I had the distinct privilege of studying Buddhist philosophy for mental health care workers with world renown Buddhist monk author and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh and the monks of the Plum Village Monastery. We weren’t allowed to talk during meals and it was all vegetarian. I only got in trouble for talking with my hands once, lol.

At first, I thought I would starve to death, but I made it 3 days!!! Admittedly, by the 4th night, I had escaped the retreat and was downing a beer and burger on Duval Street in Key West. While I personally can’t be Buddhist, the style of eating had a profound impact on my life. It has influenced my dietary recommendations to patients over the years. I learned a lot about social eating, emotional eating, and how quickly I gulp down food without noticing that I’m not even hungry anymore. Those 3 days were a real eye opener about the unhealthy eating habits of us western folks.

Buddhist eating, often referred to as mindful eating, is guided by principles of mindfulness and compassion. It emphasizes being fully present and aware during meals and making food choices that align with Buddhist values. Here’s a summary of Buddhist eating:

1. Mindful Eating: Buddhist eating involves being fully present during meals, focusing on the taste, texture, and experience of eating. It encourages mindfulness to avoid distractions and overeating.
2. Moderation: Buddhists often emphasize moderation in food consumption, promoting the “middle way” and avoiding extremes in eating habits.
3. Gratitude: Practitioners express gratitude for the food they eat, recognizing the effort and resources that went into producing it.
4. Vegetarian or Vegan Choices: Many Buddhists choose plant-based diets, with some opting for vegetarian or vegan eating to align with principles of non-harm and compassion toward all living beings.
5. Avoiding Wasting Food: Wasting food is discouraged, and Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of not taking more than what is necessary.
6. Food as Medicine: Food is viewed as a source of nourishment and energy, with choices made to promote physical and mental well-being.
7. Fasting and Mindful Abstaining: Some Buddhists practice periods of fasting or mindful abstaining from certain foods or meals, often for spiritual or health reasons.
8. No Harm to Living Beings: The first precept of Buddhism is to avoid harming living beings. Many Buddhists incorporate this into their dietary choices by avoiding foods linked to harm or cruelty to animals.
9. Eating in Silence: In some Buddhist traditions, meals are eaten in silence to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude.
10. Almsgiving: In some Buddhist cultures, monks and nuns rely on alms for their food. Laypeople offer alms as an act of generosity, and monks and nuns consume what is offered to them.

Buddhist eating practices vary among different traditions and individuals. The common thread is mindfulness, compassion, and respect for the interconnectedness of all beings and the environment. The specific dietary choices and practices may vary, but the underlying principles of mindfulness and compassion are central to Buddhist eating.