The Five Ways
The Buddha outlined the Noble Eightfold Path, a way to escape the cycle of reincarnation and transcend beyond the physical world. After millenia of philosophical tradition, a breakthrough emerged among immigrant restaurateurs of the 1920s.
Turns out eight is three too many.
Only five ways are needed.
The five ways of Cincinnati style chili.
The first Way
Spaghetti, a simple foundation, yet simply profound.
Noodles originated in ancient China, their length symbolizing a long and healthy life. Just as the spaghetti forms the base of the awesome dish that is Cincinnati style chili, life precedes all else.
The second Way
The chili itself, inspired by Greek and Macedonian sauces, filled with spices from across the globe.
The chili is cooked in such a way that this world of seasonings merge to create a single complex flavor. It symbolizes the unity of all humanity.
The third Way
The cheese, derived from milk, the first thing we consume after we are born. And yet in order to become cheese it must be transformed by age. It represents both maturity and the parental bond. Seemingly in direct opposition, this shredded symbol shows us that these two things exist in harmony.
The three Ways
These first three ways just so happen to provide an optimal ratio of the three core macronutrients.
The fourth Way
Chopped onions. Bitter, sour, eye-watering, and earthy.
It symbolizes connection to the earth through difficulty and suffering contrasts the rest of the dish that is our lives.
The fifth Way
Beans form the final Way. Beans are a rare nitrogen-fixing crop that fertilizes the very soil it grows in.
This final way represents giving back, providing nourishment to future generations.
The oyster crackers and hot sauce
There are toppings that are outside of the ways, oyster crackers and hot sauce. These toppings represent a duality. The oyster crackers have a salty crunch but are otherwise flavorless, while the hot sauce has an acidic spiciness. They invite us to consider the balance between satisfaction in the mundane and the excitement of novelty.
The appearance
Cincinnati style chili may not be the most aesthetically pleasing of dishes, yet it is delicious. It reminds us not to judge based on appearances.
Join us
Now that you know of the Ways, come worship at one of our many conveniently located temples.
