Sunday, January 4, 2009

Five Contemplations Before A Meal 食存五觀

Our translation team worked on a translation of the Five Contemplations which is used before we take meals in the monastery:

This offering is the fruit of many's work and care;
Reflecting on my conduct, "Am I worthy of a share?"
Be wary of the poisons, the foremost being greed;
Seeing food as medicine, I take only what I need,
Solely for cultivation, to realize the Buddha Way.
With gratitude I accept this offering today.


(It is slightly modified from the excellent version I got from Rev. Heng Sure of the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery.)

食存五觀
計功多少,量彼來處
忖己德行,全缺應供
防心離過,貪等為宗
正事良藥,為療形枯
為成道業,應受此食

No comments:

Post a Comment