quranic zen of eating
There is a concept in zen called the 5 reflections, and I wanted to view them in light of the quran. The example I was reading comes from a book called ‘The Art of Simple Living’ by shunmyo masuno. It looks at how to eat a meal reflectively and extract a great amount of appreciation from it.
The first reflection is ‘We consider the efforts of those who brought us the food, and we are grateful for it.’ The quran reminds us [6:99] He is the One who sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce all kinds of plants. We produce from the green material multitudes of complex grains, palm trees with hanging clusters, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranate; fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Note their fruits as they grow and ripen. These are signs for people who believe.
I have given the example to a guest visiting my house. I served him a bowl of nuts. I reminded him that if you think about our Creator and how he created the rain and the soul and the trees and the nutrients; and how complex the process and creation of these nuts were; to thank me seems silly. I just bought them from the store and brought them over to him. So when we eat we can remember the source of our food and the complexity involved in providing it.
The second reflection is ‘We reflect on our own actions and quietly partake’. The quran says, [30:8] Why do they not reflect on themselves? GOD did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, except for a specific purpose, and for a specific life span. However, most people, with regard to meeting their Lord, are disbelievers.
Eating a meal can be a good time look at our actions. How are we eating, chewing and breathing. Are we rushing or stuffing; or truly savoring? Why are we eating? Who created us and this system of nourishment?
The third reflection is ‘We savor the food, without greed, anger, or obliviousness.’ This one is quite beautiful and easiest in the profound month of ramadan when we are fasting. The quran says, [7:12] GOD admits those who believe and lead a righteous life into gardens with flowing streams. As for those who disbelieve, they live and eat like the animals eat, then end up in the hellfire.
When we are oblivious to our meal, we are being unappreciative. The same for when we scarf our food down as fast as we can. My dog often seems to have finished his meal seconds after it is set down. I love him, but I do scold him to eat slower. :) When we are greedy with our food we are racing to see how much we can consume in the shortest amount of time possible. That may not be the best idea for our bodies or our souls. [7:31]… And eat and drink moderately. Surely, He does not love the gluttons.
The fourth reflection is ‘We regard the food as medicine to nourish a healthy body and to sustain our spirit.’ The quran says, [16:69] Then eat from all the fruits, following the design of your Lord, precisely. From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, wherein there is healing for the people. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who reflect.
We are remembering that the food we put into our bodies has a purpose. It can be used to provide energy, healing. It can be used to remind us that our Creator is still providing for us and thus sustain our spirit.
The last reflection is ‘We thankfully receive the food as part of our harmonious path towards enlightenment.’ The quran says, [51:56] I did not create the jinns and the humans except to worship Me alone.
Our purpose is to redeem ourselves. To grow our souls to be worthy. To let our shortcomings fall away because they are not the real us. We realize that being appreciative of our food is part of our path to enlightenment and our real purpose. When we start being appreciative we can start moving towards thinking about who is giving us these blessings? Where do blessings come from? Who is the source of it all?
May GOD bless our meals with reminders of HIM, before, during and after our meals.
