.
This is the plate I have been eating from since around three years. Now the plate reminds me to be reflective:)
When eating monks do not let themselves be consumed by thoughts of food, they eat while reflecting on the sides of the bowl while eating.
Instead of the taste, they are aware of the sensations of the food on the lips, mouth, tongue (and in some cases the whole body, yes, food affects each cell immediately in the body).
Touching food, lifting, chewing ... I usually feel it in the whole body ... the type of food (spicy, soothing, cool, nourishing, akin, acidic) is reflected by the sensations on not only the tongue but the whole body. Greasy food sometimes make me dull and light food makes it easy to practice continuously.
After reflecting thus while eating, I usually reflect on the empty plate. I do not rush after eating. Take out at least a second or two to acknowledge I am full, and from the satisfaction derived from the food, the healthy nutrition ... may all being partake in my satisfaction, may all be happy!
Even a sip of juice rings in each cell, if taken on empty stomach. I usually witness the 'greed' I feel when I am eating ... also I become aggressive, I dont want to be disturbed when eating, and I am impatient and usually easily angered if someone makes me talk or gossips while eating. Aggression while eating is sort of primitive I guess:P
I like the kind of food I had for lunch today.
Ingredients:
Boiled Rice (salted).
I stirred some fresh carrots, beans, tomatoes, coriander leaves, bits of ginger, mustard seeds (in cooking oil, steamed it and added boiled rice. Ready to eat veggie rice;)
Curd on the side (with boondi, cucumber pieces, rock salt for seasoning).
No chillies or sauce.
hmm talking of food. I followed the eight precepts for a year. It is difficult for family to see me go without food after noon, now I sometimes have snack/fruit around evening. Not having dinner has made life simpler. Makes time for meditation.
