On 20th July 2025 Fo Guang Shan Christchurch hosted the Winter Buddha’s Flower, Kasyapa’s Smile – Tea Gathering, with nearly 50 local participants. Eight tea tables were arranged in the Buddha Hall, and the tea practitioners included members from the BLIA committees and English Subchapter members. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin also shared insights into the essence of Chan and its application in daily life.
The event began with a guided relaxation session using a meditation podcast by Venerable Miao Guang, followed by soft Guqin music and the sharing of Chan stories. The practitioners then led participants step by step through the Tea Meditation Ceremony. This included offering a flower to all Buddhas, presenting tea leaves on bamboo slips to appreciate their scent and colour, gently pouring tea for participant to savour its flavour, appreciating the sweetness of the spring water and observing the transformation of the tea leaves after boiling. Each step invited participants enter more deeply into a state of mindfulness and stillness.
Abbess Manshin explained that Tea Gathering offers a chance to disconnect from digital distractions and experience inner peace. “Chan observing the mind at its present moment. It is not separate from life—it is life itself. Carrying firewood and water is Chan; walking, standing, sitting and lying is Chan; every movement and act of skilful means is Chan. Chan could be practiced at all times in life.”
At the end of the event, the Temple served delicious refreshments and hoped that participants would return home with blessings and joy. Many attendees shared their appreciation afterward. Norman Smith described the experience as a joyful and peaceful journey of self-awareness. Simon Horsfall said that the event healed his soul and expressed his gratitude, noting that he looked forward to future events at the Temple.
This ceremony was more than just a tea gathering, it was a journey of inner peace, wisdom and mindfulness in action.
