Six Loving Exchanges



Rūpa Gosvāmī names offering and accepting prasādam among six loving exchanges. In a simple shared meal, one person may offer food with care and another may receive it with gratitude.
Whether at home or at a temple, sharing appropriately offered prasādam can be a practical occasion for hospitality, gratitude and service.
Faith source: Nectar of Instruction 4 — Rūpa Gosvāmī, English translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.
The same verse includes giving gifts and receiving gifts. A gift may be small and thoughtfully chosen—perhaps a book, flowers, or something useful for service.
Give freely without display; receive with appreciation and with regard for the circumstances of both people.
Faith source: Nectar of Instruction 4 — Rūpa Gosvāmī, English translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.
Rūpa Gosvāmī also includes revealing one’s mind in confidence and inquiring confidentially as loving exchanges. A brief paraphrase of this pair is speaking honestly with discretion and listening respectfully in return.
Confidential sharing needs good judgment, consent, discretion and attention to appropriate boundaries.
Faith source: Nectar of Instruction 4 — Rūpa Gosvāmī, English translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.



