A Contemplative Day: Buddhist Meal Prayers

Make copies and pass out to group to read aloud together before meal.

*
Over the full serving bowls of food, say:

In this food I see clearly
the presence of the entire universe
supporting my existence.

*
Looking into one’s own empty bowl, breathe in the suffering of all those whose bowls are empty while saying:

All living beings are struggling for life.

Breathe out while saying:

May they all have enough food
to eat today.

*

Food is served. Just before eating, see into the food and beyond the food to all the hands that brought it to you: the cooks, the grocery clerks, the truck drivers, the food processors, the farmers, etc., and hold them in gratitude and compassion while saying:

The plate is filled with food.
I am aware that each morsel
is the fruit
of much hard work
by those who produced it.

*
At the first mouthful, say:

With the first taste, I promise
to practice loving-kindness.
With the second, I promise
to relieve the suffering of others.
With the third,
I promise to see others’ joy as my own.
With the fourth,
I promise to learn the way of nonattachment and equanimity.

*
After the meal, say:

The plate is empty.
My hunger is satisfied.
I vow to live for the benefit
of all living beings.

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