On this plate There are many hands
The hands that sowed the seeds And the hands that tilled the land,
The hands that worked the harvest, and brought it to the stands.
Yes on this plate are many hands.
In this bowl Are sun and rain and air,
The garden's soil and all the tiny creatures that live there.
A delicate balance Of beings great and small.
Yes in this bowl we have them all.
In this food There are many souls.
Some may be our family Who served it in our bowl.
Some may be migrant workers Whom we will never know,
And can't afford to buy the food they grow.
In this room there are many hands.
Let's join them all together In a circle if we can.
And in this sacred silence Let there be gratitude
For the many hearts and hands that made this food.
-Many Hands by Jody Kessler
https://youtu.be/zmKMfJGsrqA?feature=shared
COME FOR THE DAY-Everyone is welcome to come for the day on Thursday, Nov 28, for our Thanksgiving Day of Mindfulness. The day will begin at 9:30 am and will end about 9 pm. Come for the whole day or part of the day. Please email office@bluecliffmonastery.org if you plan to come.
9:30 am live Dharma Talk
11:30 am Walking Meditation through the forest
12:30 pm Mindful Lunch, everyone is welcome to bring vegan dishes, a dessert, a main dish, a beverage, an appetizer, a side dish. If you can, please label ingredients for our friends with food allergies.
2:30 pm Total Relaxation
4:30 pm Be-in
6:00 pm Dinner
We are not accepting overnight arrivals on Thursday, November 28.
If you wish to stay overnight arriving Wed night or Fri night during this week please visit our website page, About Our Retreats, for more details on how to register.
Dana/Donations are one key way to help the monastery sustain itself as a non-profit spiritual practice center. A suggested minimum dana/donation of $20 is always appreciated. There is a donation box at the back of the big meditation hall.