In “Think Deeply,” Rev. Clairissa considers the opportunity open to us for reflection when we take up the practice of reciting the Five Thoughts of the mealtime verse each time we eat, especially how the first thought (on thinking deeply of the ways and means by which the food has come) reminds us of our very real connection with all beings.

At the start of the talk, Rev. Clairissa recites the mealtime verse as used in our tradition of Serene Reflection Meditation, or Sōtō Zen. (Please note that here the word “must” means “Oh, let us take care.”) Here are the Five Thoughts:

We must think deeply of the ways and means by which this food has come.
We must consider our merit when accepting it.
We must protect ourselves from error by excluding greed from our minds.
We will eat lest we become lean and die.
We accept this food so that we may become enlightened.