Five Contemplations Hall

This is the temple dining hall, also called the refectory. Meals here are part of practice. The Five Contemplations ask us to consider where our food comes from, whether our conduct is worthy of it, how to avoid greed and other faults, how food sustains the body, and why we need that strength for practice.

The Five Contemplations

Monastics and lay practitioners are asked to bring five thoughts to mind when they take up their bowls. Each addresses a familiar habit around food.

1. Consider the work involved and where the food comes from.

This counters pride and taking things for granted. Paying for a meal does not erase the effort behind it: farmers plant, drivers transport and cooks prepare. Even a grain of rice carries the help of many people. Remembering this brings gratitude and humility.

2. Reflect on whether your conduct is worthy of this offering.

This counters greed and complacency. Ask yourself: does the work I do today, and the person I am trying to become, deserve this support? Am I serving others or just getting through the day? Receiving food also brings a responsibility to use it well.

3. Guard the mind against faults, especially greed.

This counters picking and choosing, anger and attachment. We reach eagerly for food we like, then complain about the cook when something does not suit us. Here we learn to eat with an even mind. Food nourishes the body; we do not have to chase every pleasure of taste.

4. Take food as good medicine for the body.

This counters luxury and attachment. The body uses energy, grows hungry and weakens without food. A meal is like medicine taken at the right time to keep it working. From this view, having enough matters more than whether the meal is an expensive delicacy or plain food.

5. Accept this food in order to continue on the path.

This counters living without direction. Why keep the body going? To use this temporary life to develop understanding, character and practice, and to help those who suffer. We accept the meal so that we can do that work.

Customs in the dining hall

These customs help train the mind through ordinary activity.

Eating together in silence: The communal meal is called *guotang*. Diners remain quiet and avoid noisy chewing or clattering bowls. Instead of talking or looking at a phone, they give their attention to the meal. Eating itself becomes a chance to settle the mind.

Serving food: Those on serving duty, called *xingtang*, bring more rice and dishes without speaking. Diners use their bowls and chopsticks to show what they need. This quiet understanding calls for attention, orderly conduct and equal care for everyone.

Why Maitreya may be enshrined here

Many dining halls have an image of the Cloth-Bag Monk, associated with Maitreya, in the centre.

Be less fussy: If today's meal is not to your taste, his broad belly reminds you to make a little room for it and eat with good humour.

Be content and grateful: A meal is one of life's simple pleasures. Maitreya reminds us to meet the life in front of us with gratitude and joy.