The annual Yunlin Tea Ceremony was held from May 26th to 28th at the Mahavira Hall of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. Tea lovers from all walks of life, venerable Buddhist masters and protectors, Buddhist lay disciples and believers gathered together for a distinctive Chan tea ceremony.
In China, the close ties between Buddhism and tea go a long way back to history when tea was consumed in Buddhist Chan temples. Chan Buddhism is the essence of tea while tea serves as a means of practicing Buddhism. It is impossible to pull them apart for they are closely connected with each other. The basic spirit of the Chinese tea ceremony lies in the oneness of tea and Chan – an integration of harmony, elegance, tranquility and righteousness.
The theme of the Yunlin Tea Ceremony this year is the unity of Chan, tea and flowers. As a symbol of auspiciousness, flowers represent respect and devotion, thanks to the power of which we can put down our ego and arrogance, get rid of greed, hatred and ignorance so as to embrace blessings. Simple as a tea leaf is, it can only make a good cup of tea after years of growth. Likewise, the most excellent tranquility and wisdom that bring us to the other shore cannot be achieved without persistent practice of Buddhism.
