Meals

Meals are a special event at the Monastic Academy. They are an opportunity to give thanks for sustenance, for community, and for the bounty of the earth.

Each meal begins with a chanting of the Metta Sutta, the discourse on loving kindness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and love.

In the morning the meal is taken in silence, occasionally with a guided meditation.
Lunch is often accompanied by a conversation topic of some sort. Topics can vary from issues in the community, discussing practice, or watching a TED talk and chatting about it.

The meal ends with the chanting of the traditional four vows of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The four vows serve as a reminder of the shared intention that brings the community together.