Federation of Jain Associations in North America
JAINA Education Committee
Thanks Giving Meal Prayer
Start the meal with the seven contemplations, or with whatever traditional grace or prayer you prefer to use to express our gratitude.
- This food is the gift of the whole universe: the earth, the sky, numerous living beings and much hard, loving work.
- May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive it.
- May we recognize and transform our unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed, and learn to eat with moderation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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