On 24th November 2024, Fo Guang Shan Christchurch held the Mindfulness through Chan, Tea & Art Tea Meditation event. Nearly 80 local participants, including doctors, educators, consultants, engineers and university students attended. The Tea Meditation practitioners who conducted the event involved seven members from the English Dharma Service. 10 tea banquets were set up in the Buddha Hall, providing participants to experience the spiritual journey of tea, Chan and art in a serene environment. This event was organized primarily for local Kiwis, aimed to help participants connect with the Dharma and experience the beauty of Chan.
The event began with Venerable Miao Guang’s English meditation podcast, guiding attendees to a relaxed and focused state. Tea practitioners then demonstrated Tea Meditation, highlighting the beauty ,aroma and taste of tea through a chain of mindful and delicate steps. Participants experienced the tranquillity and meditative state of the body, mind and soul. The melodious Guqin (a 3000 years traditional Chinese musical string instrument) was played during the Tea Meditation session, and classic Chan stories were also shared with the participants to inspire awakening. The process highlighted that drinking tea not only could quench thirst but also a meditative practice that fosters mindfulness and inner balance.
FGS NZ Abbess Manshin emphasized that Tea Meditation enables us to feel the joy of Chan in everyday life. One must learn to take care of body and mind at all times. A bowl of tea is more than a drink, it invites gratitude, softens the heart, and observes the feelings and responses coming from our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind. Through drinking tea, we can nurture mindfulness, develop purpose and discover our inherent Buddha nature.
The Abbess’s interaction with the Tea Meditation practitioners not only ease their inner tension but also enriched their hearts with the Buddha Dharma.
Participants shared their reflections on the experience. Ola Lyckholm, a first time practitioner, shared his joy at the opportunity to contribute, having previously participated in Tea Meditation events. Practitioner Paul Coleman remarked that Tea Meditation practice allows him to maintain mindfulness in daily life, allowing him to consistently apply what he has learned. Participant Hana Kereru reflected on how the event had taught her about different cultures and the importance of becoming a more balanced and mindful person. Kiri Hider expressed gratitude to the organizers for their warmth and approachability, which helped him appreciate the humanistic aspects of Buddhism.
The event concluded with the Temple offering delicious refreshments, leaving participants with a sense of fulfillment. This spiritual journey provided both wisdom and practical tools, preparing attendees to return to everyday life with greater mindfulness. Many participants expressed heartfelt thanks and touching feedback, describing the event as a joyful and moving experience. It could be likened to the saying: “A drop of water from Caoxi, when sprinkled on the food, will bring immeasurable good taste!”