In “The Samādhi of Fresh Rice,” the great 13th century Japanese Zen monk, poet, and philosopher Dōgen, wrote that one should “turn both the dharma wheel and the wheel of food with excellence.” What does the growing, preparing, eating, and cleaning of food have to do with the dharma? Why does Dōgen say that “food is the dharma of all dharmas”? Together, we will explore the practice of food as dharma with a dharma talk and dialogue, preparing a meal, chanting to bless the food, and dinner discussion. Daiken Nelson, Zen teacher and founder of the Mandala Cafe, will provide a shopping list of common ingredients and simple recipes and guide participants through the preparation of the meal. 

This program, offered in collaboration with Zen Peacemakers International, is a fundraiser for Maṇḍala Café, in New York City. All offerings will support this socially engaged Buddhist project that serves free meals in central Harlem, offers job training to work in commercial kitchens, and supports these activities with a small catering business. Click here for more information on Maṇḍala Café.