In Zen training, there are five meal contemplations called “Gokan no ge” which are chanted before meals.

Let’s go through them together.
One: I offer my sincerest gratitude to the many people who worked hard to prepare this meal.
Two: I ask myself if my deeds have made me worthy of eating this meal.
Three: I swear never to be greedy in order to keep a well-balanced mind and avoid wrongdoings.
Four: I will have this meal in order to keep my health and gain energy.
Five: I will have this meal in order to correctly carry out the Buddha's teachings.

It’s a habit of all Japanese people to put their hands together and say “itadakimasu” before eating a meal. Now that you know about the “Gokan no ge,” you have a deeper understanding about that tradition.

You can enjoy a warm bowl of Shinshō-ji udon here at Gokandoakanō. It might surprise you to find the pair of chopsticks are very long and thick. These are called “unsui chopsticks,” and actually serve a dual purpose. Sutras are always read before meals, during which wooden clappers are used. These chopsticks serve as a replacement if there are no clappers.

It’s a bit harder than usual to use these chopsticks, but take this opportunity to challenge yourself.
And this might sound unusual but feel free to make slurping sounds as you eat the udon. Eating udon is very special to the monks as it’s the only time they are allowed to make any sound other than sutra chanting. So in honor of the monks, don’t hold back and slurp with all your might.

We hope you remember your experience today during your meals back home, or at least when you go out for a bowl of udon. When you do, think back on the five lines that the monks recite before meals and how it resonates with you.