【 A Journey of Awakening Amidst Mountains and Tea Fragrance】

1. Origins: The Connection Between Dharma and Tea

This event was inspired by Jessica (Chuan Yin)’s participation in the Tea Appreciation Club’s courses. It was also born from Jianhu Shifu’s aspiration of Grand Master Wei Chueh’s vision of connecting Buddhism with different fields of expertise. For years, Jianhu Shifu has been dedicated to integrating Chan Buddhism into modern life. On this day, tea aficionados and spiritual seekers gathered to let go of wandering thoughts; through the acts of brewing tea, serving tea, and tasting tea with mindfulness. This is an experience of the pure awareness of the present moment through the interplay of movement and stillness.

2. Initiation: The Five Contemplations and Mindful Lunch

The event began with a monastic lunch. Jianhu Shifu led the assembly in making food offerings to the Three Jewel and all sentient beings. He then explained the "Five Contemplations While Eating", guiding participants to observe their habits and maintain mindfulness during eating. The assembly then experienced five minutes of "Noble Silence," practicing mindful eating and appreciating the effort of the kitchen volunteers.

3. Abbot’s Dharma Talk

Jianhu Shifu explained the origins of "Zen and Tea as One Endeavor." In the Tang Dynasty, Master Baizhang Huaihai established monastic regulations that formally incorporated tea drinking into daily routines, transforming it from a daily matter into a collective Chan practice where every movement required total awareness. Shifu also shared the famous koan "Zhao Zhou’s Tea." Whether greeting new or returning disciples, Master Zhao Zhou responded with: "Go drink tea." prompting the Zen inquiry: "Who is the one drinking tea?"

4 Chinese Tea Display and Tea Ceremony Demonstration

After displaying samples of the six major Chinese tea types, Tea Appreciation Club President Anne Hu introduced the club’s mission and thanked the trainers, tea masters, and companions. The team then demonstrated a tea ceremony featuring Taiwanese Jin Xuan and Red Oolong teas. Accompanied by Guqin music, guests tasted the tea in silence, integrating inner awareness with their senses.

5 Concluding Dharma Talk

Integrating Zen Tea into Modern Life Jianhu Shifu concluded by thanking the club and offering three key insights: Reclaiming Chinese Zen Tea: Shifu noted that while many believe both Zen and the tea ceremony originated in Japan, both their roots are actually Chinese. He encourages continued exchange between the Chan and tea communities. Mindful Living: Shifu encouraged practicing "slow living" amidst busy lives. A calm mind can appreciate subtle changes and remain clear when facing anger or conflict. Future Outlook: Shifu plans to host four cultural exchange events annually at Prajna Forest Monastery, including performances by the "Kalavinka Choir" and Buddhism and Guqin retreats.

6. Conclusion: "Zen and Tea as One Flavor"

The event ended with a group photo and a Sangha offering ceremony. President Hu noted that the tea friends' months of hard practice demonstrated that preparing tea and Zen meditation are both paths to mindfulness. Ultimately, this dialogue between Zen and the tea ceremony allowed participants to settle their bodies and minds, release anxiety, and find spiritual rest.

"May this tea session bring you a moment of tranquility and joy."