Ume, Japanese Pickled Plum

I will have breakfast at the Zen dojo tomorrow. I know that when I go it will inevitably be more soupy rice porridge, perhaps with ume (a very healthy, alkaline food). The last time I ate there, the food was so simple, that my cravings for salt, sugar, and spice led me to gorge on a very flavorful lunch afterwards when I got home. I know that for those who stay at the dojo for extended periods of time, this is part of the training - to let go of attachment to these kinds of things. There ain’t gonna be no gorgin’ that’s for sure.
Before leaving today I asked if I could bring any ingredients for the meal. My teacher’s response was “No. We always have something here. And even if we don’t we find a way to make something out of nothing.” Then after a pause she added “I remember that time when all we could find was cabbage! That was an interesting meal,” she chuckled.

Did you know: Two different people can make rice with exactly the same ingredients. One will inevitably taste better than the other. This happens due to the kiai (or chi, energy, life force) of the person making the food. Next time you play around in the kitchen, try singing or whistling a happy tune while you prepare the meal and see what happens.

Related Articles:
The Zen of Fish by Noodles and Rice
5 Things You Need to Know About Effective Habit Change by Zen Habits

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