Everyday Buddhism: the grocery store

If one concentrates on decreasing or removing craving and grasping, one can learn not to buy ones groceries based on pleasant flavor, delicious tastes, and the 'yummy' factor, but rather to make purchases based on nutrition and health. Removing the 'I want' and replacing it with the 'my body needs' can help you pass by the chocolate bars and head for the right ingredients for a proper diet.

This is turn improves both the physical health of your body and your Buddhist practice. You eat better foods because you have bought better foods and you took a small step to work towards overcoming some major faults. Your health improves and so does your progress.

A second factor that can be taken into account is the produce itself. Often, items can be selected that are more in agreement with Buddhist principles than alternatives. For example, selecting an organic fair-trade coffee brand as opposed to whichever brand is currently on special or selecting an organic Indian herbal tea blend rather than choosing a regular tea that may be made in a country that is anti-Buddhist. Being able to make a small difference in the world just by changing your shopping habits is a simple step that can help people to LIVE their Buddhist principles in their life, rather than keep them locked in the head.