What is 五観の偈(Gokan-no-Ge)?: Recognizing that the Purpose of Eating is to Achieve Enlightenment through Buddhist Practice

五観の偈 (Gokan-no-Ge): Meals have a deep connection with the vast universe.

What is 五観の偈 (Gokan-no-Ge)? : It is a verse that we chant before meals

Key Point: Gokan-no-Ge is a verse that is chanted before meals. Although it is now chanted in Japanese, it was originally written in Classical Chinese. By thinking about where food comes from, practitioners realize that they live in connection with the vast universe. This verse is a vow to complete their training in Buddhism.

Gokan-no-Ge is popular among people who practice Zen. Leaflets are available for them. Although the style is old, it is written in Japanese, so people can understand the meaning. At Zen temples, everyone receives a leaflet and chants the verse together.

One point to note is the reading of the word “zen-ketsu-o.” It is pronounced “zen-ket-to” because of a sound change. Since beginners do not know this, they often cannot chant in time with others. As a result, they stand out in the group.

Gokan-no-Ge is written in Japanese, but it was originally written in Classical Chinese. The idea comes from a book called 四分律刪補隨機羯磨 by　Daoxuan in the Tang dynasty. In this book, He explains the “正食五観” (Five Contemplations on Meals). He says that eating is not just for nutrition. It is a religious practice that is connected to the rules and training of monks. He lists five points starting with the original Chinese text “初計功多少量藥來處……”(Source: Daoxuan (Comp.). 四分律刪補隨機羯磨 [Karmavachana of the Four-Part Vinaya], Vol. 17, Part 2, SAT Daizokyo Database No. 1808.).

• 計功多少、量彼來處: think about the effort and the process behind our food. We measure how much work and life were spent to provide it. We also think deeply about the journey of the food, from production to our hands.
• 自知行徳、全缺應供: look at ourselves. We reflect on whether our practice and virtue are enough to receive this meal. We check if our actions are complete or imperfect.
• 防心離過、貪等爲宗: we must keep our minds away from errors. Our goal is to stop greed and other bad desires. We try not to be too attached to our food, such as being picky or eating too much.
• 正事良藥、爲療形苦: we should not see food as just a way to enjoy ourselves. Instead, we see it as “good medicine” to heal our hunger and keep our body healthy.
• 爲成道業故 :the greatest purpose of eating is to continue our Buddhist practice. We realize that we eat to reach enlightenment.

In this way, this verse helps us realize that our existence is supported by vast connections. By contemplating the countless backgrounds of our food—where it came from and the lives involved—we come to understand how we are connected to the world. Ultimately, reciting this verse is a vow to complete our Buddhist training.

The Core

• The greatest purpose of eating is to complete Buddhist practice and attain enlightenment.
• Gokan-no-Ge serves as a vow to fulfill the Buddhist path; by contemplating the countless backgrounds of our food—such as where it came from—we come to realize how our existence is supported by vast connections.
• Gokan-no-Ge is a verse that is chanted before meals.

My experience: Am I living a life that truly honors the blessings I receive?

Key Point: I realize that my life is made possible by the connections I have with many people. I wish to live in a way that honors these blessings, and I hope to contribute something meaningful to the world in return.

This YouTube video was created with the “Gokan-no-Ge” (Five Contemplations on Meals) in mind. In the video, the background of the miso soup depicts the farmers who grew the ingredients and the logistics workers who transported them. When I have a meal, I make it a point to think about the people who grew the food and those who brought it to my table.

John Muir once said, “To a violet, the entire world—the rotation of the earth, the blowing of the winds, the falling of the rain—all exist for its sake.” My miso soup is exactly the same.

I realize that my life is made possible by my connections with many people. Even though I spend most of my days alone, I do not feel lonely. I wish to live in a way that honors these blessings, and I hope to contribute something meaningful to the world in return.