Pure Mountain Tao

Tea ceremonies in Zen are seen as an excellent form of meditation. This may seem odd at first thought, but any activity done with the mind absolutely focused on it can be a meditation. In Zen, making tea is seen as an excellent way to promote mindfulness.The main components of such a ceremony are simplicity and attention. The room where the tea is served is normally tinged with the smell of incense. The room has a relaxed, restful lighting. The teacups are often handmade but it is not necessary that they be. The room is quiet with only the sounds of the bubbling tea and the gentle flow of tea into the cups being the only sounds.

The participant should focus on each detail of the ceremony. The silence and the quiet, graceful movements of the server should be observed. If the mind is quiet and alert, the tea ceremony can be an insightful meditative experience and also an example of how the most routine or mundane tasks can become a wondrous and treasured event.

We can learn from the unhurried manner and style. Of course, it is not possible to incorporate this into all that we do, but we can seek out tasks that do permit us to use this manner. The skill of mindfulness can be implemented into all everyday routines.

If you decide to perform a ceremony of your own, look for some delicious green tea preferably from a local seller like a Chinese health food store instead of a large chain store. Often, the price is much better as is the quality.

Find a quiet room to perform the ceremony. Use a teacup and not a coffee cup. Bask in the silence, the aroma of the tea, the way the tea looks in the cup, how it tastes. Pay deep attention to each movement you make. Picking up the pot, pouring the tea, setting the pot back down. Do so with the utmost grace and fluidity. This is not only a relaxing experience but a learning one as well.