takes the post digestive effect of a substance, as well as the climate and season into consideration and so on and so on. Speaking of digestion, that's probably one of the most important aspects for good health and immunity, according to Ayurveda, rather than the nutrition aspects of a food only.

Gradually you'll become familiar with all the foods, herbs and spices you use and understand their rasa, vipaka, virya and prabhava as well as other properties.

PRABHUPADA'S PROGRAM
Prabhupada taught his disciples to eat rice, dahl, chapatis and a subji (or two) in their main meal. Using this basic formula, there are many variations for each category. For example, instead of chapati have puri or paratha the next day. Instead of plain rice have spicy rice, lemon rice, rice with sweet spices or rice with vegetables added. Extras to round out this basic meal plan would be beverages, raitas and salads, savories, chutneys, sauces and sweets.

A MENU SUGGESTION CHECKLIST
What to make for lunch today? For quick menu planning of any meal, it's very helpful to make a list of favorite preparations to refer to when uninspired. The preps may be grouped as Rice Dishes, Breads and Pancakes, etc. or Breakfast Ideas, Lunch Suggestions, etc. or "What to do With...? (pumpkin, zucchni, apples.. whatever you have on hand).  Another favorite place to go for inspiration is Pinterest.

PRESENTATION:
Presentation of food is important; what it looks like can affect its reception. In that respect, variety is an necessary for creating appetizing menus. Here's some considerations:

Varying colors. For example, an Ekadasi plate of mashed potatoes, subji in a white sauce and tapioca pudding would look pretty boring without garnishes and other variety of food colors.

Varying texture. Not all wet, not all dry subjis, not all deep fried nor just soft or mushy foods (unless you're a baby or something).

Varying tastes.. Ever eaten a meal that had nothing but hot, hot chili taste in every prep with no relief? Yogurt, rice and sweet foods are essential "fire extinguishers" when served with peppery hot dishes.

Also see Creating Garnishes.

Serving and Honoring Prasadam

HOW TO SERVE PRASADAM (excerpt from webpage by HH Bhakti Caru Swami)
"We should never waste Krishna prasadam. Best thing is to cook only what is required and then give each person what he wants. That is the Vedic system, that the people sit in rows behind their plates and servers pass down the rows and put a very small portion of each foodstuff on each plate, unless there is some objection by a person. Then nothing is given. Then if anyone wants more, the servers pass up and down the rows continually and give more if anyone requests. In this way nothing is wasted and everyone is satisfied." (SP letter to Kirtiraja das 71.11.42)

1. All to be served should be invited to sit on the floor, and prasadam should be served by qualified devotees.
2. Those who serve should be very clean, peaceful, and satisfied. They should eat before serving (if they must). They should try not to speak while serving.
3. Serve a little at a time so that nothing is wasted.
4.  Authority figures, the elderly and children should be served first.
5. Place salt and lemon on each plate before those to be served are seated.
6. Always serve water first.
7. Prasadam should be served in the following order:

• First bitter and astringent preparations like sukta and bitter melon and spinach
• Followed by dahl and savories (such as pakora or fried potatoes)
• Then come other vegetable preparations (subjis) progressing from lighter subjis to richer subjis and from wet subjis to dry subjis
• Next richer, wet subjis are served again
• Followed by raitas and chutneys
• Finally sweets progressing less to more sweet
• Rice and chapatis  should be offered from the very beginning and replenished as needed

8. Servings may be small but when the devotees finish an ten, one should be alert to replenish the preparation. Go around serving seconds and so on until every is satisfied. Don't be stingy - don't hold anything back because you want to take it later. Prasadam is meant for distribution.
9. Do not touch plates with the serving spoon. Touching the plate contaminates the spoon. If a spoon becomes contaminated, you should wash it.
10. Don't let your fingers touch any of the preparations, even water. Salt should never be served by hand, use a spoon.
11. Never touch prasadam with your feet or step over it.
12. Serve the prasadam from serving buckets.
13. Don't drag buckets along the floor or make clanging noises with pot handles or utensils. Serve quietly.
14. After everyone is finished honoring prasadam, clean the place immediately.

HOW TO HONOR PRASADA
When a devotee distributes prasada, remnants of food offered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in order to maintain our spirit of devotional service we must accept this prasada as the Lord's grace received through the pure devotees. (NI Text 4, p 39)

1. Remember that Krishna prasadam is non-different from Krishna. Recite the 'sarira avidya-jal' prayer to remember that.
2. Use the right hand to eat and drink.
3. Meditate on how Krishna tasted the offering. (One can also meditate on Krishna's mercy in providing prasadam and the prasadam pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Krishna.)
4. Do not talk while honoring prasadam (besides glorifying Krishna and His prasadam.)
5. Do not throw prasadam. Never touch prasadam with your feet.
6. Wash hands, feet and mouth before and after eating.
7. Drink a glass of water one hour before eating. For some time after eating, don't drink; if you at all have to drink, drink something hot.
8.Srila Prabhupäda said: Fill 1/4 of your stomach with water, 1/2 with food and the other 1/4 with air. Do not overeat.

AN EXCELLENT SERVICE EXAMPLE:
Story of Prabhupäda's Visit (along with some disciples) at the Asram of Puri Maharaja in Visakhapatnam (SP Lil V, pg 66-67):
"Prabhupäda's godbrother Ananda was eager to cook and serve not only Srila Prabhupäda, but all his disciples. Ananda was elderly, yet he took the position of always offering menial service. Although he spoke very little English, Prabhupäda's disciples could perceive the affection of Ananda and Srila Prabhupäda for each other. Ananda's communication with Srila Prabhupäda's disciples was particularly manifest through his cooking and serving of prasadam..."
[A wonderful description is then given on how Ananda would serve all the devotees prasadam.]

"Each morning everyone would gather on the veranda outside Prabhupada's quarters, the men sitting on one side, the ladies on the other. Down the center aisle, Ananda would walk briskly, distributing prasadam, while Prabhupäda sat at one end in a wooden chair, fingering his japa beads and observing the devotees take prasadam. Prabhupäda had supplied money to the asram and Ananda was regularly cooking sumptuous feasts: deep-fried chunks of potatoes in powdered spices, rice, yogurt, dal, three different types of subjis, french fries, chutney, malpura, rajkeli,
sandesa, ksira -- and everything cooked to a nectarean standard of excellence.

"Prabhupäda would sit at the head of the two rows and encourage them to take prasadam: 'Give him more!' Prabhupäda would praise Ananda's cooking, smiling with pleasure to see his disciples accept prasadam. The devotees would finish, having been induced to eat as much as they possibly could, and Srila Prabhupada would say aloud the prema-dhvani. Then all the devotees would shout in response, 'Jaya!'

"After one such feast, Prabhupäda called the devotees into his room and remarked, 'See how he is cooking. He cooks everything, he serves it, and then he doesn't eat until everyone is fully satisfied. This is Vaisnava, how he should act. He is more satisfied to serve than to enjoy himself.'"