A Gatha for Mindful Eating...

Hi Everyone,

I used to use this gatha (kind of a pithy saying meant to instill mindfulness in the situation) before meals, but got away from it. I think it is worth sharing as we notice our relationship to food and feelings during the week. This is from Zen Master and poet Thich Nhat Hanh, who emphasizes mindfulness in his teachings. It considers the following five contemplations.

Five Contemplations When Eating
1) I think about where the food came from and the amount of work necessary to grow the food, transport it, prepare and cook it and bring it to the table.
2) I contemplate my own virtuous nature. Is it sufficient to merit receiving the food as offering.
3) I guard my mind against transgression, the principal ones being greed and so forth.
4) I realize that food is a wholesome medicine that heals the sufferings of the body.
5) I should receive the food offerings only for the sake of realizing the Way.

Prelude to the Gatha (you can think of it as a prayer)

Before Eating The Buddha advises us to be mindful while we eat, to be in touch with the Sangha and the food. Brothers and sisters, when you hear the bell, meditate on the Five Contemplations.

The Gatha

This food is the gift of the whole universe—the earth, the sky, and much hard work. May we be worthy to receive it. May we transform unskillful states of mind, especially the habit of eating without moderation. May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness. We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.

Yours in mindful eating,

Roberta