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.