The Meal Chant
to Bless our Food
Brahmarpanam
Brahmarpanam Brahmahavir Brahmagnau Brahmanahutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahmakarma Samadhina
Translation:
brahma–spiritual in nature; arpanam–contribution; havih–butter; agnau–in the fire of consummation; brahmana–by the spirit soul; hutam–offered; eva–certainly; tena–by him; gantavyam–to be reached; karma–activities; samadhina–by complete absorption.
Meaning:
According to the Yogic / Savic diet, more important than WHAT we eat is HOW we eat. This chant reminds us that the acts of growing, preparing, offering, and consuming food are spiritual in nature. The fire of the Sun and energy of the Earth and the fire (Agni) of consumption are sacred. Honoring this divinity with gratitude and mindfulness is said to transform food from mere sustenance to Prasad (a gracious gift) and fuel our Dharmic activities so that our Self and all of our activities may be fully absorbed in Brahman.
