Eat and drink in moderation

Hello,

Hashimoto Roshi's discussion of this phrase begins on p. 72 (thumbnail 73) of his commentary. I've included a short reflection based on it below.

--Erin

* * *

Eat and drink in moderation

Now in entering into Zen, a quiet room is suitable.

This is the first phrase in which Dogen, in his Fukanzazengi, gives advice on how to do zazen. The next phrase is also simple and brief:

Eat and drink in moderation.

In his commentary on the text, Hashimoto Roshi reminds us that attending to the three matters of clothing, food, and dwelling in a way that accords with the Dharma is called Right Livelihood. He notes that the word that is translated here as moderation, setsu, has the feeling of frugality, proper treatment suited to the time and place, and holding onto the best without losing it. Setsu is consistent with the middle way — not attached to austerity on the one hand, or to luxury on the other.

There’s a lot to think about with these two things — a quiet room, and eating and drinking in moderation. They’re like the precepts in that each person considers what they mean over the course of a lifetime. Maybe because it’s gardening season now, I’ve been thinking a lot about our food — how it’s grown, how it comes to us, how precious it is. We lead busy lives, so it can be a challenge not to waste it — it takes some planning to use it well, and I’m still learning.

Our environment, our world, will never be perfect, but we can attend to it carefully and over time, one hopes, with wisdom. Our zazen is part of this, and these things together are known as the triple learnings: sila, samadhi, and prajna. Ethical conduct, meditative concentration, and wisdom.