Bowl Opening Verse

Buddha was born in Kapilavastu, 

Enlightened in Magadha, 

Taught in Varanasi,

Entered nirvana in Kushinagara.

Now we set out Buddha's bowls; may we, with all beings realize the emptiness of the three wheels:
    giver, receiver, and gift.

Ten Names of Buddha

Vairochana Buddha, pure Dharmakaya

Lochana Buddha, complete Sambhogakaya

Shakyamuni Buddha, myriad Nirmanakaya

Maitreya Buddha, of future birth,

All buddhas throughout space and time

Lotus of the Wondrous Dharma, Mahayana sutra

Manjushri Bodhisattva, great wisdom. 

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, great activity. 

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, great compassion

All honored ones,  bodhisattva mahasattvas, 

Wisdom beyond wisdom, maha prajna paramita.

Reflections Verse

We reflect on the effort that brought us this food and consider how it comes to us.

We reflect on our virtue and practice and whether we are worthy of this offering. 

We regard it as essential to keep the mind free from excesses such as greed.

We regard this food as good medicine to sustain our life. 

For the sake of enlightenment we now receive this food.

First, this is for the Three Treasures; 

Next, for the four benefactors; 

Finally, for the beings in the six realms. 

May all be equally nourished.

The first portion is to end all evil; 

The second is to cultivate all good; 

The third is to free all beings. 

May we all realize the Buddha Way.

Water Offering Verse

This water we use to wash
our bowls

Tastes like ambrosia. 

We offer it to the many spirits
to satisfy them.

Om Mahakushalaya Svaha!