By Thich Nhat Hanh in January 2001
Looking At Your Empty Plate
My plate, empty now, will soon be filled with precious food.
Serving Food
In this food, I see clearly the presence of the entire universe supporting my existence.
Contemplating Your Food
This plate of food,
so fragrant and appetizing,
also contains much suffering
Beginning to Eat
With the first taste,
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By Thich Nhat Hanh in January 2001
Looking At Your Empty Plate
My plate, empty now, will soon be filled with precious food.
Serving Food
In this food, I see clearly the presence of the entire universe supporting my existence.
Contemplating Your Food
This plate of food,
so fragrant and appetizing,
also contains much suffering
Beginning to Eat
With the first taste,
I promise to offer joy.
With the second,
I promise to help 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.
Finishing Your Meal
The plate is empty.
My hunger is satisfied.
I vow to live
for the benefit of all beings.
Washing the Dishes
Washing the dishes
is like bathing a baby Buddha.
The profane is the sacred.
Everyday mind is Buddha's mind.
Drinking Tea
This cup of tea
in my two hands—
mindfulness is held uprightly!
My mind and body dwell
in the very here and now.
Drawings by Lynn Kennedy
