Food for Awakening (2016)

A commentary on the five contemplations before meals from the Chinese Buddhist tradition and other meal-related prayers that are recited daily at Sravasti Abbey.

A statue of a woman raising up her hands offering food

Verses before meals

Pausing before meals and reflecting on the kindness of those who provide our food helps us to generate a feeling of gratitude and wish to…

View Post
A statue of a woman raising up her hands offering food

Verses after lunch

Dedicating the merit for our food offering, wishing for all beings to be happy and free of suffering.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Our motivation for eating

A new series of talks, "Food for Awakening," on Buddhist perspectives about eating.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Eating with gratitude

A commentary on the first two of the five contemplations before meals from the Chinese Buddhist tradition.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Eating mindfully

A continuation of the commentary on five ways to think in order to make eating a meaningful activity.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Homage to the Three Jewels

An explanation of the verses of homage done in the food offering in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Offering our food

A continuing commentary on the verses for offering food to the Three Jewels.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Dedication verses

Why it's important to dedicate to never be separated from the Triple Gem, and a review of the right attitude to have while eating.

View Post

Healing the body, mind, and world

Dietician Bob Wilson shares how making healthy choices has healed his body and mind, enabling him to benefit others.

View Post

Recognizing our inner beauty

Abbey volunteer Heather Duchscher shares how meeting the Dharma helped her to overcome her eating disorder and believe in her inner potential.

View Post
Young people knead bread together in the Sravasti Abbey kitchen.

Verses after meals

An explanation of the mantras done after meals and dedication prayers for all beings.

View Post