Five contemplations before eating
This food is a gift of the earth, the sky, numerous living beings and much
hard 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 sisterhood and brotherhood,
strengthen our sangha and nourish our ideal of serving all beings.