Start
the meal with the seven contemplations, or with whatever traditional
grace or prayer you prefer to use to express our gratitude.
1.
This
food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, numerous living
beings and much hard, loving work.
2.
May
we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive it.
3.
May
we recognize and transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially our
greed, and learn to eat with moderation.
4.
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.
5.
May
we ask for forgiveness from all living beings that we may have harmed,
intentionally and unintentionally. May
peace and compassion grow in ourselves and extend to all around us.
6.
May
we pray that all the people everywhere in the world will avoid inflicting harm
on animals and fellow human beings and practice nonviolence and compassion.
7.
We
accept this food so that we may nurture our sisterhood and brotherhood,
strengthen our community, and nourish our ideal of serving all living beings.
A Very Happy and Blessed Thanks
Giving to You
