Giving thanks for the food that we are about to consume is a very old ritual, which has been carried out in all cultures and civilizations throughout history; However, in the West we always associate it with the Christian religion and very few people carry it out.
Thanking the universe for your food allows you to connect with the energy of which we are all a part; Hindus call it pranabut we can call it whatever we want: God, destiny, cosmos…
We have compiled 7 ways to say thank you before eating in different traditions to open our consciousness and remember that we are all one and the same:
We and our animal brothers understand each other and share the earth. But they are more noble because they offer their meat to nourish us. Honored be.
(Rarámuri prayer before eating meat)
We thank the plants and animals that have given their being so that we can enjoy this meal together. Let’s thank the family and friends who have come to share.
(Navajo Blessing)
Beloved Mother Nature, you are here at our table in the form of food. You are good and generous to all of us, you protect us. Grant us strength, health, wisdom, and compassion to share this food with all who need it.
(Hindu prayer before eating)
This food is a gift from the whole universe. Let’s live a life that makes us worthy of mercy. Let’s accept only the food we need to stay strong and to ward off disease, never to make our body sick.
(Blessing by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh)
Food is brahma (creative energy), its essence is vishnu (preservative energy). Whoever eats it is shiva (destructive energy). No disease can come to the one who eats knowing this.
(Brahmana blessing)
We are grateful for this food to all beings who have helped bring it to our table. We will return this honor by always helping those in need with wisdom and compassion.
(Buddhist prayer before eating)
God, you who provide and feed the birds of the air, provide and feed us also, who do not know how to sow, reap or gather.
Bless our food and give it also to those who do not have it.
(Christian prayer of Pope Pius)
Also read: If you want to be happier and healthier, say thanks more often