Fo Guang Shan South Island Tea Meditation
Every month, Fo Guang Shan South Island will host a tea meditation session, inviting BLIA members to not only taste tea, but also experience the tranquility of meditation. The 18th December session was organized by the “Ananda” group, with group leader Cao Qian and members first presenting the story of Ananda who was a devoted listener and loyal attendent to the Buddha.
Ananda was one of the most important characters in Buddhist history, because during the period when the Buddha was alive, Ananda had tirelessly given his services to the Buddha, and followed him everywhere to preach for twenty years. The splendid memory of Ananda allowed him to remember much of the Buddha’s sermons, which proved invaluable in the compilation of the sutras at the First Buddhsit Council after the Buddha entered parinirvana. He was also responsible for pleading with the Buddha to allow women into the Sangha, the first being the Buddha’s aunt Mahapajapati, making it possible for subsequent women to be ordained into nuns.
During the tea meditation session, a Chinese zither was played live, emanating wondrous sounds that complemented the mood for meditation. Temple supervisor Venerable Jue Xi gave everyone step by step directions on tea meditation, with the practicioner following the instructions, gracefully brewing and serving the tea to the others in a way that brings out the full sweet aroma of the tea. Venerable Abbess Manshin also spoke of the purpose of meditation, on how it is to let the heart live in the moment, putting down any worries or troubles away to let peace settle into the heart. This is done by quietly observing the tea practicioner’s every single move, and from the calm, wisdom will follow. Venerable Abbess Manshin encourages fellow BLIA members to visit the temple regularly, to be close to good thoughts and keep lesser thoughts at bay. By using the increased concentration that comes with meditation, our life can find back its balance, and from this level ground, peace and wisdom can arise confidently to new heights.
On this note, as the advice from the Venerables resonates, and with the fading echoes of the Chinese zither’s tunes, the tea meditation finished for the day. The BLIA members wish that upcoming events like this will continue to provide a calm space to examine one’s heart, practice tea’s six degrees of beauty, bring one’s attitude of service to new heights, and expand both their compassion and wisdom towards greater horizons.