3.To guard one's mind against faults, greed in particular.

"Against faults" means against three types of faults. When eating, we should not give rise to thoughts of greed{5}, hatred{6}, and ignorance{7}, but to be mindful kindness, compassion, joy, equanimity{8}, and wisdom.

4.To regard this food as the medicine to cure our weakening body. Humans will definitely experience hungry and thirsty in this world. In order to cultivate the real Truth through this conventional body, taking meals is similar to taking medicine. Therefore, we cannot differentiate between the good or bad taste, purity or dirtiness{9}, or sufficiency or insufficiency of the meal.

5.To accept this food in order to make accomplishments with our spiritual cultivation{10}.

In order to cultivate diligently in this present moment, attain Buddhahood{11} in the future, and propagate the Dharma and benefit sentient beings, we must accept the meal offering.

Although the Five Contemplations mentioned above are a part of monastic practice, lay Buddhists should practice such contemplations at home too. Because by doing so, they will be able to repay the Four Kindnesses{12} above them and relieve the suffering of those in the Three Lower Paths{13} below them.





【Key Words】

{5} Greed：貪

{6} Hatred：瞋

{7} Ignorance：痴

{8} Kindness, compassion, joy,

equanimity：慈悲喜捨

{9} Purity or dirtiness：淨穢

{10} Spiritual cultivation：道業

{11} Buddhahood：佛道

{12} Four Kindness：四重恩

{13} Three Lower Paths：三塗苦