Oryoki literally means “just the right amount”. During a week-long sesshin, meditation retreat, breakfast and lunch are taken formally, in the Dojo, with Oryoki practice.

The practice requires mindful embodiment and alertness moment by moment from when we pick up our wrapped bowls at the beginning of the meal, to when we tie up the bowls at the end of the meal.

It involves complete attention, from how we untie and place our bowls, how we place the utensils, to how we bow and receive food from the servers, to reciting the meal sutras which remind us why we take this food; it is for all sentient Beings, and that we do so consciously and with gratitude.

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“How do we place our cushions? How do we brush our teeth? How do we sweep our floor, or slice a carrot? We think we’re here to deal with ‘more important’ issues, such as our jobs, our health and the like. We don’t want to bother with the chopsticks, or where we place our spoon. Yet these acts are the stuff of our life, moment by moment. It’s not a question of importance, it’s a question of paying attention, being aware. Why? Because each moment in life is absolute in itself. That’s all there is.” Charlotte Joko Beck

Oryoki requires some instruction to learn how to mindfully handle the bowls, cloths, spoon and chopsticks and follow the sequence of the ceremony. Basic instruction is given to new participants and it is gradually learnt through watching and following more experienced students.

Oryoki teaches us an elegantly simple, reverent and mindful way of eating.

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For further instruction and practice please watch our Oryoki demonstration:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RPqodL1fxqImxWiLOjJRAJOxqwWvI0wY/view? usp=drive_link