We should always eat with presence and be aware of our food. The key is to feel satisfaction and contentment while eating instead of craving, restlessness, or dissatisfaction. We are vegetarian at the Abbey, and more people in the United States, Europe and Australia... read more
After offering our food to the Three Jewels, we dedicate the merit with this verse: “May we and all those around us never be separated from the Triple Gem in any of our lives. May we always have the opportunity to make offerings to them. And may we continuously... read more
We pay homage to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha by saying the offering verse:To the supreme teacher, the precious Buddha, To the supreme refuge, the holy precious Dharma, To the supreme guides, the precious Sangha, To all the objects of refuge, we make this... read more
“Great compassionate Protector, All-knowing Teacher, Field of merit and good qualities vast as an ocean — To the Tathagata, I bow.” This verse pays homage to the Buddha, who out of compassion taught us how to protect our minds from the afflictions that result in... read more
At the Abbey, we say: “I contemplate all the causes and conditions and the kindness of others by which I have received this food.” The original Chinese version does not include “the kindness of others”. It was added because it becomes very obvious when you eat, that... read more
