unlockthedoortolearning

One in seven Americans face hunger on a daily basis. The statistics show that 48.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, including 32.8 million adults and 15.3 million children in 2014. Households with children reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those without children, 19 percent compared to 12 percent (Feeding America).

The bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Sanskrit) (Chinese: Kuan-yin) (Japanese: Kannon, Kwannon, Kanzeon) is said to perceive the cries of the world. The bodhisattva embodies two of the fundamental aspects of Buddhahood, compassion and wisdom. This bodhisattva must be especially busy trying to take care of all the people in America who are food insecure or should we simply call it what it is? Hungry.

Thus it is important for us to be the arms, legs, hearts and minds of Avalokitesvara every day in our lives. It is important to take the time each day to give thanks for the food that we have, to help those who have less, and to minimize the waste of food in our own homes, churches, and work places.

I recall a news story about a young boy who when eating at a buffet in a restaurant asked his dad what they did with the extra food at the end of the day. He said, “Dad, why can’t they give it to the people who are hungry and have no food in our town.” His dad replied, “The law does not allow it here in Florida.” So this young boy made it his mission to have the law changed. Yes, he did, and he succeeded. Now, by law, they are all allowed to give the extra food to food banks and organizations that feed the hungry. That is Avalokitesvara in action!

How many of us even do the simple thing of blessing our food before we eat it. When I would eat with the Sunday school children in Unity I would always bless the food with this fun prayer my mother taught me: Rub a dub-dub, thank you God for the grub! They loved it and they laughed and they remembered it! Start them young and they will never stop.

In our sangha we have a beautiful prayer to bless the food which we do each time we dine together.  I hope you’ll use it each time you dine with others or alone to remind yourself of the food hungry people in your community or home and to set in motion Avalokitesvara to help us provide food and laws and the channels through which we can provide food for the hungry. Laws that will ensure that no person goes hungry in America regardless of their age, status, ethnicity, or religion.

Here is our Prayer: Earth, water, fire, air and space combine to make this food. Numberless beings gave their lives and labors so that I may eat. May I be nourished so that I may nourish life.

Take the time today to share your wisdom and compassion for those who may go hungry today. Be the bodhisattva in whatever language you choose, but be one.

In gassho,

Shokai