In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna advises that one can avoid sin not merely by forcing oneself to renounce sense objects, but by developing a "higher taste"—a superior, spiritual satisfaction that makes material pleasures seem insignificant.
In Bhagavad Gita (2.59), Krishna explains that a soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, but the desire for those sense objects remains. That craving disappears only when a higher pleasure is experienced. Forced renunciation is likened to a sick person on a restrictive diet who, despite refraining, still longs for the food they are forbidden. In contrast, one who has tasted the bliss of spiritual life loses their attraction for "pale material things".
To develop this higher, spiritual taste and avoid sin, Krishna advises several practices.
1. Devotion and chanting (Bhakti Yoga)
Devotional service, or Bhakti Yoga, is the most direct path to developing a higher taste.
Chanting God's names: Purely chanting the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra is a key practice. Krishna's holy names are non-different from Krishna himself, purifying the mind and driving out material desires.
Engaging the senses: Rather than suppressing the senses, one should engage them in the service of Krishna. For example, instead of listening to mundane music, one can listen to devotional songs. Instead of eating for personal pleasure, one can eat prasadam (food offered to Krishna).
2. Surrender to God (Mat-para)
Krishna asks for complete surrender, assuring his devotees that he will free them from all sinful reactions.
Focus the mind on Krishna: By concentrating the mind on Krishna, all impurities are burned away, making it easier to control the restless senses.
Become mat-para: This term means to make Krishna the supreme goal. As explained in the life of Maharaja Ambarisha, when one engages all their senses and desires in serving the Lord, they become fit for this devotion and gain full control over their senses.
3. Action without attachment to results (Nishkam Karma)
Performing one's duties without a desire for the fruits of the action purifies the mind and liberates one from sin.
Righteous duty (Dharma): Focus on performing your righteous duty rather than clinging to outcomes. This focus reduces the mental and emotional noise arising from worldly concerns.
Selfless action: When actions are performed with devotion and the results are surrendered to God, they become spiritualized and do not incur sinful reactions.
4. Partaking of spiritualized food (Prasadam)
Eating food that has been prepared with devotion and offered to Krishna helps resist material contamination and purifies the consciousness.
Offer food to Krishna: The Bhagavad Gita states that devotees who eat food offered as a sacrifice are freed from all sins, while those who cook for their own enjoyment eat only sin.
Qualitative change: When food is offered to Krishna with love, it becomes transcendental and helps the individual advance spiritually.
Summary of the process
The process of acquiring a higher taste is a positive, joyful one, not a painful one of forced deprivation. By cultivating devotion and experiencing a deeper, spiritual fulfillment, one's lesser, material desires spontaneously fall away, and the temptation to commit sin naturally disappears.
