The Five Contemplations
There are many versions of the Five Contemplations Before Eating. All based loosely on traditional Buddhist teachings. Reading them aloud is a beautiful way to begin a meal. These are from the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism founded by my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.
This is the current version I recite myself.
- This food is the gift of the whole universe, the earth, the sun, the sky, the stars, the hard and loving work of numerous beings.
- May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to enjoy every bite.
- May we transform our unwholesome states of mind. Especially our greed. And learn to live with kind awareness.
- May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that we reduce the suffering of living beings, preserve our precious planet, and stops contributing to climate change.
- We accept this food so that we may realize the path of understanding and of love.
An earlier version of the Five Contemplations
- This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky and much hard work.
- May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it.
- May we transform our own unskilled states of mind and learn to eat with moderation.
- May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
- We accept this food so that we may realize the path of understanding and love.
— Thich Nhat Hanh (via Cape Sangha)
From the Book, Savor
- This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard, loving work.
- May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive it.
- May we recognize and transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed, and learn to eat with moderation.
- May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that we reduce the suffering of living beings, preserve our planet, and reverse the process of global warming.
- We accept this food so that we may nurture our sister- hood and brotherhood, strengthen our community, and nourish our ideal of serving all living beings.
