Chinese Tea, Meditation, and Mindfulness
Introduction
For more than two millenniums, Chinese Tea leaves have been consumed in the Middle Kingdom by spiritual seekers, Buddhist Monks, and Taoist mountain ascetics in their quest for spiritual development and peace. Tea itself, according to the legend, was popularised in China by a Zen Buddhist Monk and meditation Master named Bodhidarma (who is also credited for introducing Kung-fu at the Shaolin Monastery). The stories of Chinese Tea, meditation, and mindfulness are thus forever embedded, and indissociable.
Following the introduction of the first Tea leaves in China, ‘the way of Tea’ has developed considerably over the centuries to become the refined culture it is today. This Tea drinking culture in its most well-known form, the tea ceremony, closely associates the art of drinking tea with that of focusing the mind in the present moment and letting go of worldly concerns.
Known in Chinese Buddhism as the drink of awakening, Tea is a renowned support for meditation that can both help us be mindful in the present moment, and enable us to energise our body and mind.
In a modern world where social media, information technologies, and smartphones constantly distract our minds and rob us of the present moment, Chinese Tea and the art of drinking it can appear like an oasis of tranquillity in the middle of the desert.
The Father of Chinese Tea: The Zen Meditation Master Bodhidharma
In the 6th Century CE, a rugged-looking Buddhist Monk travelled from the Indian subcontinent to China. His name was Bodhidharma – or Dámó in Chinese. According to the legend, Bodhidarma would meditate for years on end, often practicing in a cave. To avoid falling asleep, it is said that he would chew on the tea leaves he brought with him from India.
An interesting anecdote illustrates the importance that tea had in the lives of meditators and Monks of the day. As the story goes, one day, Bodhidarma pledged he would meditate continuously without falling asleep for nine years. As a gesture of his determination, he plucked out his eyelids and threw them away. As they hit the ground, the eyelids turned into Tea plants. Of course, this story is only a metaphor and is not meant to be taken literally, but it perfectly illustrates how tea is a drink that removes drowsiness, brings energy, and help meditation.
Following years of meditation practice in the mountains and caves of China, Bodhidarma went on to create Zen Buddhism (Chán in Chinese), and he is also credited with introducing martial arts at the Shaolin temple.
Meditation and the Chinese Tea ceremony
Through the parallel developments that happened over the years between spirituality and Tea drinking, the simple yet profound act of preparing tea became a form of moving meditation, a moment of peaceful stillness amidst the chaos of the world.
The Chinese tea ceremony has evolved considerably over the centuries, taking different forms and rituals at different points in history. But some of the core concepts surrounding this type of meditation have remained consistent over the years:
Mindfulness of the present moment:
One of the key concepts of the Chinese Tea Ceremony is what is now referred to in English as ‘Mindfulness’. In fact, the Tea Ceremony requires the host and guests to be mindful of their movements, posture, and of each other.
Unlike the Japanese Tea ceremony, the Chinese tea ceremony is relatively informal and somewhat relaxed. While conversation is highly encouraged, anything that would distract the attention away from the present moment should be avoided (in our modern age, this means avoiding to use smartphones while drinking tea!).
The most important is to be grounded, and appreciate the simplicity of the present moment in the company of good friends, or on one’s own.
Tea meditation: Letting go of worldly concerns and worries:
Whether alone or gathered with friends around a cup of Chinese Tea, one essential principle of the Tea ceremony is to let go of worldly concerns. This can seem difficult in our modern busy lives, as we often have many commitments and responsibilities with our work and with our families. It is however one of the main benefits of drinking tea and partaking in a tea ceremony.
The main idea is to leave one’s woes behind – even if only for a few moments – and enjoy the company of good friends and good tea with no worries about the past or the future!
Tea meditation: Connection to nature and gratitude:
Tea leaves themselves are a direct product of nature and contain many nourishing nutrients and anti-oxidants that greatly benefit our health. While drinking Tea, the participants are encouraged to reflect on all the natural elements, the sun, rain; but also the centuries old knowledge and care that have gone into making the Tea.
Seen from that perspective, the Chinese Tea Ceremony can help us feel strongly connected with nature, and allows us to be grateful for all the good things in our lives.
Conclusion
From the very beginning, Chinese Tea, Meditation, and Mindfulness have been interconnected and have developed together in the Middle Kingdom.
As Zen Buddhism (Chan) and Taoism spread throughout the land, the use of Tea by meditation Masters, Buddhist Monks, and spiritual ascetics has, over the years, become part of everyday life. These cultural developments gave rise to the Tea Ceremony, an outward form that kept much of the spiritual aspects of tea drinking and is a type of moving meditation and mindfulness practice.
In an age where many people find it increasingly difficult to manage stress and anxiety, and where technology and social media overwhelm us with a constant input of unhelpful information, Chinese tea drinking and the Chinese Tea ceremony can tremendously enrich our lives and bring us some respite from the turmoil of the world.