We always start with the motivation — why are we going to eat? At the Abbey, we recite the five contemplations from the Chinese Buddhist tradition before eating. “I contemplate all the causes and conditions and the kindness of others by which I have received this food.” “I contemplate my practice, constantly trying to improve it.” “I contemplate my mind, cautiously guarding it from wrongdoing, greed, and other defilements.” “I contemplate this food, treating it as wondrous medicine to nourish my body.” “I contemplate the aim of Buddhahood, accepting and consuming this food in order to accomplish it.”

The last two particularly remind us why we are eating: “I contemplate this food, treating it as wondrous medicine to nourish my body.” We eat to nourish our bodies and maintain our lives, not for pleasure or to impress other people with our bodies. Seeing the food as medicine reminds us that we are nourishing ourselves, though it is not the only reason we eat: “I contemplate the aim of Buddhahood, accepting and consuming this food in order to accomplish it.” We fulfill the short-term goal of keeping our bodies alive and healthy for the long-term goal of practicing the path of attaining full awakening, for the benefit of all sentient beings. Saying these contemplations before eating every day is like making a commitment — benefactors offered food to the Abbey out of the kindness of their hearts because they believe in what we are doing, and we have the commitment to them and to all sentient beings to progress on the path to full awakening for their benefit. Remembering our motivation for eating is a great example of applying bodhicitta to our everyday activities.

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