Expert: Joe McSorley - 10/29/2004

Question
I was wondering if Buddist monks or people that practice Buddism say prayers before meals or and specific parts of the day. If so, what are their prayers (are they similar to Grace in the Christian religion) related to and when do they say them?  

Answer
Dear Katie,
  There are some Buddhist prayers in other sects of Buddhism but not in Zen regarding meals.  I don't know the specific prayers of Theravada or Tibetan Buddhism but here is one from the Vietnamese tradition:
This food is the gift of the whole universe - the earth, the sky, and much hard work. May we live in a way that makes us worthy to receive it. May we transform our unskillful states of mind, especially our greed. May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness. We accept this food so that we may realise the path of practice.
 I hope this helps you.  Take care,
          Joe