Ingredients for Enlightenment: Food and the Path of Liberation

This thesis aims to explore the scriptural roots of Buddhist gastronomical practices, specifically Dōgen's "Instructions for the Cook," as well as the Mahāyāna cannon's iconic texts, the Diamond Sūtra and the Heart Sūtra. This analysis allows for an opportunity to establish the scriptural basis of Buddhist philosophical reasoning and extrapolate this understanding towards modern Buddhist traditions. Specifically, this presentation will focus on the tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and his Plum Village tradition. Providing an explanation of his revolutionary philosophical framework, interbeing, attendees will walk away with an understanding of Buddhist gastronomical practices as an ethical and spiritual practice aimed towards preservation of the environment and ones' spiritual enlightenment.