Meal time prayer

[DeepFriedFunk]

Hey guys!

I've been wondering if anyone knows of an easy to learn (or not) Tibetan prayer to give thanks before meals. I find it an important part of eating to consider where it has come from, how it got to me and to be thankful. Food isn't exactly a given commodity in many parts of the world so it's an important part of eating to me (and probably many of you) to do a quick prayer. Mine so far have been a bit off the top of my head and in English, more of a 20 second meditation as I look at everything and wonder who grew it.

Peace.

[PadmaVonSamba]

Here it is in English, Chinese & Tibetan, on a refrigerator magnet:
http://artclix.com/vajra/magnet.html

[sangyey]

I just do a simple Lojong practice by reciting 'through this good fortune may all beings enjoy happiness.'

[underthetree]

In our family we say: "We invite all sentient beings to share our feast."

[EaterofRice]

This food is the gift of the entire universe
each morsel is a sacrifice of life
may I be worthy to receive it.
May the energy in this food
bring me strength
to transform my unwholesome qualities
into wholesome ones.

I am grateful for this food,
may I realize the path of awakening for the sake of all beings.
Namo Amida Buddha


Either, or both together. When I eat oats or rice, it reminds me that each one of those numerous grains had potential to become an entire new plant. Truly a sacrifice of life.

[Konchog1]

I find it an important part of eating to consider where it has come from, how it got to me and to be thankful.

There you go. My opinion is to dispense with the prayers and just use this thought to generate bodhicitta.