small low table, tray
膳 centers on a small, low table or tray used for serving food, especially in traditional Japanese settings. The meanings are closely linked to the physical object itself.
膳 combines ⺼ (meat) with 善, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of something good or prepared. The character originally referred to a prepared meal or a tray for serving food.
The left side ⺼ (meat) sits on the right side 善 (good/virtuous), like a tray of good meat prepared for a meal. Picture a small low table holding a beautifully arranged dish.
For ゼン, imagine a Zen monk carefully placing a tray of food on a low table: Zen -> ゼン, and the tray represents mindful eating.
small dining table (usu. for a single person); serving tray (with legs)
setting a place; setting the table
setting the table; laying the table
meal
kitchen
meal set before one
four-legged tray for festive food
1st course at a banquet
bowl (of rice)
bowl of rice; single serving of rice
simple and inexpensive restaurant; diner
placing a meal in front of one
taking care of everything; no need to do anything
clearing up leftover food and dishes
side dish
elaborate dinner tray
office in charge of the Emperor's meals (ritsuryō system)
tray of traditional Japanese food
fourth tray (of food)
black-bellied plover; grey plover (Pluvialis squatarola)