What is “shojin ryori”?

“Shojin ryori”, the vegetarian cuisine inspired by the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks is strongly related to the notion of Life, “inochi” in Japanese: the lives we “eat” through food or people involved in the preparation of a meal for instance. Here is a short introduction of the ideas behind it.

We, human beings, cannot survive without eating. This is a fundamental aspect of our lives and an important part of our daily routine. It is also the same for every living creature. However, we are alive because we eat the life of these other living creatures, and we are not conscious that by doing that we directly take another’s life. But that doesn’t change the fact that we eat the life of vegetables, animals and other living form. 

In fact, we eat rice although it still has the potential for producing new grains. There is a saying that goes “a single seed can eventually produce a great harvest”. This means that one grain of rice could grow to become an ear and then produce rice again. We unfortunately cannot survive without taking these lives so, as we are alive because of them, we have at least to be grateful for food. Furthermore, in order to not waste the lives that keep us going, we must use our body and strive for all of them. Because in the end this is why we are alive today.

Words to say before the meal

Like Christians say the grace before each meal, monks also say something to show their gratitude towards the food they are going to have. Despite being short (about 3 sentences), it uses very difficult Japanese. Here is what it means when put in a more simple way.

I can enjoy this feast thanks to a lot lives and everyone here. It doesn’t matter if it tastes strong or bland, if there is a lot or a little variety of food. I am deeply pleased by this blessing and will thankfully enjoy it. 

Words to say after the meal

After the meal monks say another short word (also about 3 sentences) reflecting on the food they just had. It uses the same kind of difficult vocabulary with a deep meaning about what and who was involved in the preparation of the meal. Here is an outline of what they are reflecting about.

How much strength did I get from this meal? How much care was needed for these rice balls’ rice to be grown, harvested and brought to me? How much work did it need?

Then when rice finally reached my home, it also needed the work of my family in order to be cooked then finally be brought to the dining table. 

Rice tastes even better when I am hungry after sweating a lot. It is neither superior nor inferior to other ingredients. It is not about strong/bland, sweet/spicy flavors, neither about if there is a lot of variety or not: it is about being thankful for each rice ball. 

This rice ball sustains my body, it fills my mind and body with willpower and strength that make me want to work hard again. Then I can push forward with the work or study I have to do next. 

This all lead to the Buddhist concept of “shion” (the four blessings): the blessing of the father and mother; the blessing of the King; the blessing of all the living things; and the blessing of the three treasures (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha).