We were all taught to say grace when we were children but unless we are practising Christians, Jews or Muslims, we probably dropped the practise a long time ago.

Buddhism puts a slightly different slant on ‘saying grace’. Where Christians thank God for receiving the food, Buddhists offer it to the hungry spirits. The difference is actually quite profound. In thanking God for the food we are thinking of ourselves, but in offering it we are thinking of others – so reducing our self-focus and increasing the general attitude of kindness in our mind.

Also, taking the spiritual view of Buddhism, beings in the hungry spirits realm only get food and water if someone offers it to them. So not only are you developing kindness in your mind, you are also making someone’s else life a little bit easier for that day.

If we receive something good, whether that’s a physical object, fortunate circumstances or good luck, or do something that gives us positive karma, we can dedicate it mentally to those who need it more. So at the end of the day we can dedicate all the positive karma we have gained from any virtuous acts we have performed that day to everyone’s happiness.

This has two effects. First of all, it develops a chain of virtuousness in our mind, thereby continually helping us to think in more positive ways. Secondly, it banks our positive karma. The karma developed through good deeds can be wiped out by a moment’s anger, but by dedicating the positive karma gained from a virtuous act it becomes ours for ever, until we enjoy the fruits of it, of course.