Meal Chant


(Commonly used in Zen monasteries and retreats)



First, numberless labors have brough us this food
we should know how it comes to us
Second, as we receive this offering
we should consider whether our virtue and practice deserve it
Third, as we desire the natural order of mind
to be free from clinging we must be free from greed
Fourth, to support our life we take this food
Fifth, to attain our way we take this food

First, this food is for the three treasure
Second, it is for our teachers, parents, nation, and all sentient beings
Third, it is for all beings in the six worlds
Thus we eat this food with everyone
We eat to stop all evil
to practice good
to save all sentient beings
and to accomplish our Buddha way

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