The practice of oryoki (ōryōki) is a way of giving and receiving food, that expresses our deep connection to all of life, Oryoki means “Just enough” or a vessel (ki) for the appropriate amount (oryo) – enough to sustain and nourish us, but not more.  It arises from the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of receiving food from the community which evolved and adapted as Buddhism moved from India to China, Korea, Southeast Asia and Japan – and now North and South America and Europe.

Oryoki is a way of relating intimately and with gratitude to all we are given, all we receive in our lives. When we practice oryoki, we care for the bowls we eat from, the food we eat, and all the beings that brought it to us. As we become accustomed to it, we can experience the grace of eating attentively in the spirit of gratitude.

As you review the instructions for oryoki, it can seem daunting. It is not; it simply takes some time to find ease in it. And that too is a practice. How is it to do something awkwardly (at first), and with a good heart? That is a pathway for developing many qualities that transform our lives – respect, kindness, acceptance, empathy, and connection.

In oryoki, we also enter into a dialogue with our world by asking, what is enough? This question extends beyond the practice of oryoki into all aspects of our lives.

The details of oryoki practice often vary from temple to temple. At Ocean Gate, when we have short sittings, we also often do a simpler, less formal, adaptation of oryoki.  However the spirit and the intention of all of these is the same.  Connection, care, gratitude.