Every day Buddhists all over the world recite “The Five Contemplations” at mealtime. These five simple sentences have endured for over twenty-five centuries because of the depth of compassion and wisdom inherent in them.
These verses gently remind us to be fully present in the moment. They remind us to walk lightly on this earth and to consider our purpose for being here. They remind us to be virtuous in body, speech and mind. They remind us to be mindful of unwholesome acts, such as greed, anger, and delusion.
In a way, you could say that “The Five Contemplations” convey the very essence of the Buddha’s teaching.
Here is the version that students of Thich Nhat Hanh use. I offer it as a Thanksgiving grace for this holiday season:
- This food is the gift of the whole universe—the earth, the sky, and much hard work.
- May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it.
- May we transform our unskillful states of mind, especially our greed.
- May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.
- We accept this food so that we may realize the path of practice.
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