"Itadakimasu''

"ITADAKIMASU", "I HUMBLY RECEIVE".

This transformative beautiful phrase and premise, when incorporated into the day to day little interactions and large connections within our lived lives, makes us pause to ponder on life. So thus allowing grace, beauty, kindness and the desire to preserve and care for the earth and each other to flourish. The Japanese have long perfected this art, and I have the utmost respect for their way of life.

Itadakimasu is the Buddhist principle of respecting all things. Before meals Itadakimasu is said as a thanks offered to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal that they are about to consume. It also thanks all those involved, ranging from the hunter/farmer to the preparer of the meal.

It is common to say Itadakimasu before eating a meal. The word itself, Itadakimasu is often translated as "I humbly receive", but when relating to food, it's often compared to saying "lets eat", "bon appetit", or "thanks for the food". Some even compare it to the Christian tradition of saying "grace" before a meal.

Saying 'itadakimasu' before a meal has been described as both a secular and a religious practice.

When a meal is finished, the Japanese use the polite phrase "gochisōsama-deshita" (ごちそうさまでした, lit. 'that was (the condition of) a(n honorable) feast'). In response, the preparer often says "osomatsusama-deshita" (おそまつさまでした, lit. 'I think that meal was not feast'). (Wiki).

It is not rude to have leftovers on the plate, as it is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more. Children are especially encouraged to eat every last grain of rice. It is impolite to pick out certain ingredients and leave the rest. One is expected to chew with the mouth closed.

I find it in good taste and a lesson in humility and thankfulness to send a blessing to all the universe in appreciation of all the forces which combined to make the simplest of meal possible. And, on a much wider scale the forces which keep the wheels of time oiled and spinning in such a way that life carries on in each second, minute, hour, day, month and year.

Mottainai (Japanese: もったいない or 勿体無い) is a term of Japanese origin that has been used by environmentalists. The term in Japanese conveys a sense of regret over waste; the exclamation "mottainai!" can translate as "What a waste!" Japanese environmentalists have used the term to encourage people to "reduce, reuse and recycle", and Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai used the term at the United Nations as a slogan to promote environmental protection.

Often heard in Japan, is the expression 'mottainai', which loosely means 'wasteful' but in its full sense conveys a feeling of awe and appreciation for the gifts of nature or the sincere conduct of other people. There is a trait among Japanese people to try to use something for its entire effective life or continue to use it by repairing it. In this caring culture, people will endeavor to find new homes for possessions they no longer need. The 'mottainai' principle extends to the dinner table, where many consider it rude to leave even a single grain of rice in the bowl. The concern is that this traditional trait may be lost.

Dr. Wangari Maathai, Kenyan Nobel prize winner, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace prize, was seen brandishing a t-shirt emblazoned with the word MOTTAINAI, explained that the meaning of the term mottainai encompasses the four Rs of reduce, reuse, recycle and repair ... [and] made the case that we should all use limited resources effectively and share them fairly if we are to avert wars arising from disputes over natural resources.

Maathai worked to popularize the word mottainai in places outside Japan.At the 2009 United Nations Summit on Climate Change, she said, "Even at personal level, we can all reduce, re-use and recycle, what is embraced as Mottainai in Japan, a concept that also calls us to express gratitude, to respect and to avoid wastage".

Respect for the universe, it's gifts and peoples, is respect for life.

Our world is beautiful, filled with such culture, art, people, nature, music, celebrations, joy and if we will allow it, everlasting peace, serenity and tranquility.

"Itadakimasu" to life!