In the Hindu way of life, food (bhojan) goes beyond just a means of body nourishment. It is also believed to influence our mental and spiritual development. Many great rishis have expounded on this aspect in our scriptures. In fact, the very first mantra of the Yajur Veda gives a scientific explanation of the relation between food and energy. The body needs nourishing food and the mind needs noble thoughts. These two aspects emphasizing the importance of physical and mental nourishment are beautifully captured in the format of a Bhojan mantra followed by a Shanti mantra.
You can also listen to this mantra at the following link:
http://www.geetganga.org/bhojan-mantra
Aum Yantu Nadayo Varshantu Parjanyaah
Supippalaa Oshadhayo Bhavantu
Annavataamodanavataa Maamikshavataam
Eshaam Raajaa Bhooyaasam
Odanamudbruvate Parameshttheevaa
Eshah Yadodanah
Paramaamevainam Shriyam gamayati Maa Bhraataa Bhraataran Dwikshan
Maa Svasaaramutassvasaa
Samyanchah Savrataa Bhootvaa
Vaacham Vadata BhadrayaaBrahmaarpanam Brahmahavir
Brahmaagnau Brahmanaa Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam
Brahma Karma SamaadhinaaAum Saha Naavavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejasvinaa Vadheetamastu
Maa Vidvishaa VahaiAUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIHFirst Mantra: (Aum yantu nadhyo …… shriyam gamyati)
Source: Yajurveda.Meaning: May rivers flow and clouds give rain. May medicinal plants flourish and all trees bear fruit. May I be the benefactor of the people producing the food like rice and milk products. The cooked food served on the plate is a gift from God whose consumption will lead to the highest level of prosperity and well being.
Message: This mantra reminds us of the importance of a clean environment, the role of nature and people (farmers) who produce the food. It links the process of food production with the act of creation by God; it is the God who created the water, the plants, and the farmers who produce food for us. By mentioning rice and milk it confirms that the food we eat should be wholesome.
Second Mantra: (Maa bhraataa …… vadat bhadraya)
Source: Atharva Veda.
Meaning: Brother should not fight with brother, sisters should be kind. All should speak gently with each other and generate the attitude of truth, service and cooperation.
Message: This is a prayer to promote mutual love and feelings of brotherhood. It is a prayer for family welfare. Hindu way of life is based on family life.
Third Mantra: (Brahmaarpan brahhma ……karma samaadhinaa)
Source : Bhagavadgita.
Meaning: The items we use to feed ourselves are Brahma. The food itself is Brahma. The fire of hunger we feel is Brahma. We are Brahma and the process of eating and digesting the food is the action of Brahma. Finally, the result we obtain is Brahma.
Message: This mantra explains that the ultimate reality behind this physical world is Brahma, the Supreme Spirit. Our bodies, the food, the process of keeping alive by eating, are all creations of Brahma. Scientists may explain how our body functions and survives by explaining some natural laws, but who made these laws? The creator of all these laws is called Brahma who is eve-ry-where. Everything comes from Brahma, everything lives in Brahma, and everything returns to Brahma.
Fourth Mantra (Shanti mantra): (Aum sahnaa vavatu …… maa vidhvishaavahai)
Source : Upanishads (Taittiriya, Katha, Shvetashvatara)
Meaning: Let us protect each other. Let us eat together. Let us work together. Let us study together to be bright and successful. Let us not hate each other.
Message: This shanti mantra gives the message of developing a team spirit by eating and working together. It indicates that every human being has to depend on others. So we should not be selfish, and should be willing to share and work together for the common good.
Although the above four mantras form the full bhojan mantra, the usual practice is to recite the third and fourth mantras before a meal. Whatever the version recited, a glance at the meaning conveys the significance of this all-inclusive prayer of gratitude and peace. It has been a personal experience that when the bhojan mantra is chanted before a meal, you eat with greater awareness thereby obtaining the full benefit of the food. Therefore, do start your meal with the bhojan mantra to improve your physical and mental well-being
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