The Five Contemplations
This food is a gift of the entire universe – the earth, the sky and much hard work.
May we eat in mindfulness so as to be worthy to receive this food.
May we transform our unskillful states of mind and eat with moderation.
May we take only those foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
May we accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.
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The Five Contemplations
This food is a gift of the entire universe - the earth, the sky and much hard work.
May we eat in mindfulness so as to be worthy to receive this food.
May we transform our unskillful states of mind and eat with moderation.
May we take only those foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
May we accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.
Looking at your plate after eating
My plate is empty.
My hunger is satisfied.
May my life benefit all beings.
gathas for eating meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh in Stepping into Freedom (Berkeley: Parallax Press, 1997)
