07/11/2017
The culture of Chan and Tea,which integrates Chanmeditation with tea ceremony, is an important component of the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese people and a great contribution of Chinese Chan Buddhism to the world civilization.
In the history of China, there is a saying, “Tea is planted in every temple, and all monks drink tea.”The unceasing Buddhist activities and tea ceremonies in temples stimulate the development of Chan and Tea.
In the Northern and Southern dynasties, tea was one of the essential offerings according to the Rituals of Shui Lu formulated under the guidance of a great Chan Master Baozhi.
Chan Master Baizhang Huaihai set up Baizhang Commandmentswhich specified the tea ceremonies for Chan sect monasteries rigorously in details. The patriarchs and great masters guided practitioners to meditate, savor tea, and investigate Chan. Tea became the medium for Chan initiation. The essence of Chan and Tea is in “Savor Chan in Tea”, as said by Chan Master Yuanwu Keqin during the Song Dynasty
during a ceremony, Mr d’Orville and me were appointed as Ambassdor of Maojan Tea.
